As the long-awaited summer months fast approach, it’s time to start thinking about the best way to spend these upcoming sunny days. After you and your neighbour have happily acknowledged the “nice stretch in the evenings” and that there is in fact “a bit of heat in that sun today”, the real question becomes: how should you make the most of it? An answer that easily makes it into anyone’s top 10 is to spend the day out in Howth.
Howth has so much on offer that the only downside really is figuring out where to begin. If you’re going on a Saturday or Sunday, the market is always a nice place to visit. There is some variance in the stalls week-on-week, but there are always a few regulars on whom you can depend. There is always a crepe vendor – a classic hunger-buster to enjoy while you inspect what else is on offer. Should you be in the mood for something more on the savoury side you can count on a wide array of international food stalls offering cuisines from Germany, Turkey, Hungary, India and beyond.
After you’ve inspected the many wares on sale, edible and non-edible, the best way to work off the treats is with a walk along the pier. The walkway at Howth’s pier is both lively and scenic. When the sun is shining it makes the white sail boats glow and the waves glitter. The soundtrack to your seaside stroll is provided by the crashing waves and the many musicians that set up camp along the pier. You many encounter and accordion player, a saxophonist or a singer-songwriter. If you’re really lucky you may find the famous Irish poet Pat Ingoldsby perched on the pier reciting his work. Should you spot Ingoldsby in Howth, be certain to pick up one of his books – many of them are notoriously difficult to come by.
If the pier isn’t for you, or if you’re just feeling particularly energetic, the Hill of Howth should be your next port of call. The hill is just the right gradient to get you feeling active without strain. After navigating through trees and heathers, across rock crevices and streams, you will have earned the chance to take in one of the best views in Dublin. You can look out at the ocean and the islands and sailboats that punctuate it. You can even look down on the lavish houses of Dublin’s one per cent.
After you’ve well and truly walked off the food you had earlier, it will no doubt be time to refuel. When you’re in Howth, fish and chips is the only way to go. Whether your loyalties lie with Leo Burdock or Beshoff’s – the Howth equivalent of the Barry’s or Lyon’s debate – one thing is for certain: if it’s dry you have to eat it outside. Furthermore, if you’re eating your fish and chips outside then it better be on the little wall by the pier that overlooks the green. There’s no greater opportunity for contentment than sitting in the sunshine with the salt of the sea breeze complementing the salt of your fish and chips. Naturally, the next serious consideration must be dessert. Ice cream is a reliable option to be sure, but even that presents debate. There’s the traditional route of the 99 versus the new Ben & Jerry’s outlet, which comes as a bittersweet replacement for Maud’s ice cream shop.
In short, a day out in Howth is an idyllic escape from the hectic, claustrophobic city centre. Good food, good views, good exercise and hopefully good weather combine to make Howth a little slice of heaven.
