Bog of Frogs Loop — Attraction in Fingal

Very enjoyable for those looking for more than the standard cliff trail, rewarding you with more secluded views along quieter, less traveled areas of the coast.

It takes roughly 3-4 hours total, depending on your speed/fitness, plus any time you spend relaxing and taking in the scenery. The loop is somewhere between 12-14km depending on your exact starting/ending point and any detours along the way (there can sometimes be construction, as I experienced on June 25 near the very end of the route).

I highly suggest a stop at A Tiny Hidden Beach, near the Baily Lighthouse. It's a bit of a workout to get down - and then back up - the stairs, but if the weather is nice, it feels like you're in Hawaii or the south of France. Including this stop, I recorded a total elevation gain of 490m; without it, the total gain is probably just over 400m.

The hill just before the golf course is fairly steep, and the quick shot of 162 m elevation gain can surprise you after already having walked 9-10km. But you get 360 degree views as far as you can see once you're there, which feels like a great final crescendo. From there you have a dull 3km stretch to return to the harbour (unless you choose to detour towards Howth Castle, which is not part of the Bog of Frogs route).

This loop is well worth it on a clear day, bring water, sunscreen and comfortable...

A truly beautiful walk. Fantastic views - we saw dolphins and a seal, we had blazing sunshine, lightning, thunder and rain! There is free parking at the start of the loop, which is well sign posted all the way around, you do not need a map. You can kind of start anywhere in the town, but the toilets are a good place to start, since they have the map outside with all of the information. There are a few benches and a few places to stop and sit along the way. It's a LONG and HILLY walk, so be prepared. You will be tired at the end! If the weather is beautiful, there are some fabulous spots for swimming! Don't try and climb down to the barely inaccessible beach, there are plenty of accessible...

Discovered the Bog of Frogs walk in July 2025 as part of a preparation for the Camino Santiago de Compostela . Walked anti-clock wise from Howth Dart station, past Deerpark Golf course and through Howth Golf club on the public right of way and on along the cliffs heading for the Doldrum trail , past the telegraph cable point and onwards to the Bailey lighthouse and continue on along the cliff patch back to the Howth Harbour.

Fortunately it was a sunny ,warm friday and was a very pleasant walk.I had a 7 kg bagpack and treking shoes that I used subsequently for the main Caminoin Sept 2025

I would highly recommend this walk (both directions are stunning) if you wish to train for the...