Howth - Bog of Frogs Loop

Walking
County Dublin
4.7/5
23 reviews
Grade Strenuous
Length 12.1106 km
Time 3 hours
Format Loop
Ascent 240 m
Waymarking Purple arrow on white background
Start Point
Howth Railway Station
Finish Point
Howth Railway Station
Nearest Town to Start Howth Village
Grid Ref. O 28157 39332
Lat. and Long. 53.38882, -6.07422

Starting at the DART (train) station in Howth village and following purple arrows this walk takes the path all along the cliffs to beyond Red Rock, passing the Baily Lighthouse, and then climbing to circle the Ben of Howth to return along the old tramline. The views of Lambay Island and Ireland's Eye as well as Dublin Bay are spectacular. The cliffs are great for birds and grey seals may also be seen.

Maps and other information

Trail Management

Dublin Discover Ireland Center Suffolk Street.
Suffolk Street Dublin 2 Dublin City Centre Dublin Republic of Ireland.
Tel. 1850 230 330

Terrain may be rough in parts, walking boots are recommended.

OSI Maps

OSI Maps

Discovery Series Sheet 50
23 trail reviews
4.7/5
Write your own review of this trail
5/5
02/14/2022

Helen from Ireland

Beautiful walk - I’d highly recommend. Charming vistas, with varied outlooks and terrain & some breathtaking views. We were coming from Howth - King Sitric end and around the path towards Sutton Martello tower & then up across the field and road to the golf course part. The first half is muddy if wet so you’d need proper shoes or boots but the second half magically manages to be grit and boardwalk mostly so don’t let the first half put you off! Huge work done by some organisation to make this a really relaxing & enjoyable walk. I made it 13 k from King Sitric to the Food Market. Great to have a diverse variety of restaurants and cafes at the end to indulge in. Bring a jumper and a camera & plenty of water should the sun show its face!!!
5/5
08/10/2020

David from Meath

Ran this wonderful trail 3 times last week having just recently discovered it. Highly recommend it. Great variety of hills, gravel trail, rocky steps, great views and across a golf course and along a boardwalk through the Bog of Frogs. Trail is well marked in clockwise direction with purple arrows. About 750m from the end you have to turn left at the sign for Dart station although I didn't notice a purple arrow here. Trail measured almost exactly 12km on my Garmin. 70 - 80 minutes run or about 3 hours for walkers.
5/5
07/20/2020

Deirdre from Kildare

Lovely walk, well marked! On a day of good weather runners are fine , but if it has been raining I would imagine you would need to wear the correct footwear. Would highly recommend this walk.
12/30/2018

Vin from Dublin

Great trail and has a mix of everything from easy paths, tight trails with steps, forest part, golf course and stunning views. Best part it finishes at Burdocks where a single of chips with salt and vinegar is well earned

5/5
07/21/2017

Gary from United States

Great and amazing trail! Took the DART from Dublin and did the Bog of Frogs loop. I think me and my wife agree that it is the most beautiful trail that we have hiked! Every turn was a picture moment. I think it was our best day spent in Ireland and the most memorable! Well mark trail, just follow the purple arrows.
5/5
02/19/2017

Tomasz from Poland

Great trail with stunning views along the coast for 10km. Overall distance is however rather 14km and took me 2:45h. It's not very hard but the trail is sometimes quite narrow, occasionally up and downs. Could be a bit muddy, specially the last inland 4km.
5/5
12/11/2016

Aurore from France

We did the purple loop on a sunny winter day. It was beautiful and we would not however recommend to do this walk in the rain or if it has been raining in the days before because the path would be dangerous. We did it in 2:40 hours with many photo pauses :-) no flaws - very easy to follow the path. Wear appropriate hiking footwear. If you have time, try the brunch at "The house". Great way to finish the loop!NOTE FROM SPORT IRELAND TRAILS: The coastal path is graded hard having rugged and uneven surfaces throughout. Suitable for expereinced walkers with suitable footwear. 
5/5
10/10/2016

Jeferson from Brazil

This is a brilliant trail. It is more likely to be a 13km long and it took me 2h50m to finish with two breaks to appreciate the view and eat a snack. On a sunny day, even people without practice can still do it keeping a slower pace. Beware of the weather though, as the route is by the coast and winds can be quite punishing. If the weather is harsh you will need hiking boots, rain gear and moderate fitness to finish it.
4/5
02/20/2016

Hanni from Germany

Great walk. I did it in 2.5 hrs sliding along the mud at times. I was glad I was wearing good hiking boots.

Howth is breathtaking even when the weather isn't great. You have to get a sea chowder at that market place close to the DART station at the end. It's amazing !
5/5
08/08/2015

Hilary from United Kingdom

Lovely walk, fantastic views, took us around 3 1/2 hours and we quite fit!

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