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.

1. Beshoff’s Sea Grill — fish and chips on the West Pier
2. Rosie’s Cafe — fresh salads and sandwiches
3. Tram Coffee & Wine — café by day, wine bar by evening
4. The House — modern Irish food, sunny garden, Ireland’s Top 100
5. 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

The post The Solo Traveller appeared first on Ireland’s Eye Ferries.

Every year on June 16th, Dublin celebrates Bloomsday — the day James Joyce set his masterpiece Ulysses. The novel follows Leopold Bloom’s wanderings through the streets and shores of the city in 1904. On this day, people dress in Edwardian costume, read passages aloud in pubs, and eat Gorgonzola sandwiches. They raise a glass to one of the greatest novels ever written.

Yet most of the Bloomsday trail winds through the city centre. There’s a quieter, wilder, more romantic piece of the story waiting just 30 minutes away on the DART.

Howth Head is where Joyce’s greatest novel finds its heart.

The Rhododendrons on Howth Head

At the very close of Ulysses, in the famous final pages of Molly Bloom’s interior monologue, her thoughts drift back to a day on Howth Head — sixteen years before the events of the novel — when Leopold proposed to her among the rhododendrons on the hill.

She remembers lying in the flowers, the warmth of the day, the long kiss, and Leopold telling her the sun shone for her. Finally, in the closing lines of one of the most celebrated novels in the English language, she answers him:

“…yes I said yes I will Yes.”

Indeed, it is one of the most famous sentences in all of literature — and it was written about this peninsula, these hills, and this view over Dublin Bay.

So when you walk the woodland paths of Howth in June, with the rhododendrons in full bloom and Dublin Bay spread out below you, it doesn’t take much imagination to feel the weight of that scene.

Walking in Molly’s Landscape

With Howth Adventures

There’s no better way to experience the Howth that Joyce wrote about than out on the trails with Howth Adventures, Howth’s award-winning regenerative tourism company.

The guided hikes move through the same heathland, clifftops, and wild coastal paths that form the landscape of Molly’s memory. In June, the peninsula is at its most beautiful — rhododendrons flowering across the hillside, the light long and golden, Dublin Bay glittering below.

Howth Coastal Hike (3 hrs | from €39) Follow clifftop paths with sweeping views

 

Out on the Water

Ireland’s Eye Ferries

After the hike, take to the water with Ireland’s Eye Ferries and sail around Ireland’s Eye — the small uninhabited island that sits just off Howth Harbour and appears in Joyce’s own imagination of Dublin Bay.

Joyce knew this coastline well. The waters around Howth, the bay, the island — all of it fed into his vision of Dublin as a city shaped by the sea. Seen from the water on a June afternoon, with the peninsula rising behind you and the city in the distance, it’s a view that feels genuinely timeless

BOOK NOW

Start Planning Your Trip

Getting There

Jump on the Howth-bound DART from Connolly, Tara Street, or Pearse Station. About 30 minutes, no changes. Pick up a Leap Card for the best value on the day. Bloomsday falls on Tuesday 16th June 2026. The rhododendrons are at their peak in June — if there’s one day of the year to be on Howth Head, this is it.

A Bloomsday Worth Remembering

Dublin’s Bloomsday celebrations are full of joy, costume, and literary colour — and they absolutely belong in the city. But if you want to find the quiet, human heart of Ulysses, the moment the whole novel builds towards, you have to come to Howth. Stand on the hill among the rhododendrons, look out over Dublin Bay, and say yes.

The post Bloomsday in Howth appeared first on Ireland’s Eye Ferries.

Your Summer Holiday Guide for Kids

Perfect for: Families looking for things to do in Dublin this summer | Day trips from Dublin with kids | Summer holidays Ireland 2026

Summer holidays are here — and if you’re looking for a day out that keeps everyone happy (yes, even the teenagers), Howth is your answer.

Better still, it’s just 30 minutes from Dublin city centre on the DART, yet this wild and wonderful little peninsula packs more into a single day than most places manage in a weekend. Think fresh sea air, dramatic clifftop views, harbour-fresh seafood, and enough wild coastline for a genuine adventure. So here’s everything you need to plan the perfect family summer day out in Howth.

