Howth is Dublin’s best kept secret that is steeped in history. It is a vibrant and beautiful fishing village situated on the scenic Howth Peninsula. Howth is situated just 13 km north of Dublin City Centre and 10 km from Dublin Airport.
Howth (Binn Eadair) takes is name from the Norse “hofuth” meaning a head, christened by the Danes. The name Binn Eadair translates as the Hill of Edar a Chieftain of the Tuatha De Danaan one of Ireland’s most legendary people.
Howth’s civilization stems back to before 819 AD and was attacked by the vikings and later Anglo Normas. The winner of one of these battles (Armoricus Tristram) was granted Howth as far as Kilbarrack (neighboring suburb), it was Tristram who took the name of the sait on whose feast day the battle was one, and built his first castle near the harbour. The St. Lawrence links remain here today. When visting Howth enjoy the walks around Howth Castle and stay in their magically located hotel, the Deer Park Hotel, Golf and Spa. Perfect for athletes to rest and recover after a grueling day of activity.
Howth was a trading port from at least the 14th century with duty collections officials supervising from Dubin. In the 18th century, Howth was chosen as the location for the harbour for the mail packet (postal service ship). This was relocated to DunLaoghaire due to the silting of the Harbour. Howth is now home to fishing boats and a great flotilla of boats stemming from the Howth 17’s (built 1989 – the world’s oldest one design racing keelboats) to a various collection of crusiers Class 0, 1, 2, 3 and white sails.
Ireland’s Eye guards the entrance to the Howth Harbour and will host the start of the Howth Olympic Plus Swim.
2011 is the first year that Howth is hosts the Howth Triathlon and we look forward to developing a great "must-do" event in the coming years.