|
[Author and photographer © Dr Phil Brown PhD plus notes help from AI, updated June 10th 2026]10b. Howth to Sutton Cross scenic cliff walk - Part 2 Grey Seals and diversion to Howth Abbey ruins, Part 3 The Howth Cliff walk See also ... Howth to Sutton Cross scenic walk - Part 1 Howth and Picture sequence - Howth harbour & cliff walk *
Sutton Station on the coastal DART line near where we were staying. You can take the train to Howth and do the coastal cliff walk back to Sutton Station, or the other way round. You can even walk from Sutton to Howth on the beach or vice versa if the tide is out!
The lighthouse at the entrance to Howth Harbour and viewed through the myriad of yachts safely berthed in the excellent moorings of the harbour which you see on the start of the Howth Cliff Walk.
By the lighthouse is a commemorative plaque honouring the landing here on Sunday July 26th 1914 of Erskine Childers and the crew of the yacht "Asgard" laden with guns and ammunition and Irish Volunteers to fight for the freedom of Ireland.
There is quite a large population of grey seals on the East Coast of Ireland and some are quite tame and are fed fish in Howth Harbour and seem to really enjoy the company of onlookers!
The fishing is good for humans too off the piers and breakwater of Howth Harbour - a good 'Island's Eye' for a fish!
Howth Abbey occupies the site of a church founded in 1042 by Sigtrygg, King of Dublin. This was replaced about 1235 by a new church founded by Luke, Archbishop of Dublin. The buildings seen now date from the late 14th or early 15th century.
In the lovely fishing village of Howth you can find the remains of Howth Abbey, here viewed from the Martello tower above the harbour (on the left of picture below).
The Abbey remains viewed from the graveyard overlooking Howth Harbour. Just below is the historic 'supposedly' 15th century Abbey Tavern, a great venue for an Irish night out, there are steps up to the Abbey entrance. After this return to the harbour and head west along a road from by the breakwater until you eventually find the start of the path. It is a wonderful sea cliff walk with outstanding views most of the way e.g. across to Irelands Eye and Lambay Island and across Dublin Bay to the Wicklow mountains.
So, farewell to the fishing boats and harbour of Howth as we climb up above the sea onto the really good path around on the cliffs of Howth.
Heading out to the Cliffs of Howth and looking back towards the Martello Tower (on the left of the above and below pictures), the harbour breakwater and Irelands Eye island. The real start of the Howth Cliff Walk
Martello Towers were built by the British in the late 18th century as part of the defensive system of the Napoleonic wars with France.
Fishing boat returning to Howth harbour viewed from the Howth Cliff Walk.
The cliffs near Howth and Lambay Island in the right-distance before turning southward to follow the clearly marked path all the way round to Sutton Cross. This a really great and satisfying cliff walk all the way round from Howth to Sutton, or vice versa and lots more details and images in Part 3 below. Howth to Sutton Cross scenic cliff walk - Part 3 The path along the Howth Cliff Walk
The poet W.B. Yeats lived in Balscaddon House from 1880-1883, the house near the end of the cul-de-sac road that forms the first part of the Howth to Sutton cliff walk.
The Howth Literary Hub has set up a cafe at the start of the Howth Cliff walk, just before the road ends.
The island of Ireland's Eye and Howth Harbour a half-mile into the Howth cliff walk.
Same scene in better weather for the Howth Cliff Walk!
The Howth Cliff Walk is a most glorious walk
Lots of gorse out in full bloom in spring-time on the lovely Howth Cliff Walk.
Most of the Howth Cliff walk is on good footpaths close to the coast.
The path at the Howth end of the walk is high above the sea on the Howth Cliff Walk ...
It is an easily to follow path, though stout shoes or boots are advisable when undertaking the Howth Cliff Walk.
... and both beautiful and invigorating in the sea breeze on the well marked out path ...
Looking towards the Bailey Lighthouse on the Howth Cliff Walk, a small freighter is heading for Dublin Port.
The Wicklow Mountains across Dublin Bay viewed from the Howth Cliff Walk near the Bailey Lighthouse.
... that heads southwards towards the Bailey Lighthouse. Lots of sea cliffs and sea birds to observe on the Howth Cliff Walk.
The Bailey Lighthouse and looking across Dublin Bay to the Wicklow hills and mountains.
Looking back at the Bailey Lighthouse, a bit murky!
