Should You Visit Howth?

Is Howth worth visiting?

Yes, Howth offers many reasons for a visit. It's a fishing village everyone should explore, and our experience here was wonderful. We didn't want to leave.

Whether you're a traveling as a family or a couple, this fishing village has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the amazing beaches and fantastic hiking.

Howth is a charming fishing village outside of Dublin. If you want to enjoy the area's beautiful coastline without traveling too far, then this is your place. A highlight of a visit is to wander along the Howth Cliff Walk, but there's also a harbor, pier, and lighthouse that you can explore.

4 Reasons to Visit Howth

1. Beaches

Many people head to this coastal town specifically to hang out on the beach. There's also the Howth Cliff Path which is fun to explore. Some of the top beaches in the area include Red Rock Beach, Claremont Beach, and Balscadden Bay Beach. The beaches can be rocky and rough so make sure you understand the water conditions before heading to the beach.

2. Hiking

The best way to experience Howth is to explore the The Howth Cliff Walk. There are several versions of the hike that cater to different experience and skill levels.

3. Museums and Attractions

The surrounding coastline is the main draw to this picturesque town but there is also a nice harbor, pier, and lighthouse that you can visit.

4. Food

There are seafood restaurants and a few pubs where you can enjoy some fresh food and the local ambiance.




Is Howth worth visiting in the Summer?

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during summer with average temperatures around 16°C (60°F).

The peak season for travel is summer in Howth, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect crowds to be large, and prices to be a bit higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.

Visiting the nearby beaches is one of the most popular things to do this time of year, so give yourself some time to enjoy the waves and sand. The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable fishing village, especially in the nice weather. This is a great time of year to relax at the beach, take in the local charm, and get out into nature. Also, you'll be able to wander through the museums.


Summer Weather in Howth
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
July 16°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in)
August 15°C (60°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
September 14°C (56°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)

Is Howth worth visiting in the Autumn?

Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Howth. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 11°C (52°F).

You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to browse through museums, take a hike, and savor the small town atmosphere.


Autumn Weather in Howth
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
October 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.7 in)
November 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
December 6°C (44°F) 76 mm (3 in)

Is Howth worth visiting in the Winter?

This is the low season for travel in Howth. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.

The weather in Howth can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 6°C (42°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums and the cuisine.


Winter Weather in Howth
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
January 6°C (42°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
February 6°C (42°F) 50 mm (2 in)
March 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)

Is Howth worth visiting in the Spring?

The weather in Howth can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 8°C (47°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Howth, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.

This is a great time of year to browse the museums and wander through the small town.


Spring Weather in Howth
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
April 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
June 14°C (57°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)

Things to Consider Before Visiting Howth

Nightlife: Most people don't associate Howth with a lively nightlife scene. There are a few pubs around town but if you're looking for a real nightlife scene then your best bet is to head into Dublin.

The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Howth might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Howth here or see if Howth is expensive here.

Related

What is Howth most famous for?

Howth is most famous for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin. The fishing village is very popular for its beaches and hiking. It's also known for museums and attractions and food. It is often described as picturesque, scenic, peaceful, coastal, and beautiful.


What is the most famous sight in Howth?

The most popular sight in Howth is The Baily Lighthouse. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Howth on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Baily Lighthouse and other attractions here.

How touristy is Howth? Is it a popular fishing village to visit?

Howth is a popular fishing village for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)


  • Dublin: Full-Day Howth and Malahide Castle Tour: $53

How long should I spend in Howth?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Howth is one to two days. Since Howth has activities such as beaches and hiking, many visit for up to two days.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Howth?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Howth?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Howth?.

Other Cities to Explore