The Howth peninsula forms the northern arm of Dublin Bay and was one of my favorite childhood haunts.
Less than 5 miles from where I grew up in Raheny, I loved to explore the hills and cliff paths of this majestic headland.
I was looking through photos on my external hard drive the other day when I rediscovered some shots I took from the hill of Howth on a bright sunny day.
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Howth Hill
And so I thought why not take a little trip to Howth Hill. The views from the top are spectacular.
Dublin Bay and the city stretch out before you to the south, and the islands of Lambay and Ireland's Eye dot the Irish Sea to the north.
When sauntering between Shielmartin and Howth Hill the right-of-way meanders across Howth Golf course.
From every corner of the course golfers can admire the city.
Howth Golf Course
This little cottage on the golf course caught my eye. I'm not sure if anyone ever lived here since this old home is boarded up, but that little bench beneath the window is an ideal spot for a little rest, especially for anyone longing to drink in the beauty of Dublin Bay.
And boy, oh boy, is Dublin beautiful when the sun shines.
The views along the hilly path to the summit of Shielmartin Hill take in the entire sweep of Dublin Bay.
Dublin Bay
Shielmartin Hill rises to a height of 535 feet, and the Ben of Howth is a towering 561 feet, so I suppose the term "mountain views" may be a little bit of a stretch.
The Ben is the highest point on the peninsula, but is crowned with communication masts.
But whether these elevations are hills or hummocks, the panaromic views from the top are well worth the climb.
Gorse and heather blanket these hills, adding a magnificent splash of color.
The Dublin and Wicklow Mountains rise in the distance, with Dalkey Island marking the southern arm of the bay.
On a clear day the north Dublin coast line from Portmarnock and onto Malahide, Donabate, Skerries and beyond are clearly visible.
If you're very lucky even the Mourne Mountains in County Down can be seen.
Howth harbor is a picturesque fishing village with it's two piers reaching towards the island of Ireland's Eye, sheltering the ships and boats moored in its waters.
Just beyond Ireland's Eye lies the larger Lambay Island, home to an ancient monastry founded by Saint Colmcille.
The Vikings arrived here in later years, and as a child I imagined marauding Vikings landing on Lambay's shores. In 1904 the island was purchased by the Baring family and they live there to this very day.
I have lovely memories of rambling across the bens of Howth with my grandaunt when I was a little girl. Rain or shine we trudged along these hilly paths, singing songs, reciting poetry and telling tales.
Finn MacCool on the Hill of Howth
My favorite stories tell of Finn McCool climbing these slopes in giant steps. I imagined our ancient hero standing atop these bens surveying Dublin Bay and the Irish Sea.
These hills are formed of quartzite, a magnificent rock of iron infused hues. The quartzite of howth is beautiful with warm flushed tones of red, golden yellow and a rusty brown. But be fair warned quartzite can be very slippery when wet or frosty. Tread with care on the hills of Howth.
Here's a little slide show I put together on YouTube with more of the photos I took from Howth Hill ..
And so if you find yourself in Howth, why not take a little saunter across its bens, and savor the beauty of Dublin and beyond.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
Here are some more recipes and ramblings you might enjoy..
Melissa
Lovely, a beautiful vista in a truly gorgeous area to take a stroll in. Thank you for sharing.
Irish American Mom
Hi Melissa - Thanks for taking this little tour of Howth Hill with me today - it truly is a spectacular place.
All the best,
Mairéad
Bill Cokas
Stunning photos! Would love to see it all in person!
Irish American Mom
Hi Bill - I highly recommend a trip to Howth for anyone who visits Dublin. It's easy to get to by train or bus and is full of history and wonderful seafood restaurants. Howth Castle is well worth a visit and the cliff walks are spectacular on a sunny day.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Cheryl Barker
Looks like a beautiful place, Mairead. What wonderful memories!
Irish American Mom
Hi Cheryl - Dublin is beautiful, and even though Howth is part of the city's suburbs it feels like it is a whole world away from the hustle and bustle of the city center.
All the best,
Mairéad
Mary Miner
Dear Mairead,Two years ago my husband and I while in Dun Laoghaire on vacation took the train to Howth. It was beautiful,we had many laughs that day because I could not pronounce Howth the way it should be.We took a walk up to the St. Mary Abbey and the castle above it,it was a wonderful day to remember.. Going back to Ireland but have decided to go to Cork and surrounding areas this spring.Love reading your blog.
Irish American Mom
Hi Mary - What a beautiful trip to take on the Dart train. I remember once I took my little girl on the train to Bray from Raheny, where I grew up. Once the train left the city and the views of Dublin Bay came into sight, she looked at me and exclaimed - "Dublin really is beautiful, Mom." I couldn't agree with her more - the train trip around Dublin Bay is only delightful on a sunny day. Glad to hear you had such a great time and enjoyed exploring Howth on your day trip. I hope you'll have a wonderful time in Cork. There is so much to do there. It's the county of my ancestors so I love to spend time in "The Rebel County".
