Howth & Malahide Coast Coach Tour from Dublin
A four-hour run along Dublin's north coast: Howth harbour and the cliff path, the coast road past Portmarnock, and Malahide Castle. It is the shortest tour on this list and fits easily into a morning before an afternoon flight.
What the day covers
- Howth Head cliff path and harbour
- Malahide Castle and gardens
- Portmarnock strand
When it runs
- Year-round; best on a clear morning
How the morning runs
Go to Howth first, on a clear morning if you can. The group sets down near the harbour, walks the pier, and anyone keen takes the cliff path round the Head, about an hour and a half on site in all. The coach then follows the coast road through Sutton and Baldoyle, past the long beach at Portmarnock, and on to Malahide. The castle's guided tour runs about 45 minutes. Book it ahead in summer, arrive ten minutes before your time, and leave time for the gardens.
Where the coach can stop
Fingal County Council bans on-street parking for vehicles of 3.5 tonnes or more except in designated places. At Howth the driver sets down by the harbour and then parks where the rules allow, returning at the agreed time. Malahide Castle has its own car park with bays for coaches, so the group gets off within a short walk of the castle door. The tour runs in vehicles from a 7-seat executive van up to a 29 to 35-seat midi coach.
Footwear and weather
The cliff path is a proper coastal walk: uneven, muddy after rain and exposed on the seaward side. Wear walking shoes or boots, not city shoes. In rain or high wind the group can stay around the harbour and the West Pier instead, and the castle visit is indoors. The views from the Head are best on a clear morning, which is why Howth goes first.
Finishing at the airport
Malahide is north of the city, on the same side as Dublin Airport, so many groups end the tour with a flight. Tell the operator the flight number and departure time, and the run back is planned around it. Luggage stays in the vehicle all morning. Pick a vehicle with room for every case: a 7-seat executive van or a 16-seat minibus holds one case per seat, and a midi coach takes a large case and a cabin bag each.
Is the cliff path suitable for older passengers?
Parts are steep and uneven. Less steady walkers can enjoy the harbour, the piers and the castle gardens, and the full path is optional.
Can we do the tour the other way round?
Yes. With an early castle tour, Malahide can go first, but Howth is usually at its best before the afternoon cloud and crowds.
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