If you feel like getting away from the city life for a little while and surrounding yourself with a breathtaking natural environment, a peaceful cliff walk in Howth on a bright day may be exactly what you’re looking for. Howth (pronounced to rhyme with ‘both’) is a town on the Howth Head Peninsula just 15km away from Dublin city centre. Apart from being a beautiful harbour town in its own right, Howth is an ideal venue for a memorable cliff walk that will provide you with some remarkable vistas. The path takes you to the Nose of Howth before proceeding south along the headland. The well-defined track is easy to negotiate although, at a length of 4km, comfortable shoes are always an asset.
Walkers along the Howth cliffs will be regaled with stunning views of the Wicklow Mountains to the south as gulls and cormorants negotiate the air currents above the splashing waves far below. The path’s destination is the Baily Lighthouse, which was Ireland’s last manned lighthouse until it was automated in 1997. If you’re intent in getting to the summit, you’ll find some fairly steep paths that will branch off to the right but if you keep walking straight on you’ll find yourself back on the road which will lead you back to Howth. However, you’ll no doubt find it far preferable to retrace your steps along the marvellous cliffs. Other noteworthy features in Howth are the Howth Castle, Lambay Island, and a Martello Tower. The area is also popular for birdwatching, sailing and angling.
