A rocky headland, sea cliffs and adjacent sea area, situated on the northern side of Dublin Bay. On the slopes above the cliffs there is a mosaic of heathland vegetation. The sewage outflow for north Dublin is off Howth Head (`Other' land-use). The area is very popular for walkers and horse-riders.
Key biodiversity
The sea cliffs are important for breeding seabirds, with nationally important numbers of Rissa tridactyla (c.1,700 pairs, 1987) and Alca torda (280 birds, 1987).
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Sewage disposal is a threat but plans for a new sewage-treatment plant are now underway. The site has been proposed as a Special Protection Area (Howth Head, 102 ha) by NPW and should be designated in the near future.
