Howth: the harbour and the cliff path
A working fishing harbour, then the cliff path round the Head to the Baily light. This is a Claude-drafted route awaiting the editor's walk.

1. Howth Harbour and the West Pier
Start where the DART leaves you, at the harbour. Walk out the West Pier past the trawlers landing the morning's catch and the seals that hang around the fish stalls waiting for scraps. You don't have to buy anything, but a paper cone of prawns sets the tone.

2. The East Pier and lighthouse
Cross to the East Pier for the 1818 lighthouse at its tip and the view back over the boats to the hill. This is where the mail packet from Holyhead once docked before Dún Laoghaire stole the trade. Turn and start climbing toward the cliff.

3. The cliff path start (Balscadden)
Past Balscadden Bay the path narrows and the sea opens up on your left. Ireland's Eye sits just offshore. The path is well worn but unfenced in places — keep children and the careless on the inside.

4. The Nose of Howth
The headland's eastern point, where the path turns south and the open Irish Sea fills the whole horizon. On a clear day the Mountains of Mourne show up to the north. The best stretch of the whole walk starts here.

5. The Baily Lighthouse viewpoint
The path climbs through heather and gorse to the high cliffs above the Baily, the white lighthouse on its own black promontory marking the entrance to Dublin Bay. You can't reach the light itself, but the view down to it is the picture everyone comes for.

6. Howth Summit and the loop back
Cut up to the summit car park for the heather and the view across the bay to the Wicklow hills, then drop back down through the village. The Summit Inn is the traditional finish before the walk back to the DART.

Howth: the harbour and the cliff path