Get Out on the Howth Peninsula

The Howth Coastal Hike (3 hrs | from €39)

A guided hike through hidden trails and panoramic clifftop paths overlooking Dublin Bay, out to Ireland’s Eye, and on clear days all the way to the Wicklow Mountains. Local guides bring the landscape to life with wildlife, history, and insider knowledge. Best suited to older kids and teenagers confident on their feet — paths are rugged and rewarding. Sturdy footwear essential.

• Rated Irish Tour Company of the Year 2025 (Travel & Hospitality Awards)
• SEAL Award 2025 winner for sustainable tourism
• Fully Autism Champs accredited</li>
• All tours led by true Howth locals

Howth Adventures is Howth’s #1 guided tour provider — and what makes them special is the sheer range of ways they can show you the peninsula. Whether your family wants to hike, cycle, or cruise, there’s a tour to suit.

Book Your Tour

The Main Event: Boat Trip to Ireland’s Eye

Howth Coastal Boat Tour – 50 mins (Adults €25 | Kids €15 | Family 2 Adults + 2 Kids  €60)

If there’s one thing that makes a Howth family day truly unforgettable, it’s the boat trip around Ireland’s Eye with Ireland’s Eye Ferries.

The short ferry crossing from Howth Harbour takes you to a wild, uninhabited island kids absolutely love. Spot ruins of a 6th-century monastic church, watch nesting seabirds, look out for seals on the rocks and in the water. In summer, the island is alive with wildlife — and it’s the kind of place that sticks in a child’s memory for years.

• Bring layers — it’s breezy even in summer
• Binoculars are great for wildlife spotting
• Book ahead — it fills fast during the school holidays

Book Now

Fuel Up: Eating in Howth Village

Howth’s harbour is one of the best places in Ireland for fresh seafood. A few spots worth knowing:

• Beshoff’s Sea Grill — fresh fish and proper chips with a harbour view. A Howth institution.
• King Sitric — seafood bar with stunning views across Balscadden Bay. A step up for families wanting a proper sit-down meal.

Restaurants

After Lunch: Explore the Village

• Howth Harbour — watch fishing trawlers, spot the pier seals
• Howth Market (weekends) — local food, crafts, great atmosphere
• St Mary’s Abbey ruins — atmospheric medieval ruins, great for curious kids
• Ice cream on the pier — non-negotiable

Getting There: The DART Makes It Easy

No car, no parking stress — the DART from Dublin city centre drops you right into Howth village in about 30 minutes. Jump on at Connolly, Tara Street, Pearse, or any station along the coast. A family day return is great value, and the coastal journey itself is a treat.

Book Ahead — Summer Fills Fast

July and August are the busiest months. Book both the cliff walk tours and the Ireland’s Eye ferry in advance to avoid disappointment.

Book Howth Adventures | Book Ireland’s Eye Ferries

Howth is waiting — and it’s going to be the best day of the summer.

The post Family Day Out in Howth appeared first on Ireland’s Eye Ferries.

The North Carolina Tar Heels are heading to the Aviva Stadium. There, they’ll face TCU in the 2026 Aer Lingus College Football Classic.

But first, some of the squad traded their helmets for hiking boots. They took on something just as wild: the ultimate Howth Adventure, led by local guides.

First Stop: Howth Coastal Hike

The Howth Coastal Hike with Howth Adventures, a local award winning sustainable tour company.

The players kicked off their Irish adventure with a Coastal Hike along the Howth Cliff Walk — one of Ireland’s most dramatic and rewarding walking trails, guided by the team at Howth Adventures.

With sweeping views across Dublin Bay, the Irish Sea, and out to Ireland’s Eye island, it was unlike anything the squad had seen before. Narrow cliff paths, ancient heather, and the kind of fresh sea breeze that makes you feel completely alive — no stadium required.

Shane’s guides brought the landscape to life, pointing out hidden viewpoints, local wildlife, and the centuries of history baked into every rocky outcrop. For players used to training on manicured fields, the wild Irish coastline hit different.

Here’s what went down when the Tar Heels came to town.

Next Up: Howth Coastal Boat Tour

After the hike, the players weren’t done with the great outdoors. Next stop: a boat trip around Ireland’s Eye — an uninhabited island just off the coast of Howth Harbour — with Ireland’s Eye Ferries.

