Howth Cycle Tours

Geared Towards A Better Future

[howthcycletoursdublin]

The Grind Howth

On these cold and dark winter mornings, we have been in search of something to lift our spirits a bit and just a bit of a pick-me-up.

Thankfully, we recently stumbled upon this gem in Howth village. The Grind is a coffee house using high-quality 3fe roasted coffee beans  They are committed to sustainability and offer a discount to customers with a reusable cup. 

On our visit we sampled some of their many delicious delights on offer such as homemade cookies and brownies. Their moreish pancakes with delectable toppings are a big hit with customers here and they come with a selection of tasty toppings such as oreo cookies, chocolate chips and reeses peanut butter cups. There are also many food and drink offerings for the health-conscious too such as protein pancakes, smoothies and acaí bowls and more.

The Grind is the winner of the ‘Best coffee in Dublin award’ from 2016-2018 . With its great location, friendly staff, aromatic coffee and tasty treats-this coffee spot will definitely be a regular haunt for us from now on.

[howthcycletoursdublin]

Star of the Sea - Réalt na Mara

This impressive sculpture was erected in 2013 on the East Pier of Howth Harbour. The Réalt na Mara or Star of the Sea sculpture stands at 12m in height and is made of polished stainless steel to reflect maximum light. It is the work of Robert McColgan, a well-known and respected public sculptor.

This piece of public art is intended to reflect the heritage of Howth as a maritime community. The star itself is reminiscent of compass points and is reminiscent of a compass, alluding to themes of protection, light and direction, leading fisherman and traveller alike home. It can be viewed from several perspectives due to its 3-dimensional nature.

[howthcycletoursdublin]

This beautifully made video is just the thing to watch for some inspiration on places to visit on your next trip to Howth. With excellent narration and footage from many of Howth’s stunning sights, this is highly-recommended viewing.

[howthcycletoursdublin]

These beautiful illustrated maps can be found dotted around Howth. We think that they really add to the charming village.

[howthcycletoursdublin]

A striking Celtic Cross monument located at Howth harbour.

It is dedicated to all those who have lost their lives at sea.

[howthcycletoursdublin]

Howth Wooden Sculptures

A recent addition to Howth Harbour is an impressive art installation. Three wooden sculptures are located on the slope beside the Courthouse in Howth, overlooking the harbour and are the work of Richie Clarke. The talented wordcarver from Co. Westmeath was influenced by Celtic mythology, Irish folklore and fantasy literature. 

The installation is a great addition to the village. The idea of its creation was conceived when a group from Howth Tidy Towns viewed the wooden sculptures on a visit to Malahide and asked if it would be possible for Howth to have something similar. There was collaboration amongst several Howth stakeholders including residents as to what the theme for the proposed sculptures should be. Most people preferred the idea of three wooden sculptures with a maritime theme to reflect the location.  

I would highly recommend checking these sculptures out on your next visit to Howth. They are proof that art and culture has such a powerful and positive impact on a place.

[howthcycletoursdublin]

Did you know that Howth was home to the poet and writer William Butler Yeats? He lived in the village during his teenage years and the fishing village certainly made an impression on him. He wrote the essay ‘Village Ghosts’ which was published in The Celtic Twilight in 1893. In this essay, Yeats gives a meticulous account of Howth ghosts, immortalising their spirits. These spirits include the headless individual on the quay, the white-capped woman by the cemetery and the Devil himself who appeared in the shape of a white cat at Hospital Lane.

The home of W.B Yeats, the artist Jack B. Yeats and the rest of their family is one of the stops along our Howth Cycle Tours. They resided at Balscadden House which looks out onto beautiful Balscadden Beach.

[jvdvarchive]

What a place to live

By Jaïr van der Voort

[howthcycletoursdublin]

Howth Pub Spotlight: The Abbey Tavern

The great news of vaccine developments is getting us excited and hopeful again. In this positive spirit we want to give people some inspiration on places to visit in Howth when it is safe again to do so. The Abbey Tavern is at the top of our list of places to visit and is located right in the heart of Howth village. It is a world famous Traditional Irish Pub, Restaurant and Entertainment Venue with a unique 16th century location. So if you’re on the hunt for great food and drink, a lively atmosphere and lots of interesting historical information-look no further!

The Abbey Tavern occupies a section of the original 11th Century site of St Mary’s Abbey, which was founded in 1042 by the Viking Sigtrygg II Silkbeard Olafsson – King of Dublin, who also founded Christchurch Cathedral. Parts of The Abbey Tavern building itself date back to the 16th century, when it was built as an addition to the original chapterhouse to serve as a seminary for the monks.

The Abbey Tavern has hosted many stars of the cinema and music world as well as royalty. The famous names who have visited this charming pub include Princess Grace and Prince Rainier of Monaco, Ted Kennedy, Katherine Hepburn, John Wayne, Kate Beckinsdale, Neil Diamond, Garth Brooks, Pierce Brosnan and the stars of “Jackass”. The Abbey Tavern Traditional Irish night is a fantastic event and many famous trad artists such as The Dubliners, The Chieftans, Johnny McEvoy, Planxty and Christy Moore have graced the stage.

[breathtakingdestinations]

Howth - Ireland (by Juan Salmoral) 

[howthcycletoursdublin]

Staying motivated during Covid and staving off the winter blues

Even with hopeful vaccine development news in recent days, it can be hard sometimes to see the light at the end of the trouble. If you’re struggling right now, why not follow some of these tips and see if they can help improve your mood.

