Howth Head, Howth, Co Dublin:With a well-defined path, ease of access from public transport and some stunning views across Dublin Bay, it's no wonder Howth Head is a favourite with day trippers, writes Francis Bradley
HOWTH, THE peninsula standing sentinel at the northern boundary of Dublin Bay, is a favourite destination for day trippers. Its name is believed to be of Norse origin from the word "hoved" or "head" in English. The modern Irish name, Binn Éadair, is derived from the Old Irish Benn Étair.
The walk describes one of the most popular routes in the Dublin area. There are several access points and escape routes and the area is well served by Dart and bus services. If two cars are available one can be left at the harbour and the other at the end of Strand Road. The walk, in either direction, is superb and if you finish at the harbour there is a wide choice of recovery units available in the form of bars, cafes and restaurants.
The path is well-defined along its entire length. For the purposes of this walk, always keep the sea on the right.
Leaving Strand Road behind, the track takes you past a Martello tower. Continue on across the hillside. It is steep and rocky and some care should be observed if the rock is wet. Shortly, you reach Red Rocks - a popular bathing place in my own youth - where there is a small, sheltered beach. Your next point of reference is Drumleck Point, which many feel is the beginning of the best part of the walk. My favourite part is from Piper's Cut around the Nose of Howth and on past Balscadden. However, this section around Doldrum Bay, where you are framed by spectacular properties on your left and the sea on your right, is special.
Your first escape route is along here, where a path goes left to Ceanchor Road and on to Carrickbrack Road, where you can catch a bus. There are some paths leading down to the beaches, but others are closed and have uninviting "Private" signs on the gates. Passing a house that has an airy position on the seaward side of the path, you soon emerge on open ground within sight of the Baily Lighthouse. If you are lucky, there will be some traffic in Dublin Bay, as this adds a nice spectacle to the great views across to Dún Laoghaire and the Wicklow Mountains. At this point you encounter the second escape route by turning left onto the lighthouse road and heading away from the sea.
A little further on there are a number of paths leading uphill on the left - your final escape points. These lead to the summit car park, a short distance from which you can get refreshments in the Summit Inn. The walk is now in open country and, as you head north, Lambay Island comes into view with, if you are lucky, the Mourne Mountains visible in the distance.
As you round the Nose of Howth, the harbour comes into view, with Ireland's Eye a kilometre offshore. The island, which is now a bird sanctuary, has a Martello tower and church ruins, which date to AD 700. During high season, Ireland's Eye can be reached by ferry from the harbour.
The track brings you down to Balscadden Road, where the rocks down on the right were once a favourite fishing ground, but I don't know what it is like now. Staying on this road you soon reach the harbour where you can choose how you want to finish off your walk.
• Start:End of Strand Road
• Finish:Howth harbour
• How to get there:
By car: turn right at Sutton Cross onto the Greenfield Road. Take the first right onto Strand Road and continue until the road turns away from the coast. Parking for a few cars.
By Dart: as far as Sutton Station. Further information www.irishrail.ie, www.dublinbus.ie.
Time and distance:Up to three hours, 8km approximately.
Map:Ordnance Survey Ireland Discovery Series sheet 50
Suitability:A walk suitable for all ages. Dress appropriately and don't litter.
Refreshments:Available at the summit and the harbour.