Dublin's DART rail line runs 53 km along the coast — from Howth and Malahide in the north, through the city centre, and south to Bray and Greystones. It's one of the most scenic commuter rail journeys in Europe, and it gives you access to some of Ireland's most beautiful coastal villages without needing a car.
With trains running every 10–15 minutes during the day, you can easily visit 2–3 stops in a single day trip. A Leap Card keeps fares low (€2–€6 per journey), and the Visitor Leap Card gives you unlimited travel for €8 (24h), €16 (72h), or €32 (7 days).
Here are the best stops on the DART line, from north to south, with what to see, eat, and do at each one.
DART Stops at a Glance
| Stop | Direction | From City Centre | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Howth | North | ~30 min | Cliff walk, seafood, harbour |
| Malahide | North | ~25 min | Castle, village, marina |
| Dún Laoghairee | South | ~20 min | Pier walks, harbour, cafés |
| Dalkey | South | ~25 min | Village, castle, Killiney Hill |
| Killiney | South | ~30 min | Beach, panoramic views |
| Bray | South | ~45 min | Promenade, Bray Head, pubs |
| Greystones | South | ~55 min | Cliff walk from Bray, harbour |
Howth — Cliff Walks & Fresh Seafood
Why Visit Howth
Howth is the most popular DART day trip from Dublin, and for good reason. This working fishing village sits on a rocky peninsula with dramatic cliff walks, a lively harbour, fresh seafood restaurants, and views across Dublin Bay to the Wicklow Mountains. It's just 30 minutes from the city centre and feels like a world away.
What to Do in Howth
The Cliff Walk. This is the main attraction — a looped trail around the Howth peninsula with stunning views of Ireland's Eye (a small uninhabited island), the Baily Lighthouse, and the open sea. There are several routes ranging from 2 km to the full 6 km loop. The shorter "red trail" takes about an hour and is suitable for most fitness levels. The full loop takes 2–3 hours and includes some steep sections.
Howth Harbour & Pier. Stroll along the East and West piers, watch the fishing boats come and go, and keep an eye out for the resident seals who hang around the harbour. The lighthouse at the end of the East Pier is a great photo spot.
Ireland's Eye Boat Trip. Take a short ferry ride to Ireland's Eye, a small island just off Howth with nesting seabirds, seals, and a ruined Martello tower. Boats run from the harbour during summer months (roughly April–September).
Howth Market. Open on weekends, this market has food stalls, artisan produce, crafts, and street food. Even on weekdays, several permanent shops stay open including Howth Market Deli and Amore Gelato.
Where to Eat in Howth
Howth is Dublin's seafood capital. For fish and chips, Beshoff Bros on the harbour is a local institution — eat on the harbour wall watching the boats. For a sit-down seafood meal, The Oar House and Aqua are both excellent. If you want something special, Mamo is a Michelin-starred restaurant worth booking in advance.
Malahide — Castle, Village & Marina
Why Visit Malahide
Malahide is a charming seaside town 25 minutes north of Dublin. It has one of Ireland's oldest castles, a pretty village centre with boutique shops and restaurants, and a scenic marina and coastal walk. It's a more relaxed alternative to Howth — fewer tourists, more local feel.
Malahide Castle. One of the oldest castles in Ireland, dating back to the 12th century. The guided tour covers 800 years of history, and the Talbot Botanic Walled Garden is beautiful in spring and summer. Admission is around €16 for adults.
Village Centre. Malahide village has excellent restaurants, cafés, and independent shops. Gibney's is a classic Irish pub with great food. The Saturday market at the castle grounds has local produce and crafts.
Coastal Walk. Walk from the marina along the coast towards Portmarnock Beach — a long, sandy stretch perfect for a stroll.
Dún Laoghaire — Pier Walks & Harbour Views
Why Visit Dún Laoghaire
Dún Laoghaire (pronounced "Dun Leery") is a Victorian harbour town just 20 minutes south of Dublin. Its two massive piers — the East and West Pier — are among the longest in Europe and offer wonderful walks with views back across Dublin Bay. It's one of the easiest and quickest DART trips from the city.
East Pier Walk. The East Pier is the most popular walk — about 1.3 km each way, with a lighthouse at the end. It's flat and accessible, making it perfect for families and anyone who wants a gentle walk with great views.
People's Park. A lovely Victorian park near the seafront, great for a sit-down break. The Sunday Market here has food, crafts, and live music.
Seafood & Cafés. Dún Laoghaire has a growing food scene. The waterfront area has several cafés and restaurants with harbour views.
Dalkey — Celebrity Village & Coastal Charm
Why Visit Dalkey
Dalkey is a picturesque village 25 minutes south of Dublin, famous for its medieval castles, trendy restaurants, and celebrity residents (Bono and The Edge from U2 live nearby). It has a village feel with excellent pubs, a castle heritage centre, and access to Killiney Hill — one of Dublin's best viewpoints.
Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre. Located on the main street, this medieval castle has a living history experience performed by local actors. It also houses a Writers' Gallery featuring Joyce, Beckett, and Maeve Binchy.
