Hillwalk(Easy) Howth Head

Meeting Point: Skerries Train Station

Time:  Meet at 08:40 a.m., departing on 08:52 a.m. train

Walk Starting point:  Howth DART Station.   Walk Starting Time: 10.30 a.m.

Route: Howth Head Cliff Walk – lovely loop walk starting off through Deerpark  and the Bog of Frogs – skirting Shielmartin Hill and returning around by Red Rock and the Baily Lighthouse.

Distance: 14km

Duration: 3 hrs.30 mins 

This is an EASY HILLWALK – NOT a RAMBLE

1) Please ensure that, at the very least, you have good walking shoes/hiking boots (no trainers), and depending on the weather forecast – multiple layers including a warm jacket/fleece, hat and gloves, a waterproof jacket and trousers, a flask with a hot drink, sandwiches/snacks, a litre of water and a small rucksack. If you are unsure about your gear check with leader a few days beforehand as anyone turning up with inadequate gear will not be permitted to walk.

2) It is highly recommended that you do not wear any clothing made from DENIM/CORDUROY/COTTON on the hike.

3) The club is a supporter of the ‘Leave No Trace’ campaign so please ensure that you leave no litter (of any sort) on the hike route.

3) NEVER go ahead of the Leader without being sure of the way!

Leader’s Note:

The Cliff Walk is a fine, well maintained coastal path. It requires a moderate level of fitness to handle the ups and downs of the route. There are wonderful vistas all around the route, including the Wicklow Mountains, Dublin Bay, Lambay Is. and Ireland’s Eye. The cliffs are great for birds and grey seals may also be seen. There are lovely views of the Baily Lighthouse as well. We will be doing the walk in an anti-clockwise direction – starting off through Deerpark and returning via the East Pier.

Note: walking sticks can be useful given the up & down nature of the trail.

We will meet at Skerries Train Station at 08.40 a.m. to catch the 08.52 a.m. train to Malahide, then DART to Howth Junction and DART to Howth, arriving at 09.38 a.m. Alternatively plenty of free car parking beside Howth Pier for anybody who wishes to drive there. A nice coffee in Beshoff’s on the West Pier (outdoor + heaters) before heading off on the walk at 10.30 a.m. Refreshments and lunch at the end of the walk in the Bloody Stream (outdoor covered area with heaters) for those who wish to relax after it. Plenty of afternoon DARTs/trains to get back to Skerries from Howth. 

Covid-19 related: Walkers are advised that they will be asked to confirm that they have no Covid-19 like symptoms and agree to walk at their own risk.  The organisers cannot accept any liability in the event of injury/Covid-19 infection.

Please email or text leader John Coleman by Monday 6th December if you intend going on the walk and whether meeting up in Skerries or Howth, along with mob. phone no. for contact. For ease of communication and updates a WhatsApp group will be set up for this walk. If you do not wish to be included in this WhatsApp group please let the leader know when you get in touch to book your place.