Howth Castle, County Dublin.

Howth Castle, one of the oldest occupied buildings in Ireland, is the ancestral home of the line of the Earl of Howth, and is now held by their heirs, the Gaisford St. Lawrence family.

The is a legend about the castle as follows: during a trip from Dublin in 1575, the pirate Gráinne O'Malley attempted to pay a visit to the 8th Baron Howth hoping to be admitted to dine with him and to obtain supplies for her voyage back to Mayo, but she was informed that the family was at dinner and the castle gates were closed. In anger at the rejection, she abducted the grandson and heir, the 10th Baron. She released him only when a promise was given to keep the gates open to unexpected visitors, and to set an extra place at every meal. At Howth Castle today, this agreement is still honoured by the descendants of the Baron.

The grounds are noted for the wild rhododendron gardens, which are open to the public in summer and some of the oldest, planted in 1710, beech hedges.

The National Transport Museum of Ireland is located in the grounds of Howth Castle.

Opening Times

The castle is open to visitors by appointment only.

Visit website for more information

Ticket Prices

The castle is open to visitors by appointment only. A charge will be made to cover costs and that of providing any refreshments.

Visit website for more information

Disabled Facilities

Visit website for more information

More Information

Visit website for more information