The trip across the bay opened up spectacular views back towards Howth village, the peninsula, and the surrounding UNESCO Biosphere waters. The team watched as 550 million year old rock formed cliffs unfolded, with nesting sea birds and common seals residing upon the island.

Fuelled Up: Beshoff’s Sea Grill

Fresh Seafood at Beshoff’s Sea Grill, Howth

No visit to Howth is complete without eating at the harbour — and the Tar Heels found out why. After the hike and the boat trip, the group settled in at the iconic Beshoff’s Sea Grill for a legendary feed of fresh seafood.

Think battered cod and haddock straight off the boats, thick-cut chips, and Dublin Bay prawns that taste like the sea itself. Howth has been one of Ireland’s premier fishing harbours for centuries — and there’s nowhere better to experience that than at Beshoff’s Sea Grill, right on the waterfront.

For players fuelling up before one of the biggest games of their careers, there are worse options than a seafood feast with an Irish harbour view.

Plan Your Own Howth Day Trip: The Full UNC Experience

Heading to Dublin for the UNC vs TCU Aer Lingus College Football Classic on August 29th? Build a coastal adventure day around Howth. Just 30 minutes from Dublin city centre by DART train and makes for the perfect pre-game or post-game adventure.

Here’s your Howth game plan:

• Morning — Coastal Hike with Shane’s Howth Adventures (3 hrs)
• Midday — Boat trip around Ireland’s Eye with Ireland’s Eye Ferries (50 minutes)
• Afternoon — Fresh seafood lunch at Beshoff’s Sea Grill, Howth
• Evening — DART back into Dublin city for pre-match buzz

It’s a full day that combines Ireland’s best: wild nature, maritime heritage, and world-class food.

Book Ahead — August Fills Fast

Thousands of UNC and TCU fans are descending on Dublin for Week Zero on August 29th. Howth is going to be one of the most popular day trips of the summer. Tours and ferry spots fill quickly in peak season.

Start Planning Your Event

Our dedicated guides are ready to help you tailor an itinerary that fits your schedule and budget. Ready to take your event to the water?

The post UNC vs TCU: Tar Heels in Howth appeared first on Ireland’s Eye Ferries.

If you think you need to travel to the furthest reaches of the Atlantic coast to see Ireland’s most iconic seabird, think again. Just a short boat ride from Howth Harbour lies a thriving wildlife sanctuary. For those looking for puffin watching in Dublin, Ireland’s Eye Ferries offer a front-row seat and answer the question of where to find puffins in Dublin!

Why Ireland’s Eye is a Birdwatcher’s Paradise

Part of the Dublin Bay UNESCO Biosphere, Ireland’s Eye is more than just a scenic backdrop; it is a vital nesting ground. The island’s steep eastern cliffs and isolated sea stacks provide a fortress for thousands of birds. While the colourful puffins are the stars of the show, they share the stage with a massive Gannet colony, along with Guillemots, Razorbills, and Cormorants. Below the cliffs, you’ll almost always spot the inquisitive heads of our resident Grey Seal colony bobbing in the swell, making every trip a masterclass in Irish marine biodiversity.

The “Puffin Calendar”

When to Visit Ireland’s Eye

Timing is everything. Puffins are seasonal visitors who spend most of their lives at sea.

• Late March – Early April: The first scouts arrive to reclaim their burrows.
• May – June (Peak Season): This is the best time for puffin watching. The birds are busy fishing and sand eels can often be seen dangling from their orange beaks.
• July:The “pufflings” begin to fledge. By late July, the colonies start to thin out.
• August: The puffins head back to the open ocean, leaving the cliffs to the gannets until next spring.

Photography Tips

Photographing wildlife from a moving deck requires a bit of technique. To bring home that “National Geographic” shot, keep these tips in mind:

• Lens Selection: A focal length of 200mm to 400mm is the “sweet spot” for capturing birds on the cliffs without losing the context of the rugged landscape.
• Shutter Speed: Even on a calm day, the boat has a subtle rhythm. Keep your shutter speed high—at least 1/1000 or faster—to freeze the action and prevent motion blur.
• Stabilisation: While a tripod is too cumbersome on a boat, a monopod can help, or simply use your body as a shock absorber by keeping your knees slightly bent.
• Look for the “Fly-bys”: Puffins are fast flyers. Instead of just focusing on the cliffs, watch the water’s surface; they often “skitter” across the waves before taking off.

Ready to Meet the Locals?

Our dedicated tour guides know exactly where to Find Puffins in Dublin. Whether you are a professional photographer or a family looking for a unique day out, our tours are designed to get you as close as possible to the magic without disturbing the natural habitat in Dublin Bay’s UNESCO Biosphere.

The post Where to Find Puffins in Dublin appeared first on Ireland’s Eye Ferries.

DART, Bus and Boat Logistics

Planning a trip to the coast shouldn’t be a challenge. Located just north of Dublin city, the picturesque village of Howth is one of the most accessible seaside escapes in Ireland. Whether you’re coming for the famous Howth boat tours or a hike on the cliffs, here is everything you need to know about how to get to Ireland’s Eye and Howth Harbour.

Howth DART Day Out

The quickest and most scenic way to reach us is via the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit).

• The Journey: From city-centre stations like Tara Street, Pearse Street, or Connolly, simply board the northbound train bound for Howth.
• Duration: The trip takes approximately 25 minutes, hugging the coastline for much of the journey.
• Frequency: Trains generally run every 20–30 minutes. It’s a stress-free way to travel that drops you in the heart of the village.

Finding the West Pier

Walking Directions

Once you step off the DART at Howth Station, you are only a few hundred metres away from your sea adventure.

• Step 1: Exit the station and turn left, toward the harbour.
• Step 2: Walk past the playground and the harbour-front.
• Step 3: You will see the West Pier (the pier closest to the train station). Look out for our ‘Seamus The Seal‘ logo on our ORANGE Boat.

If arriving by bus, the H3 bus from the city stops at the train station, follow the same walking route to the pier.

Parking & Accessibility

If you are searching for “boat tours near me” while driving, Howth is easily accessible via the R105.

• Parking at Howth Harbour: There is public parking available along the West Pier and in the large harbour car park. Please note that on sunny weekends and bank holidays, it fills up very quickly—we recommend arriving at least 45 minutes before your scheduled departure.
• Accessibility: We strive to make the beauty of Ireland’s Eye accessible to everyone. The West Pier is flat and paved, making it wheelchair and stroller friendly. Our tours are a fantastic option for those with limited mobility, as you can enjoy the wildlife and views without leaving the vessel.

Dublin Bay Biosphere tour

The salt air is calling! To make the most of your day trip, we recommend checking the weather and our sailing schedule in advance, as all departures are subject to sea conditions. Ready to explore Howth and Ireland’s Eye? Book your adventure today.

The post How to get to Howth, Ireland’s Eye appeared first on Ireland’s Eye Ferries.

Trails, Tales and Tours

Just 25 minutes from the bustle of Dublin City Centre lies the rugged charm of Howth. Whether you’re a lifelong Dub or a first-time visitor, this coastal village offers an escape that feels worlds away. From the heights of the summits to the secrets of the sea caves, here is your definitive guide on what to do in Howth.

Howth Cliff Walk

A New Perspective

The legendary Cliff Walk offers sweeping views of the Irish Sea, but the true scale of Howth’s quartz cliffs is best appreciated from below. From the deck of a boat, you discover the “hidden” Howth—the dramatic ‘Stack,’ nesting razorbill colonies, and secret inlets hikers cannot reach. Pairing a morning hike with an afternoon boat tour provides the ultimate 360-degree experience of our peninsula’s natural beauty and dramatic coastline.

Ireland’s Eye

An Alternative View

A trip to the harbour isn’t complete without visiting our most famous neighbour: Ireland’s Eye. This uninhabited island is a sanctuary for wildlife and history alike. Depending on your mood, we offer a great way to explore. Our tours are ideal for photographers and families. We circumnavigate the island, bringing you up close to the seal colony and the famous Puffin stacks (seasonal). You get the history and the wildlife sightings without ever having to leave the comfort of the boat.

West Pier Food Scene

Hook, Line, and Sinker

After working up an appetite on the water, follow the scent of salt and vinegar to the West Pier. This is the heart of Howth’s culinary scene. We always recommend pairing a boat trip with a visit to the local fishmongers or sit-down restaurants.