1. Vitamin D

Living in Ireland, lots of us are deficient in this vitamin especially during winter due to the lack of sunshine. Vitamin D deficiency can result in fatigue, low mood and muscle weakness. By correcting this deficiency through upping your intake of vitamin D, you can help boost your mood and energy. Make sure to consult a GP for more information.

2. Daily walks/ cycles

Daily exercise can do the world of good for everyone. The benefits are endless: it can boost your mood, decrease feelings of stress and anxiety, increase the production of endorphins, good for muscles and bones, increase energy levels and help with relaxation. Even just 30 minutes of daily exercise can make a real difference.

3. Reducing the use of social media

We recognize the irony of posting this on social media but if you notice yourself constantly checking your phone and it’s causing you stress, why not limit the amount of time you spend on social media channels and practice some self-care. Things you can do instead include watching Netflix, reading a good book, calling a friend, listening to music, baking some yummy treats, taking a bath or having cuddles with your pet.

4. Don’t put pressure on yourself

We are living through a worldwide pandemic. The most important thing to do right now is to stay safe and well. If you feel guilty about being unproductive, remember that your feelings are completely valid and things will get better. This too shall pass.

[howthcycletoursdublin]

A very informative and entertaining RTE Nationwide episode about the charming peninsula of Howth. Lots of great tips about activities and much more.

[howthcycletoursdublin]

Must-see places for the first-time visitor to Howth

Whether it’s history, culture, shopping or great food Howth can deliver the goods. Make sure to check these sweet spots off your list.

Howth Market

This lively weekend market contains up to 25 stalls selling artisanal foods, baked treats, jewellery, gifts, curios, antiques, clothing and more!

The Hurdy Gurdy Vintage Radio Museum

This quirky museum is located in a restored Martello tower overlooking Howth Harbour and features a wide range of vintage radios, gramophones and music boxes.

St. Mary’s Abbey

Sitric, Viking King of Dublin, no doubt recognized the superb views of Howth Bay from this location when he founded the earliest church here in 1042. The church was replaced around 1235 by an abbey and amalgamated with the monastery on Ireland's Eye. The views from this location have remained spectacular. 

Wrights of Howth

Situated prominently on Howth’s West Pier the Wright family’s fishmongers and speciality food store is one of the oldest in the area.They proudly claim to have been smoking Irish salmon since 1893, using the same techniques of hand filleting, curing in sea salt and smoking over oak chips for eight hours. 

The Dog House Tea Rooms

This gem is hidden away inside the arch of the old railway bridge and is definitely one not to miss. Serving an outstanding array of delicious teas, coffees and indulgent desserts this place is a firm favourite for many a Howth native and visitor.

The Summit Inn

After working up an appetite, The Summit Inn pub is the best place to stop and have a well-deserved rest at the top of Howth Hill . Their chicken wings have continually been voted some of the very best in Dublin and we attest to that!

The cliff walk or cycle

It goes without mentioning that Howth is the perfect place for dusting off the cobwebs with a brisk walk or cycle whilst admiring the stunning scenery. At Howth Cycle Tours, we have excellent options for guided tours and bike rental throughout Howth. 

[howthcycletoursdublin]

Famous Howth residents, past and present

Howth has been home to a serious amount of talent over the years! Check out this list of famous folk who have called Howth home.

Bono

The U2 frontman resided in Binn Eadair back in the early 1980′s with wife Ali Hewson. While he has since moved over to the dark side (Killiney), his U2 bandmate Larry Mullen still resides in Howth.

Phil Lynott

Like Bono, rock legend Phil Lynott also called Howth home back in the early 80′s.

Brendan Gleeson

Best known for his roles in The Guard, In Bruges, The General and a special mention for his part in the short film Cáca Milis, known by every leaving cert Irish student across the land. The supremely talented actor currently resides on Howth Head.

Gay Byrne

The Rte broadcaster and national treasure spent many years of his life in Howth with wife Kathleen Watkins.

Dolores O’Riordan

The Limerick native and Cranberries frontwoman resided in Howth with her family for several years before her tragic and untimely death in 2018.

Vogue Williams

Before hitting our screens in Fade Street and becoming Mrs Spencer Matthews, Vogue called Howth home. The reality TV star and her family now return to her hometown whenever they want to escape the hustle and bustle of London town.

[howthcycletoursdublin]

The Howth Lighthouse at the end of the pier is one of the most recognizable landmarks on a visit to beautiful Binn Eadair⚓️

The lighthouse is situated at the end of the east pier of Howth Harbour and dates all the way back to 1807! It can be seen as a place of great historical importance as the setting for an event during the War of Independence in 1914. Revolutionary Erskine Childers arrived here with supplies of weapons for the Irish Volunteers. The lighthouse now displays a plaque with information about its symbolism in the fight for Irish independence.

Make sure to stop by and check out this historic and scenic building on your next visit to Howth!

[howthcycletoursdublin]

Throwback to warm summer days down at Howth harbour☀️

[howthcycletoursdublin]

Just a few of the many stunning views Howth has to offer. Now more than ever it is important to get lots of fresh air and to stay physically fit. If Howth is within your 5km distance why not go for a walk or a cycle and take in the lovely scenery.