Having not researched much information before my previous trip to Ireland, I wasn’t sure what to expect…
Initially, rolling plains, sea cliffs, coastal areas and Guinness drinkers comes to mind. Luckily, a friend from university moved to Dublin some years back and since we would be staying there for a few days, I asked her what can’t be missed.
Where Is Howth?
My favorite suggestion from her was not specifically in Dublin proper, but rather a small fishing village in the Dublin suburbs known as Howth. The district of Howth encompasses the majority of the peninsula known as Howth Head, which forms the northern section of the Dublin Bay. It was originally purposed as a small fishing village, especially with such as close location to the city of Dublin. As tourism as well as Dublin expanded, Howth grew into a more modern mix of residential development mixed with wild, grassy hills.
Getting to Howth
To get to Howth, which is conveniently located only 15 kilometers from Dublin city center, take the DART from the Tara Street Station to Howth DART Station. Depending on where you’re staying in Dublin, the departure station may vary. The ride takes about 45 minutes, and it goes for the most part along the coast, which offers stunning views of the water. If you prefer, you can also take the Dublin Bay Cruise, which depart from Dun Laoghaire and brings you through Dublin Bay.
The Howth Harbor
Once you’ve arrived at Howth, taking a nice walk along the pier, watching the local fisherman brings in the day’s catch or simply enjoying the beautiful scenery is a great way to start. The harbor area is located less than a 10 min walk from the train station, and is very simple to get to.
Exploring The Village
Or, another option to begin could be to visit the Howth Castle and Grounds, which is one of the oldest still occupied buildings in Ireland. The surrounding gardens are very nice, or if you’re feeling a bit more active, you can visit the cooking school in the Castle known as The Kitchen for half-day and evening classes.
Depending on your level of walkability, there are various trails to explore that bring you all throughout the peninsula. Maps are located at the train station, and the various walking trails such as the Bog of Frogs Loop and the Cliff Path Loop. As there are relatively large hills to climb, and limited shops throughout, I would recommend bringing plenty of water and some snacks along the way. Once you’ve reached the top, however, the views are totally stunning, and it is a frequently visited location for bird enthusiasts.
And Don’t Forget…
Also not to be missed on a visit to Howth, is the fresh seafood. Cod and ray are commonly caught locally, with fishing trawlers coming in and out throughout the day. The restaurants along the seafront also serve the catch of the day, such as the Oar House Fish Restaurant, The Brass Monkey or the Aqua Restaurant. As they are all located very close together, you can easily see which one best interests your taste and prepare for seafood so fresh you can pick it out of the water!
[Wikipedia], [Visit Dubin]