The sturdy Bailey Lighthouse on the headland overlooking Dublin Bay
Lots of Hebe and Gorse in bloom near the Bailey lighthouse, despite it being mid-February.
Garden flower escapees?
The Wicklow mountains viewed across Dublin Bay from the Howth Cliff Walk.
Looking in the Howth direction passed the Bailey lighthouse - now in automated use.
There lots of wild flowers, especially in May when we re-did the walk again! (our favourite walk in County Dublin! and always the seabirds on the rocks such as shags and cormorants.
The telegraph cable sign near opposite Dublin's power station.
Warning - dangerous cliffs! on the Howth Cliff Walk.
To the left is towards the Bailey Lighthouse and the Wicklow mountains in Wexford in the distant right across Dublin Bay on the Howth Cliff Walk.
The coastal scenery approaching the road to Sutton Cross which is near the Martello tower.
Lots of wild flowers on the walk.
Looking across Dublin Bay from Sutton to the chimneys of the old power station
Zoom shots towards Dublin Port on the Howth Cliff Walk.
The walking path (right) from Howth to Sutton has been greatly improved, especially the last section into Sutton
The Martello Tower has now been fully converted to a 'domestic dwelling'!
The rocks near Sutton at the end/start of the walk. Glacial deposition on top of much older igneous rocks. The Martello tower on the far left is occupied!
Looking across to Dublin Port from the Sutton Dinghy Club with its small sailing boats.
At the end of the walk you walk by the North Bull island Nature Reserve near Sutton Cross.
The North Bull island Nature Reserve is a good place for bird watching, lots of ducks and waders to spot.
Lots of waders feeding on the mudflats of North Bull Island nature reserve.
Before walking onto the shops and cafes of Sutton, you pass the beautiful Luí-na-Gréine (Path of the Sun) Winter Solstice Sunset marking stone, designed by the sculptress Clíodhna Cussen and located on the edge of Sutton Creek on Greenfield Road overlooking North Bull island Nature Reserve. The Luí-na-Gréine stone is carved from hard granite with sun symbols and designs of artefacts from the kitchen middens of one of the first Neolithic settlements in the Howth region. The Luí-na-Gréine stone is in perfect alignment with the setting sun on the Winter Solstice (21st December) when sitting on the matching stone bench at the Creek’s boundary wall. Notes about Sutton Cross Sutton Cross is the small but busy centre of Sutton, a coastal suburb on the Howth Peninsula in North Co. Dublin. It serves as the local hub where roads from Howth, Baldoyle, Bayside, and the coast meet, and it’s the main gateway between Sutton and the rest of Dublin. The area is known for its seaside atmosphere, easy transport links, and the long‑established Marine Hotel, one of the peninsula’s landmarks. What Sutton Cross IsSutton Cross is essentially the village centre of Sutton — a compact junction with shops, cafés, services, and transport connections. It sits at the narrow “waist” of the Howth Peninsula, with Dublin Bay on one side and Sutton Creek on the other. From here, you’re minutes from:
It’s a popular residential area because it offers a quiet coastal lifestyle while still being well connected to Dublin City. DART: Sutton Station to DublinSutton is served by Sutton DART
Station, located just a short walk from Sutton Cross.
