Howth - Bog of Frogs Loop
Grade
Strenuous
Length
12.1 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
Discovery Series Sheet 50
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 !
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 !
Hilary from United Kingdom
Lovely walk, fantastic views, took us around 3 1/2 hours and we quite fit!
Helen from Ireland