Private Howth Coastal Walk
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 8 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Howth Coastal Walk worth booking?
Private Howth Coastal Walk is a 5-hour experience in Dublin, Ireland, from $454 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 8 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 61 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (8)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $454 per person
Join us on an exclusive journey along the private Howth Coastal Walk, where the past meets panoramic views. Led by seasoned guides, delve into Howth's rich history, indulge in fresh seafood, and discover hidden treasures from the Great Baily Lighthouse to Howth Harbour. Suitable for all seeking an intimate adventure. Book now and elevate your Ireland trip!
What you get
About this experience
Join us on an exclusive journey along the private Howth Coastal Walk, where the past meets panoramic views. Led by seasoned guides, delve into Howth's rich history, indulge in fresh seafood, and discover hidden treasures from the Great Baily Lighthouse to Howth Harbour. Suitable for all seeking an intimate adventure. Book now and elevate your Ireland trip!
What's included
Included
- Tour Guide: experienced, qualified and Irish!
- Transportation fee / Public transport (round-trip)
- Private tour - tailored just for your group
Not included
- Food and drinks are not included, but you will stop for a tea/coffee/pint in the middle of the tour
- Gratuities/tips are welcome
- Entry tickets
What you'll see and do
As the sun casts its gentle rays over Dublin's cobblestone streets, anticipation fills the air. Your guide, a seasoned storyteller with a twinkle in their eye, meets you at the hotel or the lively bus stop, ready to whisk you away on a journey to Howth. There's a sense of excitement as you board the H3 bus, leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the city for the tranquility of the coast. With each passing mile, you feel the weight of everyday life slipping away, replaced by the promise of adventure and discovery.
60 minutes here · Admission included
As you ascend the winding roads of Howth, anticipation builds with each twist and turn. At last, you arrive at a place where the sky meets the sea in a breathtaking panorama – Howth Summit. Perched atop the rugged cliffs, overlooking the vast expanse of Dublin Bay, stands The Summit Inn, a beacon of warmth and hospitality amidst the wild beauty of the coast. Step inside and feel the cozy embrace of a traditional Irish pub, where tales of seafaring adventures and local legends linger in the air. It's the perfect starting point for your journey, a place where every sip of stout is savored and every moment holds the promise of adventure.
1 minutes here
Howth
Enjoy a coastal walk. With the crisp sea breeze kissing your cheeks and the rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the shore, you begin your coastal walk along the rugged cliffs of Howth. As you follow the winding path, every step brings new wonders into view – from the majestic sweep of the coastline to the tranquil beauty of hidden coves. Time seems to stand still as you lose yourself in the natural splendor of this coastal paradise, soaking in the sights, sounds, and scents of the sea. With each passing minute, you feel a deeper connection to the land and sea, as if the very essence of Howth is seeping into your soul.
90 minutes here
Baily Lighthouse
Next, we'll overlook the Great Baily Lighthouse, perched on the rugged cliffs of Howth. Take in the breathtaking views of Dublin Bay and learn about its ancient origins. Hear the stories of battles fought and human remains uncovered, adding layers to the island's history.
Pass by without stopping
Balscadden Bay Beach
Balscadden House and Notable Residents Visit the picturesque Balscadden House, once owned by the Yeats family. Discover the fascinating connection to renowned poet William Butler Yeats and other famous guests who graced its halls.
Pass by without stopping
Howth Castle And Estate
(Optional) Howth Castle and Early History Our adventure begins at Howth Castle, a historic gem dating back to the 1300s. Discover the intriguing tales of the St. Lawrence family, the lords of Howth since 1180. Learn about the legendary "Blind Lord" and his scandalous actions. As we explore the castle, you'll step back in time to witness centuries of history.
Pass by without stopping
Lambay Island
Lambay Island, the largest off the east coast of Ireland, beckons us to explore its unique geology and history. Discover the intriguing ownership history of the island, including its connection to the Baring family. Meet the Greater Red Necked Irish Wallaby and learn about their adaptation to the island's climate.
Pass by without stopping
Enjoy a short break at a traditional pub where you can have an Irish Coffee, a pint of Guinness, or a delicious lunch. *Food and drinks are not included.
50 minutes here · Admission not included
Howth Market
Nestled amidst the charming streets of Howth lies a hidden gem awaiting discovery – the Howth Market. On certain days of the week, this vibrant hub comes to life, offering a tantalizing array of sights, sounds, and flavors. Follow the scent of freshly baked bread and sizzling treats as you wander through the bustling stalls, each one a treasure trove of artisanal delights. From local crafts to gourmet goodies, there's something to tempt every palate and delight every sense. Lose yourself in the lively atmosphere, where laughter mingles with the chatter of vendors and the buzz of eager shoppers. It's a feast for the senses and a true taste of Howth's vibrant spirit.
20 minutes here
St Mary's Abbey
St. Mary's Abbey and Viking Origins Step back in time at St. Mary's Abbey, founded by King Sightrygg in 1042. Learn about its historical significance and the amalgamation of churches on the site. Explore the ruins and gain insight into early Viking history.