Travel time from Sutton to Dublin city
centre is typically 25–30 minutes. Bus Services from Sutton Cross to DublinSeveral Dublin Bus and Go‑Ahead Ireland routes pass through or near Sutton Cross, connecting it to the city and surrounding suburbs. According to public transport routing data, buses serving the area include:
These routes provide direct or connecting journeys into Dublin, with typical travel times of 35–50 minutes depending on traffic. The Marine Hotel, Sutton CrossThe Marine Hotel is Sutton’s best‑known landmark — a historic seaside hotel just steps from Sutton Cross and overlooking Dublin Bay. History
What It Offers
It’s a popular base for exploring Sutton, Howth, and the wider Dublin coastline. Why Sutton Cross MattersSutton Cross is the practical and social centre of the Sutton/Howth peninsula. It’s where you go for:
It’s small, but it’s the crossroads that makes the peninsula work. A visitor’s walking guide from Sutton Cross to Howth (not the circular cliff walk round from Howth to Sutton Cross) Here’s a beautiful, easy-to-follow walking guide from Sutton Cross to Howth, designed for visitors who want coastal scenery, local history, and a relaxed pace. This route is one of the most rewarding short walks in Dublin — sea on both sides, mountains in the distance, and the Howth Peninsula unfolding as you go. Overview of the WalkDistance:
3.5 km (approx.) This walk follows the narrow “waist” of the Howth Peninsula, with Dublin Bay on one side and Sutton Creek on the other — a unique landscape in Ireland. 1. Start at Sutton CrossSutton Cross is the small village centre with shops, cafés, and the landmark Marine Hotel. It’s the perfect place to grab a coffee before you set off. What you’ll see here:
Walk north along the Howth Road — the footpath is wide and safe. 2. Walk Along Sutton StrandWithin two minutes you’ll reach Sutton Strand, a long shoreline facing Dublin Bay. Highlights:
This stretch is peaceful, breezy, and perfect for photos. 3. Pass Sutton DART StationA few minutes further brings you to Sutton DART Station, your rail link back to Dublin. Why it’s useful:
Continue straight along the Howth Road. 4. The Burrow & Sutton CreekThis is the narrowest part of the peninsula — sea on both sides. Left:
Dublin Bay You’ll see:
It’s one of the most scenic coastal corridors in Dublin. 5. Enter Howth VillageAs you approach Howth, the road curves gently and the village begins to appear. You’ll pass:
Keep following the road until you reach the harbour. Finish at Howth HarbourYou’ve arrived at one of Ireland’s most picturesque fishing harbours. What to enjoy here:
This is a perfect place to end the walk — or continue exploring. Optional Add‑OnsEast Pier WalkA flat, easy stroll with lighthouse views. Howth Cliff PathA longer, spectacular coastal hike. Ireland’s Eye FerryA short boat trip to the wildlife-rich island. Summary Map (Text Version)
Total: 3.5 km of flat, scenic walking.
The marine Hotel, Sutton, offers one venue for refreshment after the Howth Cliff Walk and the DART station at Sutton.. Many years later we came to stay in the Marine Hotel as our base to explore Dublin
See also Howth to Sutton Cross scenic walk - Part 1 Howth * Picture sequence - Howth harbour & cliff walk
Dublin Irish Capital docspics Ireland images pictures photos © Phil Brown * Holidays in Ireland, Holidays in Dublin, Luxury Hotels, Dublin City Centre Accommodation, Cheap Flights to Dublin, Dublin art galleries, Dublin museums, top tourist attractions in Dublin, tourism information for Dublin, guided bus tours of Dublin, guided walks of Dublin, pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants in Dublin, classical music venues in Dublin, traditional music concerts in Dublin docspics images photos of Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk in Ireland © Dr Phil Brown Tourist information on Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk, top tourist attractions near Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk Things to do near Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk, What to see near Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk, Walks near Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk, weekend breaks near Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk family holidays near Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk, Top tourist attractions near Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk, luxury hotels near Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk, self-catering holiday cottages flats near Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk, B&B near Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk, friendly pubs near Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk, cafes near Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk, eating out in fine restaurants near Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk, bargain holiday breaks near Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk, wining & dining weekends near Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk, touring coach tours including Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk, pretty villages near Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk, historic towns near Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk, visiting museums near Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk, local art galleries near Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk, guided walks from Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk, history of Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk, architecture of Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk trains to Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk buses to Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk coach tours to Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk historic houses near Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk historic churches near Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk historic buildings near Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk good places to eat near Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk tourist attractions near Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk tourist information for Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk docspics images photos of Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk in Ireland © Dr Phil Brown Tourist information on Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk, top tourist attractions in Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk Things to do in Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk, What to see in Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk, Walks in Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk, weekend breaks in Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk family holidays in Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk, Top tourist attractions in Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk, luxury hotels in Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk, self-catering holiday flats cottages in Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk, B&B in Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk, friendly pubs in Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk, cafes in Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk, eating out in fine restaurants in Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk, bargain holiday breaks in Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk, wining & dining weekends in Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk, touring coach tours including Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk, pretty villages in Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk, historic towns in Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk, visiting museums in Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk, local art galleries in Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk, guided walks in Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk, history of Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk, architecture of Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk trains to Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk buses to Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk coach tours to Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk historic houses in Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk historic churches in Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk historic buildings good places to eat in Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk tourist attractions in Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk tourist information for things to do and see in Sutton Cross Howth Abbey Howth Cliff Walk |
Enter place, museum, street, building, gallery, feature, anything of
interest in Dublin or indeed, anything in Ireland!