Howth Special Protection Area, Dublin

  • Author: ActiveME
  • Created: August 28, 2012 10:32 am
  • Updated: December 12, 2017 11:02 am
Location: Dublin
  • Distance Instructions
Label
  • Distance 8 km
  • Time 0 s
  • Speed 0.0 km/h
  • Min altitude 0 m
  • Peak 121 m
  • Climb 264 m
  • Descent 266 m

Howth is a rocky headland that juts into the sea in north Dublin Bay, Ireland. It is an area of wild, natural beauty that supports an array of wildflowers, gorse and other heathland vegetation. Howth Head supports two habitats that are listed on the European Union (EU) Habitat Directive, sea cliffs and dry heaths, and is listed as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and SPA.  There are two walking routes that wind around the upper slopes above the sea cliffs, where people can enjoy walking through the colourful patchwork of heathland vegetation and bird life.  Blazing yellow gorse and vibrant purple heathers contrast with the grasses, while navelwort and the delicate pink shades of the wood sage occupy more open, rocky areas of the headland.

Nearer to the summit of Howth Head, some small bogs occur that support typical bogland species, such as Bog Asphodel and Sundew. Elsewhere, there are scrublands with Downey Birch, Blackthorn, Hawthorn and Willow.  Howth Head is also a significant national breeding ground for seabirds. Bird watching is very popular here and the sea cliffs provide an ideal habitat for species such as Fulmar, Shag, Gulls, Guillemot and Razorbill.

Use our Map of Ireland and Sat Nav tool to get directions and our detailed route map and GPS on our ActiveME App to find and follow the paths live on screen and keep on track. At all times, our maps and App should be used in conjunction with a proper map and compass navigation techniques.

Gallery

Howth is a rocky headland that juts into the sea in north Dublin Bay, Ireland. It is an area of wild, natural beauty that supports an array of wildflowers, gorse and other heathland vegetation. Howth Head supports two habitats that are listed on the European Union (EU) Habitat Directive, sea cliffs and dry heaths, and is listed as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and SPA.  There are two walking routes that wind around the upper slopes above the sea cliffs, where people can enjoy walking through the colourful patchwork of heathland vegetation and bird life.  Blazing yellow gorse and vibrant purple heathers contrast with the grasses, while navelwort and the delicate pink shades of the wood sage occupy more open, rocky areas of the headland.

Nearer to the summit of Howth Head, some small bogs occur that support typical bogland species, such as Bog Asphodel and Sundew. Elsewhere, there are scrublands with Downey Birch, Blackthorn, Hawthorn and Willow.  Howth Head is also a significant national breeding ground for seabirds. Bird watching is very popular here and the sea cliffs provide an ideal habitat for species such as Fulmar, Shag, Gulls, Guillemot and Razorbill.

Use our Map of Ireland and Sat Nav tool to get directions and our detailed route map and GPS on our ActiveME App to find and follow the paths live on screen and keep on track. At all times, our maps and App should be used in conjunction with a proper map and compass navigation techniques.

Gallery