Is Howth the most attractive coastal resort near Dublin?

Question

I am looking for romantic/typically Irish accomodation for a week or so in August, next to the city of my dreams, possibly in a country cottage B&B. Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

I have been to Howth many times and it is one of my favourite places.

Howth (Binn Éadair in Irish) is an affluent residental area in the County of Fingal (previously County Dublin) in the Republic of Ireland. Originally just a small fishing village, Howth is now a busy suburb of Dublin. It is one of the northern termini of the DART suburban rail system. The village of Howth spans most of the northern part of Howth Head and is connected to nearby Sutton via a narrow strip of land. In the past, Howth could become isolated from the mainland during stormy weather and high tides.

The island of Ireland's Eye lies about a kilometre north of Howth harbour, with Lambay Island some 5 km further to the north. A Martello tower exists on each of these islands with another tower overlooking Howth harbour (opened as a visitors centre and Ye Olde Hurdy-Gurdy Museum of Vintage Radio on June 8th 2001 [1]) and another tower at Sutton. These are part of a series of towers built around the coast of Ireland during the 19th century. At the south-east corner of Howth Head is the automated Baily Lighthouse. Howth is a popular area for birdwatching and sailing, and is also a mecca for anglers. Anything from cod to ray can be caught from Howth's rocky shore marks.

In ancient legend, Howth was home to a chieftain called Croimhthain whose fort (Irish: Dún Croimhthain) gives the name Dungriffan to a local road.

In the early 19th century, Howth was chosen as the location for the harbour for the mail packet. One of the arguments used against Howth by the advocates of Dún Laoghaire was that coaches might be raided in the badlands of Sutton! (At the time Sutton was open countryside.)[2] Unfortunately, due to silting, the harbour needed to be frequently dredged to accommodate the packet and eventually the service was relocated to Dún Laoghaire.

In 1914, thousands of rifles were landed at Howth by Erskine Childers for the Irish Volunteers. Many were used against the British in the Easter Rising and the subsequent Anglo-Irish War.

Among Howth's more famous current residents are broadcaster g*y Byrne, writer Conor Cruise O'Brien, U2 drummer Larry Mullen, and musician Barney McKenna of The Dubliners. Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy lived in Howth for a time; he is buried in St. Fintan's Cemetery on the Sutton side of Howth Head.

Answer 2

Howth on the northside of the city

Dun Laoghaire, Killiney on the southside

Answer 3

Howth is nice, but I recommend Dun Laoghaire wihich is 7 miles south of Dublin and has the train (DART) about every 1/2 hour into the city.

A fabulous pier (about 1/2 a mile long) for a great walk.

Also recommend the beautiful town of Dalky (prounced Daw Key) about 3 miles south of Dun Laoughaire. Maeve Binchey & Bono live close to there.

Don't forget your brolly. Irish rain festival starts january 1st & ends december 31st.

Answer 4

I live in Howth myself and I looove it. It's charming, it's like a village... But I can't think of any cottage to rent though.

However, if you're looking for a quiet beautiful place by the beach, in a cottage, I advise you to go a bit further south in county Wicklow : Britta's bay. They have lovely cottages to rent. And it's still close from Dublin. I'd say an hour or so in car thanks to the motorway.

The site http://www.imagineireland.com/site/count... will give you loads of information, pictures of it and ideas for price !