15 minutes here · Admission not included
Waiting for the next train to Pearse to return to the city. The guide will drop you off at hotel (optional)
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Dublin
The guide will meet you at the H3 bus stop 291 to Howth, Abbey at St Lower.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Ends at
The guide will meet you at the H3 bus stop 291 to Howth, Abbey at St Lower.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Dublin Tour Guide
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Not recommended for travelers with low fitness level, wheelchairs users, people with mobility issues.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 8 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
8 verified traveler reviews for Private Howth Coastal Walk. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Tour of Howth
Unbelievable guide..super knowledgeable, friendly, fun…took us all over Howth. Conor said he does more Dublin City tours these days… but send him to Howth!! Wonderful experience
Response from the operator: Hi, Thank you very much for your kind feedback. We're delighted to hear that Conor made such a great impression and that you enjoyed exploring Howth with him. It's wonderful to know his knowledge, friendliness, and sense of fun helped make your private tour so memorable. We'll be sure to pass along your suggestion! It was a pleasure hosting you, and we hope to welcome you back on another Dublin sightseeing adventure in the future. Best regards, Tam, Dublin Tour Guide Team
via Tripadvisor
Howth
Big thanks to John Caffrey who guided us around Howth. A fantastic nature experience! John was super nice, knowledgeable and had a good sense of humor which made our experience even better.
Response from the operator: Hi Jessica, Thank you very much for your kind feedback! We’re delighted you enjoyed your tour of Howth with John. His knowledge, good humor, and enthusiasm make for such a fantastic nature experience, and we’re glad it made your day even more special. It was a real pleasure hosting you, and we hope to see you again soon on another private sightseeing or walking tour in Dublin! Best regards, Jessica, Dublin Tour Guide Team
via Tripadvisor
GO TO HOWTH! AMAZING TOUR!
An amazing tour! Eamon was great! Friendly, knowledgeable, and funny. Plus the coastal walk in Howth was incredible! Gorgeous sights and amazing views! Definitely worth doing! Would highly recommend!
Response from the operator: Hi there, Thank you very much for your kind feedback! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed your time with Eamon. He’s a fantastic guide and we’re so glad his humour and insights made the Howth coastal walk even more special. The scenery along the coast is truly beautiful, and we’re glad you got to experience it. It was a pleasure hosting you on this custom-made tour and we hope to welcome you again soon for more sightseeing adventures around Dublin. Best regards, Jessica, Dublin Tour Guide Team
via Tripadvisor
Walking Tour
If you love hiking, coastal views and history, this is the perfect tour. We had a fantastic day and learned so much! John is a great tour guide.
Response from the operator: Hi Shiela, Thank you very much for your lovely feedback! We’re delighted you had such a fantastic day on your private walking tour with John. Between the coastal views, rich history, and great company, it sounds like a perfect sightseeing experience in Dublin! It was a real pleasure hosting you, and we hope to welcome you back soon for another custom-made adventure. Best regards, Jessica, Dublin Tour Guide Team
via Viator
Book this walk to Howth with John Caffrey
We had a fantastic walk with John Caffrey to Howth. Our Guide is very friendly and has taught us a lot about the history of Howth and about beautiful Dublin. Very nice to have a good Guide. The enthusiasm bursts from it! If you are going to Dublin, book this walk with John Caffrey as Guide.
Response from the operator: Hi, Thank you very much for your fantastic feedback! We're thrilled you enjoyed exploring Howth with John Caffrey. His enthusiasm and knowledge truly bring Dublin’s and Howth’s history to life, and it sounds like you had an amazing time discovering the area. It was a pleasure hosting you, and we hope to see you again soon on your next visit to Dublin or any of our other tours in the future. Best regards, Jessica, Dublin Tour Guide Team
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
- Price range
- $454 to $771
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Dublin Tour Guide, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 74.3.
See everything Dublin Tour Guide runsWhy this scores 61
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Howth Coastal Walk: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Dublin.
How much does Private Howth Coastal Walk cost?
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Prices start at $454 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Dublin usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Private Howth Coastal Walk take?
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Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Dublin is not rushed.
Is Private Howth Coastal Walk worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 8 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Dublin, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Private Howth Coastal Walk?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Private Howth Coastal Walk suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Howth Coastal Walk?
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Around 3 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Dublin can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Dublin and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Howth Coastal Walk start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Dublin within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Dublin?
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On Outty we rank every Dublin experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Dublin to Belfast Titanic Dunluce Castle Giants Causeway Tour, Dublin to Belfast Black Cab: Dunluce Castle and Giant's Causeway, Dublin to Cliffs of Moher, including Wild Atlantic Way and Galway. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Dublin?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Dublin?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Private Howth Coastal Walk?
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Included: Tour Guide: experienced, qualified and Irish!; Transportation fee / Public transport (round-trip); and Private tour - tailored just for your group. Not included: Food and drinks are not included, but you will stop for a tea/coffee/pint in the middle of; Gratuities/tips are welcome; and Entry tickets. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Private Howth Coastal Walk include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 4 listed pickup locations in and around Dublin. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Private Howth Coastal Walk offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Private Howth Coastal Walk?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Private Howth Coastal Walk wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for travelers with low fitness level, wheelchairs users, people with mobil. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Private Howth Coastal Walk if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Dublin. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Private Howth Coastal Walk?
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Across 8 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, photo opportunities. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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