Pro-Tip: Grab a world-famous bag of fish and chips or a tray of fresh oysters and find a spot on the pier wall. Watch the trawlers come in with the day’s catch as the seals bob in the harbour, hoping for a snack. It is the quintessential Howth experience.

Plan Your Visit

• How to get here: Take the DART to Howth Station; we are just a 5-minute walk toward the West Pier.
• What to bring: Layers! Even on a sunny day, the breeze in Dublin Bay can be cool.
• Accessibility: Our ferries are designed for easy boarding, but feel free to call ahead with specific requirements.

Ready to see the coast from a different angle? Book your adventure today.

The post Things to do in Howth appeared first on Ireland’s Eye Ferries.

Looking for a venue that breaks the mould? Escape the boardroom and the standard function room for something truly memorable. With private boat hire in Howth, Ireland’s Eye Ferries offers a bespoke way to experience the Dublin coastline. From high-stakes corporate networking to intimate family milestones, our fleet provides the perfect floating venue against the backdrop of the UNESCO Biosphere.

Team Building

With a Coastal Twist

Boost morale and spark creativity with a corporate boat trip in Dublin. We move beyond the typical team-building exercises, offering your group a chance to reconnect with nature.

• Networking with a View: Host clients on a sunset cruise around the Howth Cliffs.
• Team Escapes: Land on Ireland’s Eye for a private island picnic and exploration.
• Branding Opportunities: We offer flexible options for branding the vessel for product launches or media events.

Our vessels are steady, safe and offer a conversational environment, making it the highest-rated choice for group bookings in Dublin.

Intimate Celebrations

Birthdays & Anniversaries

Make your next milestone legendary. Whether it’s a 40th birthday, a silver anniversary, or a unique stag party or hen party celebration, a private ferry hire ensures your guests have an exclusive experience away from the crowds.

• Exclusivity: The boat is yours. Customise your music, bring your own catering (by arrangement), and set your own pace.
• Photo Opportunities: Capture family photos with the Baily Lighthouse or the sea caves as your backdrop—memories that a standard restaurant simply can’t match.

Custom Itineraries

Clubs and School Tours

Every group has different needs, and we take pride in our flexibility. We specialise in custom boat itineraries for niche interests:

• Photography & Arts Clubs: We can hold steady at specific angles to capture the perfect light on the Martello Tower or the puffin stacks.
• Educational & School Tours: A lesson in marine biology and Irish history. Our tour guides provide expert commentary on the local eco-system and Viking history of Howth.
• Community Groups: Ideal for active retirement associations or local clubs looking for a fresh perspective on Dublin.

Start Planning Your Event

Our dedicated guides are ready to help you tailor an itinerary that fits your schedule and budget. Ready to take your event to the water?

The post Private Boat Hire in Howth appeared first on Ireland’s Eye Ferries.

If you’re more comfortable with your feet on solid ground why not experience the magical Howth Cliffs with sea views and its iconic Howth cliff path. No visit to Howth is complete without the Howth Cliff Path Loop, a stunning trail that winds along dramatic cliffs with sweeping ocean vistas.

The Howth Cliff Path Walking Tour. Just 30 minutes from Dublin. Ranging from easy 6km loops to more challenging 10km hikes, it’s perfect for all levels and rewards you with sights of Baily Lighthouse and distant views of Lambay Island. Keep an eye out for wildlife like peregrine falcons. After your hike, cool off with a ferry trip to Ireland’s Eye – our boats depart regularly from the harbour, offering a refreshing contrast to the cliff-top exertion.

Howth Adventures

The best way to experience Howth is to book a local guide from award winning tourism family tourism company, Howth Adventures. Locally run business offering exciting, meaningful, unrushed, personal and memorable, adventure experiences connecting the stories, people, land, sea. Guided tours are a responsible step toward protecting this stunning landscape. This way, your day out becomes a sustainable adventure that helps preserve and enhance the natural beauty you came to see.

Escape the crowds and feel more on the best Howth tours, walking, hiking, electric bikes, boat trips, sailing and special events.

Learn More

The post The Iconic Howth Cliff Path appeared first on Ireland’s Eye Ferries.