Things to do in Howth
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Howth Castle
Most of the town backs onto the extensive grounds of Howth Castle, built in 1564 but much changed over the years, most recently in 1910 when Sir Edwin Lutyens gave it a modernist make-over. Today the castle is divided into four very posh and private residences. The original estate was acquired in 1177 by the Norman noble Sir Almeric Tristram, who changed his surname to St Lawrence after winning a battle at the behest (or so he believed) of his favourite saint. The family has owned the land ever since, though the unbroken chain of male succession came to an end in 1909.
On the grounds are the ruins of the 16th-century Corr Castle and an ancient dolmen (tomb chamber or porta…
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Ireland's Eye
A short distance offshore from Howth is Ireland's Eye, a rocky sea-bird sanctuary with the ruins of a 6th-century monastery. There's a Martello tower at the northwestern end of the island, where boats from Howth land, while a spectacularly sheer rock face plummets into the sea at the eastern end. As well as the sea birds overhead, you can see young birds on the ground during the nesting season. Seals can also be spotted around the island.
Doyle & Sons takes boats out to the island from the East Pier of Howth Harbour during the summer, usually on weekend afternoons. Don't wear shorts if you're planning to visit the monastery ruins because they're surrounded by a thicket of…
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St Mary’s Abbey
Within the grounds are the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey, originally founded in 1042 by the Viking King Sitric, who also founded the original church on the site of Christ Church Cathedral. The abbey was amalgamated with the monastery on Ireland’s Eye in 1235. Some parts of the ruins date from that time, but most are from the 15th and 16th centuries. The tomb of Christopher St Lawrence (Lord Howth), in the southeastern corner, dates from around 1470. See the caretaker or read instructions on the gate for opening times.
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Deer Park Golf Course
The allure of history and public transport aside, most visitors set foot in the demesne armed with golf clubs, as here you’ll find Deer Park Golf Course, a public facility attached to a hotel. An 18-hole course, two nine-hole courses and a par-three course, all with splendid views of Dublin Bay and the surrounding countryside, are the big draw.
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National Transport Museum
A recent addition is the rather ramshackle National Transport Museum, which has a range of exhibits, including double-decker buses, a bakery van, fire engines and trams – most notably a Hill of Howth electric tram that operated from 1901 to 1959. To reach the museum, go through the castle gates and turn right just before the castle.
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Baily Lighthouse
Howth is essentially a very large hill surrounded by cliffs, and Howth Summit (171m) has excellent views across Dublin Bay right down to Wicklow. The 1814 Baily Lighthouse at the southeastern corner is on the site of an old stone fort and can be reached by a dramatic cliff-top walk. There was an earlier hilltop beacon here in 1670.
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Oar House
A feast-o-fish is what the menu is all about at this newish restaurant – particularly the locally caught variety. Par for the course in a fishing village, but this place stands out both for the way the fish is prepared and because you can get everything on the menu in smaller, tapas-style portions as well as mains.
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The House
One of our favourite new openings in Dublin is this wonderful spot on the main street leading away from the harbour. In the handsome, airy dining room you can feast on dishes like crunchy Bellingham blue cheese polenta or wild Wicklow venison stew, as well as a fine selection of fish.
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Howth Summit
Howth is essentially a very large hill surrounded by cliffs, and Howth Summit (171m) has excellent views across Dublin Bay right down to County Wicklow. From the Summit you can walk to the top of the Ben of Howth, a headland near the village, which has a cairn said to mark a 2000-year-old Celtic royal grave. The 1814 Baily Lighthouse at the southeastern corner is on the site of an old stone fort and can be reached by a dramatic clifftop walk. There was an earlier hilltop beacon here in 1670.
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King Sitric
Howth's most famous restaurant, praised for its superb seafood and prize-winning wine list, has added eight marvellous rooms to its premises right on the port. Each is named after a lighthouse, and all are extremely well decorated, with wonderful views of the port.
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Castle Gardens
The Castle Gardens are worth visiting, however, as they’re noted for their rhododendrons (which bloom in May and June), for their azaleas and for the long, 10m-high beech.
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Aqua
A contender for best seafood in Howth, Aqua has been serving top-quality fish dishes in its elegant dining room overlooking the harbour, in a building that was once home to the Howth Yacht Club.
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Wright’s Findlater
A modern all-in restaurant, bar and lounge, there’s the Asian-influenced Lemongrass on the first floor, above a stylish bar that does terrific grub, with the emphasis mostly on fish.
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Abbey Tavern
This atmospheric 16th-century tavern serves better-than-average pub grub, with an emphasis on seafood and meat. There's a bar menu all day.
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Seafood Shops
If you want to buy food and prepare it yourself, Howth has fine seafood that you can buy fresh from the string of shops on West Pier.
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Lambay Island
Further north from Ireland's Eye is Lambay Island, an important sea-bird sanctuary that cannot be visited.
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Howth Fishermen's Farmer's Market
One of the best in Dublin, this is the place to come for fresh fish (obviously) but also for organic meat, veg and homemade everything else, including jams, cakes and breads. A great option for Sunday lunch.
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House
Wonderful spot on the main street leading away from the harbour where you can feast on dishes like crunchy Bellingham blue cheese polenta or wild Wicklow venison stew as well as a fine selection of fish.
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