Baily Lighthouse: A Beacon of History on Howth Head
Explore the historic Baily Lighthouse on Howth Head: stunning views, rich maritime history, and scenic coastal walks await!
Perched on the southeastern tip of Howth Head, the Baily Lighthouse has guided ships into Dublin Bay since 1814. Replacing an earlier, less effective structure, this iconic lighthouse offers stunning panoramic views and a glimpse into Ireland's maritime past. Though the tower itself is not open to the public, the surrounding grounds and coastal paths provide ample opportunity to appreciate its beauty and the dramatic coastal scenery.
A brief summary to Baily Lighthouse
- Dublin, Howth, IE
- Visit website
Local tips
- Wear sturdy shoes for exploring the coastal paths around the lighthouse, as the terrain can be uneven and rocky.
- Check the weather forecast before your visit, as it can be windy and exposed on Howth Head.
- Bring binoculars for birdwatching, as the cliffs are home to a variety of seabird species.
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best lighting for photography.
- Combine your visit with a walk in Howth village to enjoy fresh seafood and local shops.
Getting There
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Walking
From Howth DART station, follow the purple arrow onto the promenade along the harbor. At the end of the prom, veer right onto Balscadden Road and ascend to reach Kilrock car park from where you join the well-trodden cliff path. Follow the cliff path for approximately 3km before the green, blue and red loops turn right and ascend to The Summit car park. Continue straight on here to reach the access road for the Baily Lighthouse. Cross the road and join the second section of cliff path.
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Public Transport
From Dublin city center, take the DART train to Howth station. From Howth DART station, you can take the 6 bus to Thormanby Road, which is a short walk to the lighthouse. The bus journey takes approximately 6 minutes and costs €3. Alternatively, from Dublin's D'Olier Street, the 31n Nitelink bus travels directly to Baily Lighthouse once daily on Saturdays and Sundays, taking about 48 minutes and costing €2-€3.
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Taxi
From Howth village, a taxi to Baily Lighthouse takes approximately 3 minutes and costs between €8-€10. From Dublin city center, a taxi to the lighthouse will take around 22 minutes, depending on traffic, and cost approximately €30-€40.
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