The Coastal Village of Howth

Ireland's Eye

The coastal village of Howth is a short train ride from Dublin yet a world away. This is the getaway of choice to rejuvenate and clear the air, so to speak.

Ruins of St. Mary's Abbey

The first church on this site was established in 1042 by the Viking King, Sitric. It was replaced by St. Mary's Abbey in 1235. The Abbey was rebuilt in the 14th century and renovated several times through the 16th century. The ruins date from the 15th and 16th centuries. The congregation moved to another church around 1630 when the Abbey deteriorated and was left to languish.

Howth Harbor and Marina

The harbor is divided in two sections - one for fishing boats and sightseeing ferries and another for pleasure crafts. There is a walking trail that runs through the park from West Pier to East Pier and beyond to the Howth Harbor Lighthouse. The island of Ireland's Eye is visible in the distance. It can be reached by taking a ferry from West Pier.

West Pier

Just down the street from the train station is West Pier where restaurants and fish markets are door to door all the way to the bay. There are so many restaurants to choose from that I bet Dubliners come to Howth just to eat lunch or celebrate a special occasion. And the selections are fresh off the boat.

Menu at Beshoffs

I was torn between crab cakes and mackerel (which is on the regular menu). After consulting with the waitress, I chose the latter and and also ordered a selection of freshly baked bread. All that food and a soda for less than 20€. Can't wait to try the crab cakes.

How to get there:

Take the DART train from Connolly Station to Howth. The rail line forks so make sure that you are taking the line that ends in Howth. The train fare is 3.00€ each way. You can buy tickets from automatic machines or from station ticket agents.

Beshoffs is on 17/18 West Pier. They also have a fish market and a café adjoining the restaurant.

Bring a windblower as it can be nippy walking by the pier. It's always a good idea to bring a jacket when planning a hike in Howth.

*****

Images by TravelswithCharie

The Fairy Tale Town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber has been on my travel bucket list for years. And I finally got there last November. It is an enchanting place. With its half-timbered houses, clock towers, colorful façades, schneeballs and beer steins, Rothenburg ODT oozes with medieval charm. It's no surprise that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I was partially filmed in Rothenburg ODT. This is a common dilemma in Rothenburg ODT. Which direction to take? It's hard to choose because every cobblestone street seems to be competing for the best dressed street award. And they are all winners in my book. After walking half a day, an inviting table for two with colorful flowers to warm a cold November day. I love how these two half-timbered buildings anchor a street that leads to another intriguing square. The Plönlein (Little Square) is the most photographed square in Rothenburg ODT. But I found more picturesque neighborhoods than this. That's ...

Midnight in Paris Movie Locations

It's not often I watch a movie but on a long flight home late last year, I had the chance to watch Midnight in Paris and was totally captivated by its plot. Can you imagine time traveling to the era of Fitzgerald and Hemingway, Picasso and Dali, Gauguin and Toulouse Lautrec? It was therefore such a treat to be in Paris and be able to see a couple of the locations from the movie. Had so much fun figuring out where the Peugeot came from to pick up Gil (Owen Wilson) and take him back to the Jazz Age. Rue Galande Rue Galande is a narrow street lined with boutiques with engaging window displays. Notice the giant flea sculpture above one of the shops. This location was shown at the beginning of the film. Interestingly enough, Rue Galande is a stone's throw from the bouquinistes along the Seine and across from the Cathedrale de Notre Dame de Paris. The Steps of St. Etienne du Mont This is where Gil was sitting, a little disoriented, when the Pe...

Casapueblo and Carlos Páez Vilaró

Casapueblo, Punta Ballena Just a few minutes from the popular beach destination of Punta del Este is Casapueblo which sits on the edge of a hill overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. If you're staying at the hotel, then you're in for a big treat. Imagine the view of the blue ocean made more dazzling by the sun. But that's not all. There's also an art gallery and museum next door which displays the artistic works of Carlos Páez Vilaró who also designed Casapueblo, his permanent home and studio. Casapueblo reminds one of the Greek isles at first glimpse. But it isn't that simple. Look closely and you'll find the influence of Gaudi in the architecture which Vilaró himself built with no plans. There are no straight lines. The interior has many passages and narrow stairs leading to enchanting rooms, everyone of which is different from the other. Notice the curving lines and the rooftops with their pointed concrete posts. Vilaró liked his house to a hornero's (ovenbird...

TravelswithCharie

Search This Blog