Ireland · Hiking

Hike the UNESCO Dublin Bay Biosphere. Dublin. Guided.

5 Hours Round trip from Dublin Moderate pace

Cliffside path with sweeping ocean vistas

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Guided 5-hour hike through the UNESCO Dublin Bay Biosphere
02 Start with freshly baked scones, tea and coffee in Howth
03 Route adapted to the weather, tides and season
04 Explore cliffs, woodlands, heathland and coastal trails
05 Views over Dublin Bay and the Wicklow Mountains
06 Spot local wildlife including goats, highland cattle and marine life
07 See Binn Éadair, Shielmartin Hill, Red-Rock and the Baily Lighthouse
08 Finish near the Summit Inn for a post-hike refreshment stop

Discover the wild side of Dublin on a guided hike through the UNESCO Dublin Bay Biosphere on the Howth peninsula. Begin with freshly baked scones, tea and coffee before setting out on a route shaped by the day’s weather, tides and season, making each experience a little different.

Over five hours, explore cliff paths, woodlands, heathland and coastal viewpoints with sweeping views across Dublin Bay and towards the Wicklow Mountains. Along the way, look out for local wildlife including Howth goats, highland cattle, giant pigs and marine life, and take in landmarks such as Binn Éadair, Shielmartin Hill, Sutton Martello Tower, Red-Rock and the Baily Lighthouse.

This is an active, off-road hiking experience for travellers who want nature, scenery and local insight just beyond the city. The day wraps up near the Summit Inn, where you can relax with a well-earned beverage and snack at your own expense.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Hours

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

City Dublin

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

10.00, rendezvous over Ireland’s finest freshly baked scones, tea & coffee at the House restaurant, 4 Main Street, Howth.

Assess the weather, tide & season and choose the best route for your unique day.

10.30, walk up the village with a chance to grab last minute provisions and collect our trusty hound Loki, before we go off-road.

Explore the ever-changing habitats, woodlands, heathland & cliffs to Binn Éadair, HG Wells’ most beautiful view in the world.

Hike across the peninsula, around Shielmartin Hill to Sutton Martello Tower and Red-Rock, overlooking Dublin Bay and the Wicklow mountains.

Find the Howth Goats, highland cattle, giant pigs & marine life for a real safari.

Ascend the famous Howth cliff paths to the Baily Lighthouse and the Summit, enjoying awe-inspiring vistas.

Around 3pm, wrap it up at the Summit Inn for a well-deserved beverage and snack.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Dublin 1 city · 5 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Guided 5-hour hike with expert local guide (English)
Freshly baked scones with tea or coffee at the start
Small, intimate group experience
Route tailored to weather, tides and season

What's Not Included

Post-hike food and drinks at a local pub or restaurant

Know before you go

Meet 10:00 at House Restaurant, 4 Main Street, Howth. Start and finish points differ (finish near the Summit Inn).
Route varies with weather, tides and season to ensure best experience.
Off-road hiking on uneven terrain with cliff paths. This is a hike, not a casual walk.
Public transport: DART to Howth station or H3/6 bus to Bus Stop 560.

Logistics