East of Howth Harbour, the coast folds into a small cove. Seen from above, Balscadden Bay Beach is little more than a strip of sand, pebbles and stones at the foot of a steep slope. Down below, the sounds of the harbour give way to the water stirring the pebbles. The cove is a destination in its own right between the quays and the cliffs.
At low tide, more sand and rocks emerge at the foot of the coast. As the water rises, the beach narrows and the bay takes centre stage again. From above, it is easier to make out the shape of the cove and the way the landscape of Howth Head extends eastwards. From the shore, it is the details that catch the eye, from smooth pebbles to old concrete structures.
Howth residents have recorded their memories of Balscadden in a planning document. They recall children coming here to learn to swim, lifesaving lessons and fishermen at work. They also mention the remains of a small jetty and a winch once used by a waterskiing club. These remnants lend another dimension to this stretch of coast, which you might otherwise pass through with your eyes fixed only on the sea.
The viewpoint from the road is enough to take in the bay before continuing on to the Howth Cliff Path. The descent offers another perspective, closer to the water and the stones that make up the beach. If you are mainly here for a walk, the cove fits neatly between a stroll around the harbour and the start of the coastal path.
At the other end of the village, Claremont Beach offers a more open shoreline. Balscadden is worth visiting above all for its intimate scale and the contrast between the small beach and the cliffs that take over beyond the cove.
Want to extend your visit without having to rush around? Here are a few well-located places to stay near the must-see attractions.
Essential information to help you plan your visit, including key landmarks, access information, and booking options.
Balscadden Road, Howth, County Dublin, Republic of Ireland, Tourist sites in Ireland
53.38637, -6.06236
No visiting hours are published. Follow local signage and take the tide into account.
Check the opening hours and admission requirements before you leave, especially during peak season or on Irish public holidays.
Free access to the beach.
