DUBLIN HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Howth Safari: Five Hours of Cliffs, Coves and Coastal Wildlife Above Dublin Bay
A 5-hour guided hike from Howth village that begins with homemade scones and coffee and walks woodlands, cliffs and hidden beaches within the Dublin Bay UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Howth Safari: Five Hours of Cliffs, Coves and Coastal Wildlife Above Dublin Bay.
Adventure brief
Howth Safari: Five Hours of Cliffs, Coves and Coastal Wildlife Above Dublin Bay
The Howth Safari Hiking Tour threads the peninsula’s changing habitats — heathland, woodland, cliff and shore — for five hours of coastal walking above Dublin Bay. The day opens in Howth village over freshly baked scones and coffee, then moves off the beaten track to secret coves, rock pools and panoramic viewpoints that frame the Wicklow Mountains and the open sea.
Situated just outside Dublin, Howth offers an inviting coastal haven where outdoor enthusiasts taste the rugged beauty of Ireland’s eastern shoreline. Howth Adventures’ 5-hour hiking tour immerses participants in the area's natural splendor, combining heart-pumping walks with culinary delights. Starting with a warm welcome, hikers are treated to homemade scones and steaming coffee to energize before hitting the trail. The route winds through lush woodlands, along dramatic cliff edges, and down to secluded beaches, offering a constant parade of views over Dublin Bay and the Wicklow Mountains in the distance.
What makes this adventure special isn’t just the sweeping vistas—though those are certainly a highlight—it’s the chance to encounter local wildlife beyond the ordinary. Keep an eye out for Old Irish Goats and Highland Cattle grazing amidst the fields, delivering a true sense of Ireland’s pastoral landscape. The cliffs themselves reveal geologic stories, their layered rock formations telling tales from millions of years of geological history.
Part of Why it stands out, Howth Adventures anchors its trips in genuine, accessible outdoor fun suitable for most levels. The journey is designed to be inclusive, highlight Ireland’s natural richness, and foster a genuine connection with the landscape. Whether you're snapping photos of nesting seabirds or marveling at the sweeping coastal panoramas, this trip offers a memorable taste of Ireland’s wild coastal edge while supporting responsible tourism—helping preserve this unique environment for generations to come.
A perfect option for travelers seeking a blend of physical activity, local wildlife, and scenic beauty, the Howth Safari Hiking Tour truly captures the essence of Ireland’s rugged coast, making it a must-do for outdoor lovers visiting Dublin.
Route Schematic
Route & Key Stops
Stops and viewpoints are chosen each day for weather, tide and season; a typical flow includes the following rendezvous and highlights.
House Restaurant — Main Street, Howth
Meet at the House Restaurant for freshly baked scones, tea and coffee and a briefing before departure.
Village Walk & Loki
A short walk up the village to collect the trail hound Loki and any last-minute provisions before heading off-road.
Binn Éadair and Peninsula Ridges
Traverse woodlands, heath and cliff paths to reach the celebrated views at Binn Éadair and along the peninsula.
Shielmartin / Sutton Martello Tower & Red-Rock
Continue around the peninsula toward Shielmartin Hill and on to Martello Tower and Red-Rock with sweeping outlooks over Dublin Bay and the Wicklow Mountains.
Baily Lighthouse and Summit
Ascend the cliff paths to the Baily Lighthouse and the Summit, finishing the walk at the Summit Inn for a snack and beverage.
The operator assesses weather, tide and season and chooses the best route for the day; the experience runs roughly five hours, so participants should be prepared for extended walking and for the guide to alter the route as conditions require.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Scones, Tea and a Village Rendezvous
The tour begins at the House Restaurant on Howth’s Main Street with freshly baked homemade scones served with tea and coffee, a relaxed launch point before the walk heads off-road.
Cliff Paths and Panoramas Over Dublin Bay
Hikers follow cliff paths and peninsula ridgelines to viewpoints such as Binn Éadair and the Baily Lighthouse, taking in sweeping views of Dublin Bay and the Wicklow Mountains along the way.
Goats, Highland Cattle and Coastal Life
The route passes habitats where the Old Irish Goat herd, Highland cattle and other conservation-linked animals can be seen, plus rock pools and marine life in hidden coves.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
Expect a day that opens quietly in a village café and then becomes progressively wilder: winding up the lanes, collecting the trail hound Loki, and moving through varied terrain — woodlands, heathland, cliff-top tracks and hidden beaches — as the guide chooses the best route for weather and tide. The rhythm is hiking-focused but punctuated with wildlife sightings and multiple viewpoints before a late-afternoon finish at a local pub.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this day on Howth Head.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The outing is a five-hour guided hike that typically starts with a 10:00 rendezvous for scones and a briefing and wraps up mid- to late-afternoon (around 3:00pm on a typical day); the guide assesses weather, tide and season and picks the best route each day.
The tour includes freshly baked scones with tea and coffee at the start; no formal equipment list is provided in the trip details, and participants should check with the operator for specific gear guidance.
Meet at the House Restaurant, 4 Main Street, Howth, D13 V2F9 for check-in and the morning briefing before the hike departs.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Howth Safari Hiking Tour?
The guided experience runs for approximately five hours.
Where do we meet for the tour?
The meeting point is the House Restaurant, 4 Main Street, Howth, D13 V2F9, where the group gathers for scones, tea and coffee before departure.
What is included at the start of the hike?
The day begins with freshly baked homemade scones served with tea and coffee at the House Restaurant.
What kind of terrain will we encounter?
The route crosses woodlands, heathland, cliff paths and hidden beaches with rock pools and coastal features; the guide chooses the exact route based on weather, tide and season.
Will we see wildlife on the tour?
Yes: the itinerary notes sightings of the Old Irish Goat herd, Highland cattle and marine life in coastal habitats along the walk.
Is there a memento after the hike?
Participants receive a video memento of the Howth Adventure, including distance, time, elevation and photos/videos downloadable in high resolution.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-07T13:08:47.724Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.