Dublin coastal DART itinerary 2026: Howth, Dalkey and Bray in 3 days

Dublin’s coastline is its secret strength

Most visitors concentrate on Dublin city centre and miss the extraordinary coastal strip that runs north to Howth and south through Dún Laoghaire, Dalkey and Bray. The DART — Dublin’s coastal commuter rail — connects these villages cheaply and reliably, running along cliffs and shoreline that rival anywhere in Ireland.

This three-day itinerary stays largely on the DART line and the coastal paths. It is not a sightseeing marathon — it is about walking, sea air, good seafood and the particular atmosphere of Dublin’s coastal villages. A Leap card covers all DART fares and is the only transport you need; day fares are capped and the whole coastal corridor costs very little.

Read the DART and coastal day out guide and the DART and Luas guide before you start.

Day 1: Howth — cliff walk and Ireland’s Eye

Getting there: DART from Connolly Station, 35 minutes. Trains run every 15–20 minutes; the Howth branch is the most scenic section of the whole line.

Morning: cliff walk

Howth is a rocky headland jutting into Dublin Bay, 15 km northeast of the city. The cliff walk circles the headland with views of Dublin Bay, the Wicklow Mountains to the south, and the Isle of Man on a clear day. There are three main route options:

Summit loop (6 km, 2–3 hours, moderate): the full circuit via the summit and the Baily Lighthouse. Requires reasonable fitness and footwear.
Lower cliff path (3 km, 1.5 hours, easy): follows the waterline, no significant ascent, suitable for most people.
East loop (4 km, 2 hours, moderate): the best compromise — covers the most dramatic cliff section without the full summit.

The Howth cliff walk guide covers all three options with detailed timings.

Afternoon: Ireland’s Eye boat trip

Ireland’s Eye is a small, uninhabited island visible from Howth pier — a 15-minute boat crossing. The island has a beach, nesting seabirds (gannets, guillemots, razorbills in season), and a Martello tower. The ferry from Howth to Ireland’s Eye runs from the east pier and includes time on the island — allow 2–3 hours total.

Alternatively, a Howth coastal boat tour covers the cliffs by sea without landing on the island — good for those who prefer a shorter commitment.

Lunch and evening: Howth harbour

Howth’s fish market and harbour seafood restaurants are legitimately excellent. Beshoff Brothers has the best fish and chips. Wrights of Howth is the sit-down seafood option with good Dublin Bay prawns. The coastal craft beer and seafood tour in Howth is a guided 3-hour afternoon option combining the two.

Stay in Howth for the evening, or take the DART back to Dublin (35 minutes) for dinner.

Day 2: Dún Laoghaire and Dalkey

Getting there: DART from Pearse Station (city centre) to Dún Laoghaire, 20 minutes. Dalkey is two stops further south.

Morning: Dún Laoghaire harbour and the People’s Pier

Dún Laoghaire is a Victorian harbour town with a long pier walk — the two granite piers extend 1.3 km each into Dublin Bay, and the morning walk out to the lighthouse is one of the best easy coastal walks near Dublin. The East Pier promenade has ice cream kiosks, sea swimmers, and the particular atmosphere of a working Irish harbour town. On Sundays, the People’s Park Farmers’ Market (10:00–15:00) is one of the best in Leinster.

A Dublin Bay cruise from the city centre to Dún Laoghaire is a good option for arriving in style — the 60-minute boat journey from the city centre passes under the bridges and out into the bay.

Late morning: Dalkey village

Two DART stops south of Dún Laoghaire, Dalkey is one of Dublin’s most attractive villages — mediaeval castles on the main street, a small island offshore, restaurants in converted stone buildings, and the sense that the village has been here for a very long time (it was the main port of Dublin for medieval trade). Dalkey Castle has guided tours; the village is worth an hour of wandering.

The Dún Laoghaire Dalkey Island boat cruise runs from Dún Laoghaire pier and includes Dalkey Island — a Martello tower, a ruined church, and a colony of goats. The 60-minute cruise is a good midday activity.

Afternoon: Killiney Hill

A 20-minute walk south of Dalkey village brings you to Killiney Hill — a Victorian park with panoramic views of the entire coastline from Howth to the Wicklow Mountains. The Killiney Hill and Dalkey Castle tour covers both; or walk independently up the hill for the view and back down to the Dalkey DART station.

Evening: dinner in Dalkey or Dún Laoghaire

Dalkey has a strong restaurant scene relative to its size — Nosh on Castle Street is the local institution; Finnegan’s pub has consistently good food in a proper local atmosphere. Dún Laoghaire has more options including several Indian and Asian restaurants with excellent value.

Day 3: Bray and the coastal path to Greystones

Getting there: DART from Pearse Station to Bray, 45 minutes. Bray is at the southern end of the DART line.

Morning: Bray town and seafront

Bray is a seaside resort town at the base of Bray Head — a dramatic headland with a cross at the summit. The seafront promenade stretches a kilometre south to the foot of the headland; the town itself has a slightly faded, genuinely Irish seaside atmosphere that is the opposite of the polished tourist experience and all the more charming for it.

Breakfast on the seafront — the Harbour Bar is one of the most-awarded pubs in Ireland and serves breakfast.

Midmorning: Bray Head and coastal path

The walk over Bray Head to Greystones is one of the great coastal walks in Leinster. The headland section is steep in places (sturdy shoes recommended) but the views — Bray Head to the south, Dublin Bay to the north, the Wicklow Mountains inland — are exceptional. The full walk from Bray to Greystones takes about 90 minutes.

Alternatively, walk along the base of the cliff on the lower coastal path (1.5 hours, gentler) rather than over the top.

Lunch: Greystones

Greystones is a small harbour village at the end of the coastal walk. The Happy Pear is a well-known vegetarian café-restaurant that is genuinely excellent; the harbour has good seafood options.

Return from Greystones to Dublin by DART (55 minutes) or Dart Explorer ticket — the line heads north through Bray, Dún Laoghaire and along the coast back to the city.

Afternoon: Killiney Bay viewpoint (optional)

If you have energy, the DART stops at Killiney on the return — a 10-minute walk up to the Vico Road coastal viewpoint gives one of the finest views in County Dublin: the sweep of Killiney Bay and a clear day’s line of coast to Wicklow Head. Then back on the DART to Dublin.

Practical notes

DART fares: A Leap card is essential. Day fares are capped. Howth (Zone 4) costs about €2.70 single; Bray (Zone 5) about €3.30. The full DART coastal day out from Howth to Bray costs under €10 with a Leap card.

Weather: The coastal walks are exposed. Wind and rain are possible any time of year — pack a windproof layer and proper footwear for the cliff walks.

Best season: Summer (June–August) for long evenings and best sea swimming. Spring and autumn for less company on the cliff paths. Winter for dramatic waves and honest pub warmth.

Budget (3 days, excluding accommodation):

Category	Approximate cost
DART fares (3 days)	~€25–30
Boat trips (Ireland’s Eye + Dalkey Island)	~€35–45
Guided coastal tour	~€30–50
Meals (3 days)	~€130–160
Drinks	~€30–40
Total per person	~€250–320