By Bernd Biege
Ireland Travel Expert, about.com
Howth should really be on your agenda, if you have at least half a day to spare when visiting Dublin. Because the peninsula is very welcoming to the visitor, easily explored, and a total difference from the "Big Smoke".
Howth Essentials[post_ads_2]
- Directions for Drivers: Howth can be reached by following the road from Connolly Station (Amiens Street) and the Five Lamps, past Bull Island and into Sutton. At the Sutton crossroads, the direct route and the scenic route are signposted - the first will take you straight to Howth Harbour, the second will do the same, but via Howth Summit. There is parking at the Summit and at Howth Harbour. Spaces might be in short supply on weekends.
- Public Transport to Howth: Take the train to Howth Railway Station (terminus for the DART service) or a Dublin Bus, stops are in Howth Harbour and at Howth Summit.
- Weather Advice: Unless it is a very sunny day, always take some rain gear and a pullover with you, the winds from the sea can be freezing and wet. Avoid the East Pier and the Howth Cliff Path Loop in stormy and very wet conditions. It is not really advisable to attempt the latter in darkness or thick fog.
What You Should See in Howth:
Take your pick from any of these attractions and ideas:[post_ads_2]
- Exploring Howth - Helping You Find Your Feet and Make Your Way Around Harbour, Village, Nose and Summit
- Baily Lighthouse - the Last Irish Lighthouse to be Automated
- Howth Castle - a Short History and Some Hints
- Howth Cliff Path Loop - Safe Cliffwalking Above Dublin Bay
- Howth Harbour Lighthouse - Scene of the Gun-Running
- Howth Summit - Top of the World, Sort of ...
- King Sitric's Restaurant - for the Discerning Seafood Lover
- The National Transport Museum at Howth Castle
How Much Time to Plan for Howth
[post_ads]Well, that all depends on what you want to do, doesn't it? There are no hard and fast rules. But you should plan for an hour if you just want a bracing walk down the pier, two hours if you want to add some fish and chips or a coffee to that, half a day for the cliff walk, and a full day if you want to really explore Howth. The choice is yours.Also take note that navigating the crowds and, if applicable, finding a convenient parking space will eat into your Howth time ...
which brings us neatly to the next point:
When is the Best Time to Visit Howth?
- Howth can be enjoyed in any weather, come rain or shine, you just need to dress for the occasion. Bring layers, as the wind from Dublin Bay can be quite cold even on sunny days, and rain driven horizontally will soak a light jacket in no time. And, as always in Ireland, the weather is changeable.
- One piece of advice - avoid looking extremely ridiculous by not trying to tame an umbrella in windy conditions. you are less likely stay dry than have somebody's eye out with it anyway.
- Weekdays are generally quieter in Howth, so they might be the best time to head here.
- The time best avoided is a sunny weekend or bank holiday between noon and around six in the evening, as Howth will be full to capacity then.
- Especially the pier and the cliff path are far from enjoyable on these days - and don't even think about getting a "quick" snack.
