Howth - Cliff Path loop

What a wonderful treck, we did it yesterday. We choose the purple route it took us just over four hours, with a break for a bit to eat, and lots of stops to inhale the views. The terrain was a bit of everything, and well marked. Weather was typical Irish starting with light showers, then heavy showers, wind, and finally lots of sunshine. Would have to give this walk 5/5..

Beautiful, beautiful trail!

The trail is definitely AT LEAST 10 k.

I did it in running shoes but agree that firmer soles would be more desirable. I saw people in flip flops and thought that would make it tough.

I also saw people with small children and thought that would be tough, too, though I think people can park close to some of the access points and then all you need to do is clamber down to the shore.

Btw, STAY ON THE MARKED PATH. I did the long loop and noticed that there were some “shortcuts”. They could be shorter, but they are also not well graded and you will end up on a very steep ascent (or descent, I suppose).

Today was a beautiful, sunny, hot day. I brought water and was glad.

Walked this trail yesterday - some roadway and some rocky mountain paths. You can go from the village to the Summit and back via a looped walk or you can go from the Dart station, via the village and back to make a bigger loop. From the Summit, you can also detour down to the lighthouse, for some extra 'cardio'. The views of the Irish Sea and Dublin Bay are amazing. There is wildlife and natural fauna in abundance. I will do this walk again.

If is nice weather 5 star family walking with superb viewpoints. Trail length is 9 km instead of 6 km.

Walked this trail yesterday. The terrain is quite rough, strong footwear is required. The steps on the route are very high in places. Signage leaves a lot to be desired especially on the second part of the walk, one has to guess which way to go if you do not want to go back to the town via the main road. Generally there was a lot of dog poo/excrement all along the route. The return route is no pleasure due to the large amount of garden waste dumped in the green undergrowth by the locals together with the dog poo. My advice to other walkers, take the path to the summit and the main road pathway back to the town or from the summit down. If one is seeks just to get out for fresh air and stretch the legs I would recommend the Phoenix park or Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin.

Walked this trail on an August Sunday. Not sunny but nice pleasant weather. It was easy getting to Howth via DART from City Centre - hardly 25 minutes via DART. Started walking towards the Marina as soon as I exited the Howth Station. Nice photographic landscape of Marina greets you, as soon as the Marina ends a street goes up on the right which takes you up to the Cliff Walk starting point. You would see lovely seaside houses & beaches till you reach the starting point. Here onwards the beautiful view of the sea and the cliff begins till 6-7 kms. Easy walk, well-tread trail, avoid in rains as the trail will be mucky and slippery and you don't want to be on a mucky narrow trail right beside the cliff. Take a turn at the Summit and maybe grab a drink or two in the Summit Inn and carry on to walk a couple of kms back to Howth station.

I took this trail on a warm fall day and it was just beautiful. The trail is narrow but not dangerous and well trodden. The view over the cliff and across the water is incredible. The hill was covered with wild flowers and the air had that golden hue of fall. I walk all over the world and this afternoon walk is one that I always remember. The signage was not a problem for me. There were many people out walking and the direction seemed pretty obvious.



The little DART train out from Dublin was fun to take and, if you have a bit of time, it is nice to stop here and there and explore. Put your swim suit on under your hiking clothes and go down to the local swimming spots for a quick, refreshing dip. Be sure to pack a lunch and bring a sketch pad if you draw.



On my way back to the station it started to rain like crazy and a very nice local stopped and offered to give me a lift. Nice people, beautiful views, wonderful memory.

Not good signs.Should have checked the web before walk.Ended up coming back by the cliff which was nice but that path is narrow.

Lovely walk with fantastic views. As per previous reviewers we found the lack of signage a problem, we definitely took the wrong route back which was disappointing When you get to summit car park there is no signage to indicate where to go next and further down path signs disappear altogether.

Great walk but not very well sign posted!! Ended up taking the scenic route back.