Howth

Where the Dublin Bay coastline juts out at Howth Head, 13km north of the city, you'll find this quaint, prosperous fishing town. At the end of one of two Northern DART lines, Howth (rhymes with both) is easily accessible from the city (c.30mins) and extremely worthy of a daytrip - or out-of-town overnight base.

Views from Howth Head's summit can reach as far as Slieve Donard in N. Ireland and Snowdon in Wales, as well as the nearby Wicklow Mountains and Dublin city. Beyond the peninsula lies Ireland's Eye, an uninhabited island with ruins of a 19th Martello Tower and 8th century church. These ruins, and a large bird colony, can be seen by taking a summer boat trip from Howth harbour.

James Joyce fans will already know that it was in Howth where his Ulysses protagonist Leopold Bloom proposed to Molly. The author also refers to the area in his novels Finnegans Wake and The Dubliners. Esteemed musical residents - past and present - of this exclusive piece of Irish real estate include U2's Larry Mullen, Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott and Eurovision legend Johnny Logan. 

Highlights of a trip to Howth include the East and West Piers, Baily Lighthouse, 14th Century St. Mary's Church, Martello Tower Museum and 15th Century Howth Castle (Rhododendron Gardens open summer only) whose grounds house the National Transport Museum of Ireland.

The peninsula is also a walkers paradise with panoramic paths along craggy cliffs and through verdant woodlands. Golf, sailing and trips to the beach are also idyllic ways to pass the time Howth-style. The village has many fine bars and restaurants, and Its fishing heritage ensures locally-caught seafood is usually on the menu. Hotel and guesthouse accomodation can also be arranged - we suggest you search www.fingaldublin.ie or www.howthismagic.com for lots more info.