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Howth Castle: A Norman Legacy on Dublin Bay

Explore the historic Howth Castle and its grounds, home to the St Lawrence family since 1180, offering gardens, golf, and guided tours.

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Howth Castle, located just outside Howth village in County Dublin, has been the ancestral home to the St Lawrence family since 1180. With parts of the current structure dating back to 1450, the castle offers a glimpse into Ireland's rich history and evolving architecture. Although the interior is primarily accessible via guided tours, the grounds, including the gardens and access to the Deer Park Golf and Café Bar, are open to the public.

A brief summary to Howth Castle Estate

Local tips

  • Check the Howth Castle website for guided tour schedules and booking information, as tours are not available daily.
  • Visit in late May or June to see the rhododendron gardens in full bloom.
  • Take the path from Deer Park Golf and Café Bar to Aideen's Grave, an ancient dolmen, for a scenic walk through the estate.
  • Consider public transport, such as the DART or bus, to avoid parking challenges, especially on weekends.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Dublin city center, take the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) train to Howth Station. Trains depart from Dublin Pearse Station every 30 minutes, with a journey time of approximately 30 minutes. From Howth Station, you can take the H3 bus towards Howth Castle. The bus journey is approximately 4 minutes and costs €3. Alternatively, it's a 13-minute walk from Howth Station to Howth Castle.

  • Walking

    From Howth village, Howth Castle is approximately a 13-minute walk. From Howth DART station, walk north along Main Street, then turn left onto the Howth Castle Road. Continue along this road, passing Howth Demesne on your right, until you reach the entrance to Howth Castle. The walk is relatively straightforward and well-signposted.

  • Taxi

    From Howth DART station, a taxi to Howth Castle takes approximately 1 minute and costs between €6-€8. Taxis are usually available at the DART station. You can also use ride-sharing apps like FreeNow to book a taxi. Note that availability may vary depending on the time of day and demand.

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Discover more about Howth Castle Estate

Howth Castle, a historic structure near the village of Howth in County Dublin, has been the home of the St Lawrence family since the Norman invasion of 1180. The family's connection to the area began when Sir Almeric Tristram, later St. Lawrence, acquired the estate in 1177. The castle's story is filled with tales, including a visit from the pirate queen Grace O'Malley, who, after being refused entry, abducted the Earl's son and only released him after a promise to keep the gates open to unexpected visitors and set an extra place at every meal. Originally a wooden structure on Tower Hill, overlooking Balscadden Bay, the castle was moved to its current location around 1235. The oldest parts of the existing stone castle, including the keep and gate tower, date back to the 1450s. Over the centuries, the castle has undergone several renovations, most notably in 1738 and 1911, with Sir Edwin Lutyens adding the Gaisford Tower to house the family library. Today, Howth Castle provides a unique look into the architectural evolution of Irish historic houses. While the castle is a private residence and not open for daily public viewing, guided tours offer insights into the castle's principal rooms and the stories of the St Lawrence family. The grounds are open to the public and feature gardens noted for rhododendrons and azaleas that bloom in late May and June, as well as a beech hedge planted in 1710. Visitors can also explore the Deer Park Golf and Café Bar, and follow paths to Aideen's Grave, an ancient dolmen.

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