Balscadden Bay, Howth
About Balscadden Bay, Howth
Balscadden Bay is a secluded pebble-and-sand cove below the Howth cliff path, overlooked by a Martello tower with Ireland's Eye across the water — it was voted Dublin's best beach by overseas visitors in a national poll. It is a short walk from Howth village and DART along the Balscadden road, then down steep, uneven steps (not wheelchair accessible; sturdy footwear helps on the pebbles). This is not an EPA-monitored bathing water, so no official rating is shown. There is a year-round swim community here and small caves in the right-hand cove, and the local 'take three pieces of litter' signs are a lovely touch. Howth jams at weekends, so the DART is strongly recommended.
Nearby beaches
Claremont, Howth's harbour strand, is across the headland.
Get directions to the car park
This searches for the named car park on Google Maps — a place-name match, not yet a GPS-confirmed pin.
📍 Find Balscadden Road, Howth, Co. Dublin on Google Maps
Named from official sources but not yet pin-verified — always confirm on arrival.
Map
Approximate location, auto-geocoded from a named car park — not yet a GPS-verified pin. Always verify on arrival.
Activity suitability
- Surfing — No surf
- Walking — Short walk (under 1km)
- Lifeguard (summer) — No
- Not yet confirmed: Swimming
Facilities
- Disabled access — No
- Lifeguard — No
- Not yet confirmed: Toilets, Car park, Shower, Café nearby
Facilities confirmed from the relevant local authority and Fáilte Ireland.
Water quality
Where to stay nearby
Search accommodation near Balscadden Bay, Howth
Verified local listings for Dublin are coming as we build out our accommodation guide.
Nearby golf
From the GolfIreland.ie network. Distances are straight-line (as the crow flies), not driving distance.