The late Feargal Quinn, Senator and business man had often wondered what would it be like to be a tourist in his own area and by his choice of walking companion Howth native Kevin Rickard he learns more about his adopted home of Howth.

Presenter
Fergal Quinn

About
Kevin and Feargal walk up to Kilrock and around East Mountain to Howth’s Cliff walk. As they walk along East mountain they meet a botanist who tells them that Howth Head has the first botanical reference in Irish literature. It seems Diarmaid and Grainne ate wild garlic on Howth head in their wanderings around Ireland! Kevin explains to Feargal the work of the Pathways Committee in Howth of which he has been a member for 15 years. They are dedicated to keeping the rights of way Howth had years ago across the peninsula open for locals and walkers alike. In recent years these ancient pathways have been mapped and signposted as named looped walks available from the National Trails website; The Bog of the frogs walk, Cliff Walk, Blacklinn Loop and the Tramway walk. Having taken a detour to thenTramway walk to see the work he has done on restoring the Howth Tramthe head aack on the path at the Needles. Feargal and Kevin meet fellow walkers and nature lovers on the way who share stories about the natural beauty and history of Howth including the Nun’s beach!. They make their way across Shielmartin mountain into the Deerpark forest and golf course near Howth Castle and back into Howth Village.

Grade
Easy, National Way marked trail

Distance
6km

Estimated Time
2 hours. However there are many trails along the way which can be hiked.

Terrain underfoot
Trail, road

Suitable for
A reasonable level of fitness would be needed for the whole day

How to get to start point
Cliff Walk Howth car park. Buses and Dart run to Howth.

Notes
Dogs under effective control allowed, please always clean up after your dog