We rise to find a beautiful day awaits us. Checking the weather report we discover the sunshine will pass to rain this evening and continue through tomorrow. Following breakfast we decide to seize the gorgeous day and make our way to Howth Head. Following the River Liffey downstream, we pass the Customs House as we near Connelly Station. Once at the station we find our platform and board a train north to Howth. Howth Head is a peninsula located a 15 minute train ride northeast of Dublin and contrary to the short distance separating the two, it seems very distant from the bustling Dublin. The rugged mountain comprising Howth Head has several peaks and, with the exception of the town of Howth on the northwest coast, Howth Head is thinly populated. Nearing our destination we caught sight of a group of morning swimmers congregating on the beach and soon were at our station.
Leaving the train, we strolled toward Howth's harbor. We passed impromptu street performers playing the Godfather Theme as we followed the road out of town, which eventually lead us to the cliff side trail. As we walked we passed the town's Martello Tower and watched the harbor shrink in the distance as the road gained elevation. Looking out over the sea we had a great view of Ireland's Eye, a small island just off the coast. Ireland's Eye used to house a monestary, then a Martello Tower, and now serves as a bird sanctuary. Continuing about a miles' hike brought us to the craggy trail head and soon we were hiking on a narrow path that hugs the coastal cliffs. We continued circumnavigating Howth Head's coast on the high path, looking out over the Irish Sea as boats sailed below on the calm waters. As the trail turned to a westerly direction, Dublin Bay and Howth Head Lighthouse came into view with the Wicklow Mountains as a backdrop. Walking further, we spied a tall ship sailing in the bay. Deciding to explore Howth's heartland, we diverted from the coast and struck out on a trail straight up the the central peak, where we found a parking and observation area. We continued and were soon passing a neighborhood pub as we started our descent from the peak toward Howth. Passing through many opulent neighborhoods, we alternated between following streets and paths until reaching the town of Howth. We found a sandwich shop and purchased a picnic lunch, which we carried to the prominent lookout at the town's Martello Tower. Overlooking the harbor, we ate our lunch as menacing clouds congregated overhead.
Finishing lunch we were soon back at the station boarding a train to Malahide. After a short train ride we arrive at the bustling town. We briefly explored Malahide before making the wooded stroll to Malahide Castle, located about a half hour's walk from the station. Dark clouds overhead met us as we arrived at the Castle, as well as an overabundance of tourists. We opted to explore the grounds and forego the crowded tour that awaited us inside, then return to the train station. As we arrived at the Malahide station the sky dumped a heavy rain, we counted ourselves lucky as we watched drenched travellers arrive at the station. Soon we were back roaming the Dublin streets, moving our way up the Liffey. Arriving at the Ha'Penney Bridge we dove down an alley into Temple Bar in search of dinner. We found an almost forgettable meal at a local kabob chain and and the rain again found us. After dinner we strolled our way through the soaking shower. Back in Temple Bar we again tried unsuccessfully to find a traditional music session. We settled into a pub, grabbed pints and found a pleasant conversation with the Austrian tourists seated beside us.
Again failing to find the entertainment we sought, we were back to the drenched streets and tried the Stags Head. Not finding our type of pub we grab a quick conversation with an inebriated rabbit and again braved the elements in search of comfortable surroundings. We decided to set our sights on Foley's Pub, a neighborhood watering hole we found on our first visit to Dublin. Navigating through the constant, drenching rain, we traversed Grafton Street, Merrion Row and finally arrived like drowned ducks at our destination. The heavy rain proved Kate's raincoat had sprung a leak, leaving her cold and soaked. Kate chose a hot tea, I wisely chose a pint and soon we were drying and feeling invigorated. As we sat in the pub's front window watching the street traffic, we noticed O'Donahue's Pub across the street had a very active entry door. With our drinks finished we went to investigate the busy pub across the street. As we opened the door we were greeted by a small pub literally packed wall to wall with a lively crowd. I told Kate there was no room, only to be told by those inside "there's plenty of peck" (room) and the packed sea of humanity parted for us to make our entry. We found not only a bustling pub but a very talented group of musicians conducting a music session. Soon we were consuming rounds and warming in the newly found hospitality we had lucked into. After drying off, warming up and noticing the time getting late, we slid out to the streets to find the rain slacking up to a light drizzle, then set our sights back to our hotel. We soon were settled into bed for a quiet night's slumber.
