Guide to a Perfect Day in Howth
As a solo traveller, you’ve done the museums, Grafton Street, the pint in Temple Bar. Now you want the real Ireland — wild, genuine, worth the trip.
TripAdvisor named Dublin the world’s #1 solo travel destination for 2026 ahead of Berlin, London, New York, and Bali. Once you’ve covered the city, jump on the DART and head to Howth.
Just 30 minutes from Dublin city centre, this rugged peninsula on the northern tip of Dublin Bay is one of the best day trips in Ireland — and one of the most rewarding places to explore solo. No group to keep up with, no compromises. Just you, the coast, and one of Dublin’s most beautiful corners.
Why Howth Works for Solo Travellers
The DART drops you into the village, everything’s walkable from the harbour, and guided tours, open water, and great food fill a full day naturally. Howth Adventures regularly welcomes solo visitors — small group tours mean real conversations, not polite nods.
Getting There
Howth-bound DART from Connolly, Tara Street, or Pearse — 30 minutes, no changes. Grab a Leap Card for the best value across DART, bus, and Luas.
EXPLORE HOWTH
Hit the Trails with Howth Adventures
Start with the area’s award-winning regenerative tourism company. As a solo traveller, a guided tour means expert local knowledge, a small group, and access to paths you’d never find alone.
- Howth Coastal Hike (3 hrs | from €39) — Clifftop trails over Dublin Bay and Ireland’s Eye, with local history and wildlife woven in. Wear proper footwear.
Hikes are small-group, locally led, and popular with solo travellers worldwide.
Howth Adventures: Irish Tour Company of the Year 2025 · Top 1% worldwide on TripAdvisor · SEAL Award 2025 · Autism Champs accredited
Book Your Hike
Sail Around Ireland’s Eye
Back at the harbour, board Ireland’s Eye Ferries for a circuit of the wild, uninhabited island — dramatic cliffs, sea caves, the ruins of a 6th-century monastic church, and seabirds and seals along the way. Runs throughout the day; book ahead in summer.
Book Your Ferry
Eat Well at Howth Harbour
Arriving back on the mainland, Howth Harbour is one of the finest spots in Ireland to eat fresh seafood — and eating alone at a harbour on a sunny afternoon is one of life’s underrated pleasures.
- Beshoff’s Sea Grill — fish and chips on the West Pier
- Rosie’s Cafe — fresh salads and sandwiches
- Tram Coffee & Wine — café by day, wine bar by evening
- The House — modern Irish food, sunny garden, Ireland’s Top 100
- King Sitric — seafood bar over Balscadden Bay, for treating yourself
Wander the Village – Browse the harbour, walk up to St Mary’s Abbey, find a pier bench with an ice cream, or catch Howth Market on weekends. No agenda — that’s the point.
Take the DART Back to Dublin with frequent services all evening.
Solo Travel Tips
- Book tours in advance. Summer is the busiest season.
- Wear layers — coastal and breezy year-round
- Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, a light rain layer
- Weekdays are quieter
- The DART runs direct to the village
