Description
There's a variety of seawatching and townscape. Seabirds fly in from Ireland's Eye and dive for fish. Some waders use the breakwater slopes. At the start of the road up the cliff (near the toilets), there's a sandstone cliff alive with Digesvale in early summer. From the road and beyond the carpark, there will be Lomvie and Tejst visible on the sea. There's a nesting cliff with Ride and Alk. The upland urban area is known for spring migrants.
Difficulty varies from easy along the breakwater and harbourside to strenuous while climbing along the cliffside road and paths.
Details
Access
Howth can be accessed by Dublin Bus, rail (DART) or car. If you go by car, parking will be a problem at weekends or holidays - try to arrive before 9:30am and park either by the toilets at the eastern breakwater or the higher one along the cliff road. Once there, best to explore on foot.
Terrain and Habitat
Beach , Scattered trees and bushes , Moors/heathland , Sea , City/villageConditions
Hilly , Rocky , Dry , High water possibleCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
YesGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
SummerRoute
Paved road , Wide path , Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
FootBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
It's possible to hire a boat to visit Ireland's Eye and it's nesting areas. This report only covers the town and its neighbourhood - Howth Head is a larger area with its own possibilities