To see the rest of the pictures go HERE.
Leaving the train, we strolled toward Howth's harbor. We passed impromptu street performers playing the Godfather Theme as we followed the road out of town, which eventually lead us to the cliff side trail. As we walked we passed the town's Martello Tower and watched the harbor shrink in the distance as the road gained elevation. Looking out over the sea we had a great view of Ireland's Eye, a small island just off the coast. Ireland's Eye used to house a monestary, then a Martello Tower, and now serves as a bird sanctuary. Continuing about a miles' hike brought us to the craggy trail head and soon we were hiking on a narrow path that hugs the coastal cliffs. We continued circumnavigating Howth Head's coast on the high path, looking out over the Irish Sea as boats sailed below on the calm waters. As the trail turned to a westerly direction, Dublin Bay and Howth Head Lighthouse came into view with the Wicklow Mountains as a backdrop. Walking further, we spied a tall ship sailing in the bay. Deciding to explore Howth's heartland, we diverted from the coast and struck out on a trail straight up the the central peak, where we found a parking and observation area. We continued and were soon passing a neighborhood pub as we started our descent from the peak toward Howth. Passing through many opulent neighborhoods, we alternated between following streets and paths until reaching the town of Howth. We found a sandwich shop and purchased a picnic lunch, which we carried to the prominent lookout at the town's Martello Tower. Overlooking the harbor, we ate our lunch as menacing clouds congregated overhead.
Finishing lunch we were soon back at the station boarding a train to Malahide. After a short train ride we arrive at the bustling town. We briefly explored Malahide before making the wooded stroll to Malahide Castle, located about a half hour's walk from the station. Dark clouds overhead met us as we arrived at the Castle, as well as an overabundance of tourists. We opted to explore the grounds and forego the crowded tour that awaited us inside, then return to the train station. As we arrived at the Malahide station the sky dumped a heavy rain, we counted ourselves lucky as we watched drenched travellers arrive at the station. Soon we were back roaming the Dublin streets, moving our way up the Liffey. Arriving at the Ha'Penney Bridge we dove down an alley into Temple Bar in search of dinner. We found an almost forgettable meal at a local kabob chain and and the rain again found us. After dinner we strolled our way through the soaking shower. Back in Temple Bar we again tried unsuccessfully to find a traditional music session. We settled into a pub, grabbed pints and found a pleasant conversation with the Austrian tourists seated beside us.
Again failing to find the entertainment we sought, we were back to the drenched streets and tried the Stags Head. Not finding our type of pub we grab a quick conversation with an inebriated rabbit and again braved the elements in search of comfortable surroundings. We decided to set our sights on Foley's Pub, a neighborhood watering hole we found on our first visit to Dublin. Navigating through the constant, drenching rain, we traversed Grafton Street, Merrion Row and finally arrived like drowned ducks at our destination. The heavy rain proved Kate's raincoat had sprung a leak, leaving her cold and soaked. Kate chose a hot tea, I wisely chose a pint and soon we were drying and feeling invigorated. As we sat in the pub's front window watching the street traffic, we noticed O'Donahue's Pub across the street had a very active entry door. With our drinks finished we went to investigate the busy pub across the street. As we opened the door we were greeted by a small pub literally packed wall to wall with a lively crowd. I told Kate there was no room, only to be told by those inside "there's plenty of peck" (room) and the packed sea of humanity parted for us to make our entry. We found not only a bustling pub but a very talented group of musicians conducting a music session. Soon we were consuming rounds and warming in the newly found hospitality we had lucked into. After drying off, warming up and noticing the time getting late, we slid out to the streets to find the rain slacking up to a light drizzle, then set our sights back to our hotel. We soon were settled into bed for a quiet night's slumber.
To see the rest of the pictures go HERE.
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