Howth

Howth
source
Name	Howth
Native name	Binn Éadair
Settlement type	Suburb & Fishing Village
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Ireland
Subdivision type1	Province
Subdivision name1	Leinster
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	County Dublin
Subdivision type3	Local government area
Subdivision name3	Fingal

Howth. Howth is a vibrant peninsula, village, and suburb situated within Fingal in County Dublin, Ireland. Located approximately 15 kilometres northeast of Dublin city centre, it is a significant fishing port, a popular residential area, and a major tourist destination renowned for its dramatic coastal scenery, historic sites, and bustling harbour. The area's name derives from the Old Norse *Hǫfuð* ("head"), and its Irish name, *Binn Éadair*, is linked to the mythological figure Étar.

Geography and location

The Howth Peninsula forms the northern boundary of Dublin Bay, with its cliffs and heathland offering panoramic views across the bay to Dún Laoghaire and Killiney. The peninsula's highest point is Howth Summit, which is part of the Howth Head area, featuring extensive walking trails through the Howth Special Area of Conservation. The landscape includes notable features such as the Baily Lighthouse and the secluded Ireland's Eye island, which lies just north of the harbour. The village itself clusters around a working harbour, with residential areas extending up the hillsides and along the coast towards Sutton and Baldoyle.

History

Howth has a long and storied history, with evidence of early settlement dating back to the Mesolithic period. The Howth Castle estate has been continuously occupied since the arrival of the Norman Sir Almeric Tristram in the 12th century, with the castle remaining the seat of the St Lawrence family for centuries. The village grew as a fishing community and a strategic defensive point, exemplified by the construction of the Martello tower on the harbour's west pier during the Napoleonic Wars. A pivotal moment in the Irish revolutionary period was the Howth gun-running of 1914, where Irish Volunteers successfully landed a cache of rifles at the pier. The area was also historically connected to Grace O'Malley, the famous 16th-century pirate queen.

Landmarks and attractions

Howth is famed for its diverse landmarks and natural attractions. Howth Castle and its surrounding gardens, home to the renowned Howth Rhododendron Gardens, are major draws. The historic Howth Abbey and the adjacent St. Mary's Church contain notable medieval effigies. The working harbour is a centre of activity, with its piers, the Howth Market, and numerous seafood restaurants. Outdoor enthusiasts frequent the Cliff Path Loop walk, which passes the Baily Lighthouse and offers views of Lambay Island. Other key sites include the Howth Tramway ruins, the Deer Park Hotel, and the Howth Golf Club.

Transport and access

Howth is a key transport node in north County Dublin. Howth railway station is the northern terminus of the Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART) system, providing frequent electric rail services to Dublin Connolly station and Bray. The village is also served by several Dublin Bus routes, including the 31 and the H3, connecting it to Sutton, Baldoyle, and the city centre. Howth Harbour is a significant marina and the departure point for ferries to Ireland's Eye and seasonal trips to Lambay Island. The peninsula is accessible by road via the Howth Road and the R105 road.

In popular culture

Howth has served as a setting and inspiration for numerous literary and cinematic works. It features prominently in James Joyce's *Ulysses*, most famously in the romantic conclusion of the "Penelope" episode, where Leopold Bloom proposes to Molly Bloom on the Hill of Howth. The landscape has been used as a filming location for major productions like *The Princess Bride* and the television series *Vikings*. The area's natural beauty and iconic lighthouse have also made it a frequent subject for artists, including the painter William Orpen, and it is referenced in songs by Irish musicians such as Christy Moore.

Category:Howth Category:Populated places in County Dublin Category:Towns and villages in Fingal Category:Peninsulas of Ireland Category:Fishing communities in Ireland