Killiney Hill. A 15-minute walk from Dalkey village, Killiney Hill offers panoramic views across Dublin Bay, the Wicklow Mountains, and on clear days, the mountains of Wales across the Irish Sea. The views from the top have been compared to the Bay of Naples.
The Forty Foot. A famous swimming spot at Sandycove, between Dún Laoghaire and Dalkey. Open-water swimmers use it year-round. Not for the faint-hearted in winter, but a memorable experience.
Pubs & Food. Dalkey village is packed with excellent pubs and restaurants. Finnegan's and The Queen's are great for a pint and pub food.
Bray — Promenade, Bray Head & the Cliff Walk
Why Visit Bray
Bray is a Victorian seaside town at the Dublin–Wicklow border, about 45 minutes south on the DART. It has a mile-long promenade, the towering Bray Head with its cross visible from miles away, and the famous cliff walk to Greystones. The DART journey itself is one of the highlights — the train hugs the coast south of Killiney with spectacular sea views.
Bray Promenade. A flat, mile-long walkway along the seafront, perfect for a stroll. Arcades and cafés line the shore.
Bray Head. A steep but rewarding climb to the summit with views up and down the coast. The cross at the top is one of the most iconic landmarks on the Dublin coastline. Allow about 45 minutes for the ascent.
Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk. This is one of the best coastal walks in Ireland — a 6 km trail along the cliffs from Bray to Greystones with constant sea views. It takes about 2 hours at a relaxed pace. You can take the DART back from Greystones (every second southbound train continues to Greystones).
Pubs & Food. The Harbour Bar in Bray was voted one of the best bars in the world by Lonely Planet. Platform Pizza near the station is excellent for a casual meal.
Greystones — The End of the Line
Why Visit Greystones
Greystones is the last stop on the southern DART line, about 55 minutes from Dublin city centre. It's a quiet harbour town with a growing food scene, a pretty marina, and access to walking trails into the Wicklow countryside. Most visitors arrive here via the cliff walk from Bray and take the DART back.
Greystones Harbour. The new marina is surrounded by cafés and restaurants. It's a peaceful spot to sit and watch the boats after the cliff walk.
Food. The Happy Pear is a well-known vegetarian/vegan restaurant and café founded by twin brothers. There are also several seafood restaurants and pubs in the village.
Planning Your DART Day Trip
Getting a Leap Card
Buy a Visitor Leap Card at Dublin Airport or in the city centre for unlimited DART, bus, and tram travel. A 24-hour card costs €8 and covers all your DART trips for the day plus any bus or tram journeys you need. For more details, see our Dublin Transport Guide for Visitors.
Which Stops Can You Combine?
North: Howth + Malahide in one day (take a taxi between them, ~15 min). Or do Howth as a half-day trip and return to the city for the afternoon.
South: Dún Laoghaire → Dalkey → Killiney makes a great half-day. Or Dalkey → Bray → Greystones (via the cliff walk) for a full day.
The scenic route: For the best views, sit on the left side of the train heading south. The stretch between Killiney and Bray is spectacular.
Getting Back to Dublin
DART trains run until approximately midnight, with reduced frequency after 8pm. If you stay late for dinner and miss the last train, you can always book a taxi home through CaminoCabs. A taxi from Bray to Dublin city centre costs approximately €35–€45 at night. Check the fare calculator for an estimate.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the DART cost from Dublin?
DART fares range from €2–€6 with a Leap Card depending on distance. A Visitor Leap Card (€8 for 24 hours) gives unlimited travel on DART, bus, and tram — ideal for a day trip with multiple stops.
How often does the DART run?
Every 10–15 minutes during the day, with reduced frequency in the evenings and on Sundays. The last trains run around midnight. Check departure times before heading out, especially for Greystones (only every second southbound train goes there).
Can I visit Howth and Malahide in one day?
Yes, but they're on different DART branches. The easiest way to combine them is to visit Howth first, then take a taxi to Malahide (~15 min, €18–€24) and catch the DART back from Malahide. Use the CaminoCabs app to book the taxi.
What is the best DART day trip from Dublin?
Howth is the most popular — it has cliff walks, seafood, a harbour, and a market, all within walking distance of the DART station. For coastal scenery, the Bray to Greystones cliff walk is unbeatable.
Is the Bray to Greystones cliff walk difficult?
It's moderate — 6 km along cliff paths with some uneven ground and a few inclines. Allow about 2 hours. It's not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies. Wear good shoes and check the weather before heading out.
How do I get to the DART from Dublin city centre?
The main city centre DART stations are Connolly (north of the river), Tara Street (on the river), and Pearse (south of the river). All are within a 10-minute walk of Temple Bar and Trinity College. You can also connect from the tram at Connolly station.
Related: Dublin Transport Guide for Visitors · Dublin Airport to City Centre · Getting Around Dublin at Night · Save Money on Taxis · Plan Your Journey · Taxi Fare Calculator