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Howth town

North Co Dublin  >  Ireland

Main birding area stretches from the lighthouse at the end of the eastern breakwater to beyond the cliff east of the town. Difficulty varies.

Added* by Axel Kirby
Most recent update 24 July 2022

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 Sand Martin in early summer. From the road and beyond the carpark, there will be Common Guillemot and Black Guillemot visible on the sea. There's a nesting cliff with Kittiwake and Razorbill. 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/village

Conditions

Hilly , Rocky , Dry , High water possible

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Yes

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Summer

Route

Paved road , Wide path , Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Extra 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

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

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