We’re going to a village on a headland where Vikings, Normans, and a pirate queen all left their mark this week.

Howth’s name likely comes from the Old Norse word for “head,” and Vikings first plundered it around 819. Centuries later, in 1177, the Norman knight Almeric Tristram arrived in Ireland, and legend says he won a victory here on the feast day of St. Lawrence and took the saint’s name. His family, the St. Lawrences, held Howth Castle for more than 800 years, until selling it in 2019.

A place named “head” doesn’t seem like our type of place, does it?😅

Well, maybe. It’s got a pretty interesting history.

The castle’s best-known story is a legend from 1576. Pirate queen Grace O’Malley was turned away from the castle, so she abducted the family’s heir. She returned him only on the promise that the gates would never again be closed at dinner and a place would be laid for the unexpected guest.

The headland has also guided ships for centuries. The first lighthouse at Howth Head was built around 1667, and the granite Baily Lighthouse you can see today dates to 1814. On July 26, 1914, Erskine Childers sailed his yacht Asgard into Howth Harbour with 900 rifles for the Irish Volunteers, and a plaque on the harbour wall marks the voyage.

Howth is small enough to walk in an afternoon and old enough that it’s hard to take a step without crossing someone’s story. The inspiration came from the uniqueness. We’ll tell you how we found it just below.

The locals always know the best places to visit. We decided to visit Howth while we were in Dublin.

Trisha was running the Dublin Marathon for Team Boomer and posted a question on her IG stories looking for recommendations on where to visit. A local runner responded and said we needed to visit Howth. We are so glad we did!

Howth is a charming fishing village located just outside Dublin on Ireland’s east coast. It’s surrounded by dramatic cliffs, beautiful coastal views, and the Irish Sea.

It's the perfect escape from the busy city. You can hike along the cliffs, watch fishing boats come into the harbor, spot seals swimming near the docks, and enjoy some incredibly fresh seafood.

And the best part? You don't need a rental car to get there!

Howth Cliff Walk

This is the main reason many people visit Howth, and it's absolutely worth it.

The coastal trails take you along dramatic cliffs overlooking the Irish Sea, with incredible views of Dublin Bay, Ireland's Eye, and Lambay Island.

There are several different routes to choose from depending on how much walking you want to do.

The popular Cliff Path Loop is approximately 7.8 kilometers (4.8 miles) and takes about two hours to complete. It's considered a moderate hike, with some uneven and rocky sections.

If you're up for a longer adventure, the Bog of Frogs Loop takes you farther along the coastline.

Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring a camera, and don't forget to look out toward the water. You might spot seals, seabirds, and even dolphins!

Baily Lighthouse

One of the most recognizable sights along the Howth coastline is Baily Lighthouse.

Built on the rocky headland, the lighthouse has been guiding ships along this stretch of coast for generations.

You'll see it along some of the longer cliff walking routes. The surrounding views are beautiful, so take a few minutes to stop and enjoy the scenery.

Howth Harbour

The harbor is the heart of the village.

You'll find fishing boats, sailboats, seafood restaurants, and plenty of activity along the waterfront.

Keep an eye out for seals swimming near the boats. They sometimes pop their heads above the water looking for their next meal!

Walk along the East or West Pier to enjoy the views and watch the boats come and go.

Howth Market

If you time your visit right, stop by Howth Market. It’s open from 9:00am-6:00pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and bank holidays.

You'll find food stalls, local crafts, baked goods, handmade items, and plenty of treats to sample. Come hungry and take some time to chat with the vendors. We loved hearing their stories.

It's a fun place to wander before or after exploring the harbor.

Ireland's Eye

Just offshore from Howth is a small, uninhabited island called Ireland's Eye.

You can take a seasonal boat trip from the harbor to see the island and its wildlife. The island is known for its seabirds, including puffins in season, guillemots, and gannets.

Even if you don't take a boat trip, you'll have beautiful views of the island from the cliff paths.

Howth Castle

Howth Castle has a fascinating history dating back hundreds of years.

One of the stories connected to the castle involves the famous Irish pirate queen Gráinne O'Malley. According to local legend, she visited in 1576 but was turned away. After kidnapping the family's heir, she secured a promise that unexpected visitors would never again be turned away.

The castle and surrounding estate have a long history, although visitor access is limited. Check current access arrangements before planning a visit.

One of the best ways to experience Howth is to spend a few hours outdoors.

Hike the coastal trails. Even if you don't complete the entire loop, walking part of the trail gives you some incredible views. Choose a route that matches your fitness level and the weather.

Walk the East Pier. This is a much easier alternative to the full cliff walk. Follow the waterfront toward the lighthouse and enjoy the harbor views.

Take a boat trip. Look into seasonal boat tours around Ireland's Eye. You can enjoy the coastline from a completely different perspective.

Go wildlife spotting. Look for seals around the harbor and seabirds along the cliffs. Bring binoculars if you have them!

Explore the village. Wander through the streets, browse the shops, stop for coffee, and enjoy the slower pace of life.

Enjoy a traditional Irish pub. After a day outdoors, find a cozy pub, order a drink, and enjoy the atmosphere. Live traditional Irish music is an added bonus when you find it.

Refer a friend using your referral link at the bottom of this email so they can see it too. In addition, you’ll get a copy of our “Wonders of the World” eBook if it’s your first referral.

Getting to Howth from Dublin is incredibly easy.

The best option is the DART, Dublin's coastal commuter train.

You can catch the train from several central Dublin stations, including:

Take the northbound train toward Howth. The ride takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes from central Dublin.

One important tip: Make sure the train destination says Howth, not Malahide. The DART line splits, and you want to be on the correct branch!

Once you arrive at Howth Station, the harbor, village, and cliff walk starting points are all within walking distance.

You can also take Dublin Bus routes serving Howth, including the H3, although the DART is generally the easiest option.

No rental car required!

Howth is a wonderful place to explore on foot.

The harbor, village, restaurants, market, and beginning of the coastal trails are all close to the train station.

If you're planning to hike the cliffs, allow two to three hours depending on your chosen route and how often you stop for photos.

There are also taxis available if you want to reach the Summit or another starting point without walking from the village.

My recommendation? Take the train, explore the village, enjoy the harbor, and spend as much time as you can along the coastline.

Just remember that the weather can change quickly. Stay on marked paths and keep a safe distance from the cliff edges.

King Sitric - right in Howth, breakfast included, laundry facilities available

Marine Hotel - 2 miles from Howth, onsite parking available (which is rare)

Portmarnock Resort & Jameson Golf Links - located on Portmarnock beach and next to a golf course

White Sands Hotel - 4 miles from Howth, 5 minute walk from Portmarnock beach

You can't visit a fishing village like Howth without eating seafood!

Fish and Chips is a must. Freshly fried fish with crispy chips is a classic meal, especially when enjoyed near the harbor.

Dublin Bay Prawns are another local favorite. These sweet, flavorful prawns are often served grilled, sautéed, or as part of a seafood platter.

Fresh Oysters are popular throughout the area. If you enjoy seafood, this is a great place to try them.

Seafood Chowder is perfect after a chilly coastal walk. It's a creamy soup filled with fish and shellfish, usually served with Irish brown bread.

Mussels are another dish worth trying, often served with garlic, white wine, or a creamy sauce.

Howth is all about the outdoors, so pack for a little adventure.

Even if the forecast looks nice in Dublin, Howth can be windier and cooler along the cliffs.

A waterproof jacket is one of those items you'll be happy you packed!

If you're visiting Dublin, don't overlook the smaller coastal communities just outside the city.

Howth is a reminder that you don't have to travel far to experience something completely different.

One minute you're exploring a busy European capital. The next, you're standing above the Irish Sea, watching fishing boats come into a harbor and walking along some of the most beautiful coastline in Ireland.

Give yourself at least half a day here. If the weather cooperates, you could easily spend an entire day exploring.

And don't rush back to Dublin without enjoying a seafood lunch overlooking the water.

Sometimes the best part of traveling is getting outside the major cities and discovering places like this.

Here are a few of our affiliate links to help you when in Ireland. It’s no extra cost to you and helps us keep this email free for everyone. 😀

See you next week,

Trisha & Bob