HOWTH Head dominates the northern side of Dublin Bay. The abrupt rocky headland, crowned by a heathery hill, stands watch over the bay and naturally draws the eye.
The harbour in Howth village makes a good starting point for a splendid coastal walk which encircles the rugged peninsula. There are steep cliffs, hidden coves, a lighthouse, martello towers, colonies of birds, exotic plants, and so on. Allow most of the day for the walk, as there is a lot to see.
DART trains and Dublin Bus services reach Howth. Anyone arriving by train should leave the station and turn left to follow the road to the harbour. Buses run all the way along the Harbour Road. There are also car parks beside the road. Walkers should follow the Harbour Road to the East Pier, then turn right and follow Balscadden Road uphill. The road runs up a rugged cliff overlooking Balscadden Bay. A martello tower is perched at a higher level.
Follow the road marked as a cul de sac, and look out for Balscadden House, which bears a plaque recording that the poet W.B. Yeats lived there from 1880 to 1883.
Keep to the right of the buildings at the end of the road to follow a well trodden path beyond some bollards. The path climbs gently as it proceeds around the Nose of Howth and becomes a well surfaced cliff path. Stay on the path as there are steep and rugged slopes both above and below, where it is easy to get into difficulty. After turning around the point, there are fine views towards the Wicklow mountains, Killiney, Bray Head and Wicklow Head.
The Baily Lighthouse is situated at the end of a rocky point, and once it has been spotted the cliff path starts to descend gradually towards it. This is not a direct descent, as the path twists and turns, and it is important not to take any paths leading inland. The path runs down to the access road for the lighthouse. Cross over this road and another path will be found which leads between dense bushes, although it is still well trodden.
THE bushes flanking the path look like garden escapees, and add an exotic flavour to the walk. At one point there is an open view around the steep and rugged Doldrum Bay, with the Baily Lighthouse to the left and a white cottage perched on the cliff to the right. The path runs behind the cottage and reaches a junction with another path. Turn left 10 continue.
The path is broad and clear, but take care to avoid other paths leading through gates to right and left. Turn left at a junction of paths beside a short stretch of lap board fencing, and continue to follow the path gradually downhill. It leaves the hedging behind and runs across more open slopes. There are short flights of steps and the path follows a stout wall, the stones of which have been bonded using a seashell mortar.
The wall is lost later as the path crosses a steep and rocky slope. Look carefully ahead to spot its course and keep children and dogs under close control. Hands may be required as your feet move steadily across the slope. An easier path continues towards an inhabited martello tower. Beyond the tower a clear track leads onwards to Strand Road.
TURN left to follow StrandRoad, which has a Dublin Bus service, and later passes a shop. Strand Road joins Carrickbrack Road, where a right turn is made. Later, turn left along the road called Offington Park, at its end a right turn leads on to the busy Howth Road. Alternatively, continue on Greenfield Road to end at Sutton Cross. Howth Road has a Dublin Bus service and there are DART stations near Sutton Cross and before the harbour at Howth.
