The Bottom Line
- Working fishing harbor combined with marina ensures loads of maritime flavor.
- Bracing walks on the piers can be rounded off with good meals.
- Boats take visitors to Ireland's Eye, a small island just off Howth.
- Cliff walk available around the Howth peninsula.
- Can be very wet and blustery.
- Can be overcrowded on summer Sundays.
Description
- Howth is a hilly peninsula on the northern end of Dublin Bay.
- Howth Harbor is a working fishing harbor and has a large marina for recreational boating.
- Main attractions are harbor and cliff walks plus several restaurants.
- Seals abound in the harbor area.
Guide Review - Howth Harbor and Ireland's Eye (County Dublin)
When you leave Howth Station take a left turn and you are already in the harbor area. The first pier on your left is home to a sizeable fishing fleet, some fishmongers, restaurants, a boatyard, the local lifeboat and the Coast Guard. Take a walk down this pier to experience an authentic working harbor. And look out for the seals usually eyeing the fishing vessels for any leftovers. Also try to find the footsteps of King George!
After returning from this pier stroll through the harbor area on your left, cafes and restaurants face the marina. Soon you will come to the second pier which will allow you to walk out to the lighthouse. Here author Erskine Childers ("The Riddle of the Sands") landed weapons for the Irish Volunteers from his yacht Asgard. Today most activity is around the boats going out to Ireland's Eye. The uninhabited small island just off Howth has some ecclesiastical ruins and a Martello tower, plus a sizeable bird population. A nice boat trip and walk in good weather.
Those feeling energetic should head out for the signposted cliff walk. This will take you around Howth with some spectacular views of Dublin Bay on the way. And if you like old cars, lorries and trams you should not miss the Transport Museum at Howth Castle.
