Ireland's Eye

Ireland's Eye

Ireland's Eye Group Walks | Join a Walk

69m Elevation
69m Prominence
I Country

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Classifications

SIB

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Elevation

69m

226 ft

Prominence

69m

Coordinates

53.4072, -6.0640

O288414

OS Map

50

At the Summit

The island features a historic Martello tower at its highest point, which is a relic from the Napoleonic Wars, providing a unique photo opportunity.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and coastal with some grassy patches and steep cliffs.

Ireland's Eye is primarily composed of volcanic rock, with evidence of basalt formations stemming from ancient lava flows. The rugged coastline showcases both erosion patterns and sedimentary deposits, making it a fascinating spot for geology enthusiasts.

Views & Scenery

Stunning panoramic views of Dublin Bay, Howth Head, and the surrounding coastal landscapes. On a clear day, you can spot the Wicklow Mountains in the distance.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Ireland's Eye' possibly derives from the Old Norse 'Ey', meaning island, possibly infused with a sense of watchfulness over the Irish Sea.

Historical Significance

The island has historical significance due to its use as a lookout point and for its military installations during past conflicts.

Popular Routes

Ireland's Eye Coastal Route

Easy

A picturesque route around the island, offering stunning views of the cliffs and the Dublin Bay coastline.

3 km 1.5 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Although there is no parking on the island itself, visitors can park at Howth Harbour and catch a ferry to the island. Parking is typically available for a nominal fee.

Public Transport

Howth is accessible by DART train from Dublin city centre, making it a convenient option for public transport users.

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities on Ireland's Eye itself, but Howth offers numerous cafés, restaurants, and public toilets pre-departure.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Slippery rocks and coastal cliffs can pose risks; ensure to stay on marked paths and keep an eye on tides.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

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Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Ireland's Eye?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Ireland's Eye through the maps

Are there other walkers around Ireland's Eye?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Ireland's Eye search or of course create your own walk for Ireland's Eye

Can I organise a walk to Ireland's Eye?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Ireland's Eye.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Ireland's Eye?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Ireland's Eye here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible