Although Howth is a mere stone’s throw away from Dublin City, it’s a far cry from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
In a previous article, we told you all about the Tramline Loop Walk in Howth, County Dublin, encouraging you to take a short break there. Given the unmatched scenery and tales to be told along the way, it’s most definitely up there with the best of the best experiences to be had in Dublin.
The looped walk provides you with spectacular views of the North Dublin Coastline as well as areas south of Dublin Bay. What used to be a quaint fishing village is now a bustling seaside town that attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world every year. And there’s a reason for that. Actually, there are many reasons for that, so we’re going to talk about just some of those.
While you may come to the area for a walking holiday, there’s a lot more than the trail to enjoy in these parts.
This year make sure the Tramline Loop Walk in Howth is on your list of trips away – because you don’t want to miss out on all of these sensational experiences.
Enjoy a stay at The Marine Hotel in Sutton
With a total of 50 bedrooms, the Marine Hotel in Sutton has everything you need for a luxurious and relaxed trip away. You can take a dip in their 12m swimming pool before and after all of your exploring out in Howth. Then you can enjoy some delicious Italian dishes at Cucinos Restaurant.
The Schooner Bar and the Galley Carvery are also popular with locals.
Located at Sutton Cross, it’s the ideal gateway to Howth as well as Dublin City Centre.
Click HERE for more info.
Distance to Tramline Loop Walk: 5 minutes
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Rest Your Head at King Sitric
Another great option for your stay in Howth is King Sitric, located in the heart of Howth right opposite the pier. Their guest bedrooms all face onto Balscadden Bay and are named after lighthouses around Ireland. Each room is complete with an en-suite bathroom.
And on a nice day, you’ll see one of their lobstermen catching your dinner right in front of your bedroom.
Their restaurant serves the best fish and shellfish that the area has to offer.
Click HERE for more info.
Distance to Tramline Loop Walk: 3 minutes
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Have a swim at Balscadden Beach
The term ‘hidden gem’ is thrown around a lot these days. But in this case, it’s the only way to really describe this little beach tucked away between Howth Head and Howth Pier.
On a sunny day, Howth will be fairly busy, but this beach tends to act as a nice little escape from those crowds.
When you walk past the village towards Howth Head, up Balscadden Road, continue up the hill until you reach a little gate, behind which there is a set of quite steep steps that lead you down to this beach.
Click HERE for more info.
Distance to Tramline Loop Walk: 5 minutes
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Go for a stroll down the pier
One of the main things Howth is known for is the pier. It gives you amazing views of Ireland’s Eye and areas of Dublin, both North and South of Howth. It also gives you a good vantage point to admire the beauty and charm of Howth village.
It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a bag of chips or a 99. And the odd time, you’ll get to sit and enjoy some music provided by local buskers.
Click HERE for more info.
Distance to Tramline Loop Walk: 3 minutes
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Get the boat out to Ireland’s Eye
From Howth Pier, you can actually take a boat out to Ireland’s Eye, a tiny little island off the coast of Dublin that is ideal for a fun-filled day out.
Go for a swim, chill on the beach and explore the ruins of Cill Mac Neasáin, which was established by three monks in 700AD.
The trip over only lasts 15 minutes and you can spend as long as you like there. Boat tours leave from Howth Pier regularly throughout the day and cost €15 per adult and €5 for a child.
Plus, you’re likely to see the herd of charismatic seals that hang around the island.
Click HERE for more info.
Distance to Tramline Loop Walk: 4 minutes
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Eat at the Doghouse Blues Tearooms
With its vintage décor, The Doghouse Blues Tearooms is probably the funkiest place you can dine when on your short break in Howth.
It’s a dog-friendly, BYOB restaurant serving up some stunning Irish and international dishes. And with a kitchen open until 11pm, it’s one of the latest opening restaurants in the area.
You can even dine on a bed!
Click HERE for more info.
Distance to Tramline Loop Walk: 1 minute
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Have a pint in The Bloody Stream
This establishment is everything that is great about Irish pubs. The interior is warm and welcoming, complete with an open turf-burning fireplace, classic signage and interesting bric-a-brac.
Meanwhile, it has a stunning beer garden for those sunny days, and the atmosphere is always tops. There’s nothing like a load of people out enjoying the sun and sipping a pint.
They also have a fabulous lunch and dinner menu so you can also have a bite out in the sun.
The Bloody Stream is conveniently located under the DART station, so right at the trailhead for The Tramline Loop.
Click HERE for more info
Distance from Tramline Loop Walk: 0 minutes.
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E-bike tour
What if I told you that you could explore Howth Head on a bike that would do the work for you? Well, if that sounds appealing, then an e-bike tour of Howth is probably the activity for you.
Make your way up, down and around the hills of Howth without too much effort on these handy little vehicles, and see highlights such as Howth Harbour, Howth Castle and Deer Park.
The guided tour starts at Howth Yacht Club and takes around two and a half hours.
Click HERE for more info.
Distance to Tramline Loop Walk: 3 minutes
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Join the Howth Village and Harbour Tour
The Howth village and harbour tour is another great way to see this fantastic part of County Dublin.
On this two-hour tour, you’ll learn all about the history of the area from a local expert. You’ll check out the East Pier and learn about its history featuring shipwrecks, pirates and smugglers. Then, you’ll head to the old Abbey and hear tales of Saints, Scholars and Vikings. After that, the tour will head to the Lighthouse where you’ll hear all about the Asgards, the Howth Guns and even the 1916 Rising.
Click HERE for more info.
Distance to Tramline Loop Walk: 5 minutes
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Browse Howth Market
Open Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays between 9am and 6pm, there is so much just waiting to be discovered at Howth Market, like amazing organic food, freshly baked goods, beautiful jewellery, vintage clothing and quirky antiques.
It’s located just a short walk up from the DART station, across the road from the West Pier.
There are also four permanent retail units that are open seven days a week.
Click HERE for more info.
Distance to Tramline Loop Walk: 3 minutes
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Go on a Howth Safari Walk
You probably didn’t think you could have a safari experience in Ireland, let alone in Dublin. Well, we highly recommend going on a Safari Walking Tour of Howth.
You follow your expert guide along the coastal paths and woodlands of the Howth Peninsula on this four-hour walking tour and explore coves and caves.
You’ll also observe the beautiful wildlife that inhabits Howth such as dolphins, seals, raptors, heron, cormorant and curlew.
Click HERE for more info.
Distance to Tramline Loop Walk: 5 minutes
Eat and drink at O’Connell’s
Another favourite among locals, O’Connell’s food is as good as their pints.
Pro tip: Get the wings. You can thank me later.
It’s a great spot to chill with a pint and some hearty grub after a full day of summer activities in Howth. And they have a lovely little outdoor patio area from which you can see Howth Pier and do some people-watching.
Open since 2012, O’Connell’s prides itself on being a welcoming traditional Irish pub and restaurant, serving great quality local food and pulling an excellent pint.
Fun fact: you’ll often find the head chef joining in a trad session.
Click HERE for more info.
Distance to Tramline Loop Walk: 3 minutes.
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For spectacular sights, invigorating sensations and unforgettable experiences, make your next short break a walking break in Dublin. Walking makes your break.
For more information, visit www.visitdublin.com.
For more information or to plan your walking break in Ireland’s Ancient, visit the Tales and Trails hub here.