Take care, and thanks for checking out my ramblings.
Mairéad
irishnannie Susie O. Towne
Thank you, Mairead* for the lovely "walk" through this part of Ireland that I don't know well at all! Your pictures are fun to see! I'm interested in looking up more about Ireland's Eye...had never heard of it before!
I read somewhere the thought that before the continents formed and there was one large land mass (panagea) (did I spell that right?) that Ireland was dead center. Somehow that seems to make sense because it is such an amazing mystical place...the center of anything seems to hold special sway in the big picture! What a privilege for Ireland to be home!
Irish American Mom
Hi Susie - I have wanted to visit Ireland's Eye since I was a little girl. You can take a boat trip there during the summer months. It's definitely on my Irish "to do" list. Ireland as the dead center of the original land mass - now that's just amazing. Thanks for sharing this little piece of Irish trivia, that may just explain why it is so mystical. Whenever I am in Ireland I feel the spiritual world is just that little bit closer than anywhere else I have every been.
All the best, and thanks for taking this virtual "walk" with me around Howth Hill.
Mairéad
brian@irelandfavorites
Hi Mairead, Me thinks a stroll upon Howth golf course would be good for the soul, I am a bit jealous as daughter #1 is pursuing music related certification over in Ireland right now, with pictures of relatives and Wicklow and Dublin haunts as well. I left a post on your halloween page with an invite to my yearly halloween rhyme, i hope you appreciate,
Cheers,
Brian.
Irish American Mom
Hi Brian - I hope your daughter has a wonderful time in Ireland and that her certification goes well.
Thanks for your Halloween rhyme - it was great.
Mairéad
Maureen N.
Hi Mairead! Loved the Howth pictures. When I was a young teenager, one memorable Sunday afternoon my mother brought me on a walk up her "Beloved Howth,. The air was brisk, and we somehow got lost on Red Rock. After what seemed like an eternity walking along the edge of the cliffs the mist came in from the sea and evening was falling. We were lost and becoming scared. We could no longer see the daisies in the grass and I was beginning to panic. We made a 90 degree turn into a field where a herd of cows were sleeping and the ground was very swampy. I lost a shoe in a mud puddle, which made a sucking sound when I pulled it out, and I was mud up to my knee in my Sunday coat. We headed for the lights on the road that seemed terribly far away, and ran to catch one of the last buses heading into the center of Dublin. It was crowded, and I had to stand as was the custom for younger people when older people were needing a seat. Embarrassment was not strong enough to describe the humiliation of the mud-caked leg and filthy shoe. Mother never again pined for her "Beloved Howth" unless Dad was driving us there. Your post is beautiful, and the pictures of the gorse and heather are unmatched.
Thanks for the memories! (Mom and Dad were from Killester and Clontarf).
Maureen
Irish American Mom
Hi Maureen - What a memory of your trip to Howth. I remember visiting Red Rock with my grandaunt. We used to access it by a right-of-way through a farm. It was a muddy walk, so I can fully understand how you had a muddy encounter in the dark. Thanks so much for sharing your childhood tale of Howth.
Best wishes,]
Mairéad
Patty O'John
Hi Mairead,
Been to Eire & Northern Eire twice but didn't make it to Howth. Feel so blessed to go there twice. I've been all over the World but Eire is so magical & beautiful! ☘ I plan to take my friend Debra back to see her ancestors side of Eire Co Monahan. They saw the Fogarty castle in Co Tipperary but didn't have x to see her neck of the woods/greens. I'd love to go back to N Eire to take her to Giants Causeway, & possibly Derry(so interesting) my favorite band is U2 so when my husband & daughter stumbled against the Bloody Sunday monument, it was humbling. The murals there were somewhat haunting yet beautiful artwork just the same. My daughters favorite Irish singer from the Band Celtic Thunder is from Derry. Damien Maginty I think his name is?? Did u ever go up to that part? The people were so welcoming & fabulous. They say they don't get as many visitors asthe Republic of course. Thx for sharing your video. I want to go back soon to see my Ancestoral country. Maybe I'll go to the City of Boyle, my Grandmothers name. Happy Hollydays to u & your family!! ?⛄️??
Irish American Mom
Hi Patty - It sounds like you had a wonderful time on both trips you made to the Emerald Isle. I do get to visit Northern Ireland, since my husband is from Donegal. When we visit our family day we often take day trips to places like the Giant's Causeway and the Antrim Coast. Ireland truly is spectacular. Derry is a very interesting city. Next time I'm there I hope to take a guided tour of the city walls.
I hope you make it back to Ireland someday soon. Have a lovely holiday season.
Best wishes,
Mairéad