A Short Train Ride from Dublin – Howth, A Fishing Village

When booking a trip to Dublin you might think it isn’t possible to gaze down into a harbor and watch a seal pop its head up through the surface of the water, but this experience is just one reason to hop aboard the DART train to the fishing village of Howth. So far on this blog, I’ve recommended a few trips on this convenient city center train, but all of them have been south of Dublin. While the train ride isn’t as scenic when you board the train heading north, the village of Howth is well worth the 20-minute journey.

For approximately 2 euros, you can purchase a ticket from the center of Dublin to Howth. The train station is located right at the edge of the town, so you won’t have to walk far to reach the quaint attractions of the village. While Howth has been discovered by visitors and is recommended in many travel guides, this doesn’t take away from its beauty. Avoid weekends and visit during the week to see this village as its meant to be: quiet and free of crowds.

Here are my recommendations of what to see in Howth:

1. Walk the pier: The pier in Howth is a great place to begin your exploration of the village. The harbor with its bobbing boats lures many visitors to the edge, and don’t be surprised to see a seal or two swimming around. Poke your head into Wrights, a famous supplier of fish in Ireland. Here you can pick up smoked salmon for a picnic or sample an oyster or two with a glass of wine at the Oyster bar.  Address: Wrights, 14 West Pier, Howth, Co Dublin. (map)

2. Indulge in the pleasures of the sea: One great way to see Howth is at sunset. If you travel on the train during the late afternoon, you can take a good walk along the pier to work up an appetite before having dinner at an incredible fish restaurant called Aqua. This restaurant not only offers some of the best views of ANY restaurant in the greater Dublin area, but the fish is also divine. Be sure to ask about the daily catch. Address: Aqua, East Pier, Howth, Co Dublin. (map)

3. Howth Farmers Market: Every Sunday a farmers market draws a large crowd right beside the harbor. If you’re going to visit on the weekend, Sunday is a good choice for the market. 40 stalls provide endless opportunities for picnic supplies or local gifts for people back home.

Bring along your camera, go for a sail, or try authentic fish & chips in Howth. This village is a perfect opportunity to see another side of the coastline in Dublin.

Photo Credit: Jessica Colley