Direction Ireland

Howth

East Ireland | County Dublin

Howth is the small peninsula located in Dublin Bay with picturesque fishing village and harbour. Because of easy access from Dublin (just 15 km), it's very popular place for one day trips. Howth Market which is open every weekend also attracts many people. You can get there using DART train or Dublin Bus No. 31 from Talbot St. The best way to explore Howth is to take loop walk around peninsula. If you getting there by DART, turn right when going out from the train station and go few hundred meters on the Howth Road in Dublin direction until you see the sign leading to castle. The Howth Castle is owned by one family since over 800 years. The Gaisford-St Lawrence family are descendants of sir Almeric, Norman who conquered this land in 12th century and became the first Lord of Howth. The castle is private residence and unfortunately is not open for tourists but you can visit the National Transport Museum of Ireland (collection of public service, commercial, military and passenger vehicles), which is on the opposite site of the castle's gate. When you take the left turn going out from the DART station you will get to Howth Village and harbour which was the once very important port of Dublin and is still bustling place. On the west pier (where the fishing boats are anchored) there are sea food restaurants and shops with fresh fish. There are also boat cruises to Dun Laoghaire and Dublin city center (booking required). An attraction is also resident family of seals waiting for some easy food. The east pier, which is a little longer and has the lighthouse on the end, is nice place for the short stroll. Approximately in the half way there are boat ferries operating betwen port and Ireland's Eye Island. The small uninhabited island is home for many breeding colonies of the sea birds such as Gannets, Fulmars, Razorbills, Guillemots and Gulls and few pairs of Puffins. You will also find there one of Martello towers and ruins of the Church of the Three Sons of Nessan from 8th century. On the coast road running from the east pier there is another Martello tower which is a home for Museum of Vintage Radio. On the end of the coast road starts path leading through the cliffs to The Baily Lighthouse. Walking this trail gives stunnig views but be carefull during strong wind and rain because the path might be slippery. Unfortunately the lighthouse is not open for visitors but you can enjoy the views of Dublin Bay and Wicklow Mountains. Just few hundred meters before the lighthouse, on your right hand side there is path climbing up to the car park. Not so far from there, is the place called "The Summit". There is a bus stop (buses to Howth Village and to Dublin City Center), shop and restaurant. On the other side of the peninsula is also nice path along the cliffs. This one is less frequented. It starts on the end of Strand Road (500 m after sailing club) and there is another Martello tower at the beginning and also leads to The Baily Lighthouse.