Things to see and do in Howth, Co. Dublin

Howth Summit

Howth Summit (171m) has excellent views across Dublin Bay right down to County Wicklow. From the top of Howth hill, 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.

Hurdy Gurdy Museum of Vintage Radio

The Ye Olde Hurdy-Gurdy Museum of Vintage Radio in Howth boasts many examples of early Morse equipment, gramophones, crystal sets, valve radios and other pieces of equipment. Pat Herbert, the curator, is always on hand to demonstrate some of the many working exhibits.

Fittingly, the Martello Tower has historic links with Marconi and Lee de Forest, two of the fathers of wireless, who conducted early experiments from the tower in the 1900s. It was also the site where the first communications cable from Holyhead in Wales to Ireland was laid in 1852.

Howth Market

Following a major revamp in summer 2013, Howth Market has become a permanent fixture standing proudly along the seafront of Howth. Welcoming both locals and tourists alike, Howth Market is a fantastic day out and offers a vast array of organic produce, freshly baked goods, jewellry, clothing, antiques and much more. The market itself takes place each weekend and also on bank holidays.

Howth Castle Gardens

The Howth Castle gardens are worth a visit; they’re noted for their rhododendrons (which bloom in May and June), for their azaleas and for the long, 10m-high beech hedge planted in 1710.

The gardens were founded in the 19th century. The rich, turf soil was brought up to the cliffs and thrown into the gaps between rocks. Around 2,000 plant species were planted on the site, including quite exotic specimens like palm trees and tree ferns. Here, all the plants seem to grow wild beside a cliff wall and this gives this place a sort of an exotic touch. You can admire all the colours, varieties and shapes of flowers, while strolling along the narrow paths between the trees, and you won’t believe you’re actually in Ireland.

Claremont Beach

Howth’s ‘hidden’ beach is Claremont; a small cove-like beach situated close to the harbour. It is a popular beach all year round and there are a number of pubs and restaurants located along the Harbour Road and in the village of Howth.

Located on the other side of the railway, it’s a lovely sandy strand, with perfect views of Ireland’s Eye directly in front. To get here, go past the semi-industrial area by the West Pier.

Aqua Restaurant

Aqua, Howth’s award-winning seafood restaurant, has been serving the community for over 15 years. Located at the very end of Howth’s West Pier in a building with a long and apt history, Aqua has the best seat in town with legendary views across Howth Sound to the island of Ireland’s Eye. Aqua sits proudly in a building which previously belonged to Howth Sailing Club, which was formed in 1895.

Aqua uses the best local ingredients in all dishes, a lot of fish served is caught locally and salads come from a local restaurant garden run on Howth Hill.

Ireland’s Eye

A 15-minute boat ride from Howth on Dublin’s northside lies Ireland’s Eye, a beautiful and mostly untouched island. The only signs of human activity are a Martello Tower and the ruins of a church. It’s a hive of activity otherwise; the wildlife on offer is incredible, notably the many species of nesting birds. The most spectacular natural feature is the huge freestanding rock called “the Stack”, at the northeastern corner of the island, which plays host to a large variety of seabirds, including thousands of guillemots, razorbills, fulmars and gulls. There’s even a few breeding pairs of puffins. Grey seals are abundant in the sea around the island too.

National Transport Museum

The Transport Museum Society of Ireland began with an abortive 1949 effort to preserve three Dublin trams. Totally voluntary, the Society became a limited company in 1971 and is now a registered charity, operating to international museum standards. Sixty out of the 100 vehicles currently in Howth are on display, and others can be inspected by prior arrangement. The oldest items date from 1883, the newest 1984.