Howth is hands down one of the prettiest seaside towns in Dublin

With absolutely loads to see, do and eat in this stunning little part of Dublin, there's no reason not to spend a whole day out here. So, how do you get there? Well, Howth is on the DART line, meaning it's super accessible from different parts of north and south Dublin, and even Bray and Greystones. The 31a bus also heads out that way from Talbot Street. So, here are ten things to occupy you while you spend a day out in the gorgeous neck of the woods.

1. Walk down Howth Pier

On a sunny day, there is always a hustle and bustle around Howth Pier. If you live on the Northside, you know it's a go-to spot when Mother Nature decides to treat us more favourably. Walking to the end of the pier gives you picturesque views of the village of Howth as well as the dramatic coastline along the cliffs of Howth Head. There are a few spots at the end of the pier where you can perch yourself on a step and enjoy an ice cream or stun bag of chips. Just be careful of the seagulls. When they see what they want, they tend to just take it. https://www.instagram.com/p/BysnisTH5SR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

2. Go for a dip at Balscadden Bay Beach

This wee beach is the definition of a 'hidden gem'. On a sunny day, Howth will be fairly busy, but this little beach tends to act as a nice little escape from the crowds. When you walk past the village towards Howth Head, walk up the hill until you reach a little gate, behind which there is a set of quite steep steps that lead you down to this beach. https://www.instagram.com/p/By3SbKeITsq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link  

3. Hike up Howth Cliff Walk

You simply cannot miss out on this cliff walk in your lifetime. The expansive panoramic views along with the fresh seaside air give you a new lease on life. Howth Cliff Walk isn't too hard of a hike. For a walk that brings you so high and gives you such good views, I'd say it's intermediate in terms of difficulty. https://www.instagram.com/p/By7dAZCpHwP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

4. Have Dinner and pints at O'Connell's

Pro tip: The wings here are stunning. It's a great spot to chill with a pint and some hearty grub after a full day of summer activities in Howth. And they have a lovely little outdoor patio area from which you can see Howth Pier. https://www.instagram.com/p/ByfZzs_CHKr/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

5. Get a boat out to Ireland's Eye

From Howth Pier, you can head out to Ireland's Eye via boat. The trip only lasts 15 minutes and you can spend as long as you like there. With nobody inhabiting the island, it's an amazing little escape that is right on our shores. https://www.instagram.com/p/By21WcFidQ6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

6. Howth Market

Open Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays between 9am and 6pm, there is so much stuff just waiting to be discovered at Howth Market, like organic produce, freshly baked goods, jewellery, clothing and antiques. It's located just a short walk up from the DART station, across the road from the West Pier. There are also four permanent retail units that are open seven days a week. https://www.instagram.com/p/BxmVaPhiO67/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

7. Grab a pint at The Bloody Stream

After a day in the sun, perhaps jumping in the water or hiking along gloriously rugged cliffs, there's nothing like a cold pint for the ultimate conclusion to your day out. The Bloody Stream is a great shout for just that. With an extensive menu of fresh seafood and other delicious bites, you can sit back, relax and soak up the rest of the day's sun in their lovely outdoor area. https://www.instagram.com/p/COiLG-NDbAY/

8. Head for BYOB at the Dog House

A BYOB restaurant that is also dog-friendly? I'm sold. You could definitely describe The Dog House Blues Tearoom as quirky in terms of its decor, and the food they serve is actually pure delicious. With a kitchen open until 11pm, they are one of the latest-serving restaurants in the area. https://www.instagram.com/p/BwJ1ISgAQy2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link https://www.instagram.com/p/Bxf-WmLifxR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

9. Lay in the grass and eat a bag of chips

All along the seafront in Howth, there are spacious green patches that make for a perfect spot to perch yourself on the ground and enjoy a bag of chips. Because nothing screams summer in Dublin like an unreal bag of chips in the sun. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bk1-DN8j2VC/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link https://www.instagram.com/p/Bts9r_2gPGD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

10. Explore hidden Howth

Journey through areas with surprising stories behind them as you're guided around the hidden gems of Howth by a local. You'll hear tales of the Vikings and Normans and it makes for a super interesting way to spend a few hours. https://www.instagram.com/p/BvrT1Omnq3X/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link https://www.instagram.com/p/BtdQLHvHFGJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link READ NEXT: Top 12 brunch spots we recommend in Dublin right now 2023