Page 154 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

152 BACK ROADS IRELAND

2 Howth 4 Malahide
Co Dublin Co Dublin
The views from Howth Summit Malahide is a pretty heritage town
across Dublin Bay to the city and the with interesting shops and cafés.
Wicklow Mountains are unrivalled in Both this and its large, ultra-modern
the whole county. From the car park marina village are perfect for a stroll.
a cliff walk to the right leads to the For a more thrilling time, take a high-
Baily lighthouse. Return to the main speed trip around the bay in a Rigid
road and turn right down Carrick- Inflatable Boat (www.seasafari.ie). The
brack road to the village. Park in the boat tours also include the chance to
car park at the pier or on the seafront. learn about local history and see a
Dominated by a harbour with a large variety of local birds and wildlife
marina and yacht club, Howth is a including dolphins, puffins and seals.
pretty village with a thriving fishing One of the main attractions of the
industry. Climb its hilly streets to the area lies just outside the village.
abbey ruins for views over the harbour Malahide Castle and Demesne (open
and nearby islands, or take a boat trip daily) was home to the Talbot family
out to Ireland’s Eye, a bird sanctuary from 1185 until 1973. A tour of the
where a colony of puffins nests. castle’s interiors, reveals highlights
ª Leave Howth and follow the coast such as the oak-beamed Great Hall,
road. Turn right at Sutton Cross. a collection of fine 18th-century Irish
Follow the R106 through Baldoyle, furniture and an impressive Portrait
then the coast road through one Collection. The interpretive centre
Above Martello tower near Howth Head roundabout, turning right at the and exhibition of local and Irish
second. After Portmarnock Hotel, turn history give further information.
right for Portmarnock Beach. Within the 100-ha (250-acre)
landscaped grounds of the Demesne
3 Portmarnock Beach are walks and picnic areas as well as
Portmarnock, Co Dublin the Talbot Botanic Gardens, which
Portmarnock Beach, also known as feature a collection of southern
The Velvet Strand, is 5 km (3 miles) hemisphere plants. There is also a
long, backed by sand dunes, with secret garden, a café and craft and
sweeping views of Ireland’s Eye, souvenir shops.
Lambay Island and Howth Head. ª From Malahide Demesne, turn
To the north, a striking limestone right onto Back Road and then right
sculpture of a globe marks Australian onto the R107. At the next junction,
WHERE TO STAY aviator Charles Kingsford Smith’s turn left onto the R106, signed for
departure from the beach to fly the Swords. Turn right onto the R132,
HOWTH
Atlantic in 1930. then right again onto the R126 signed
King Stiric moderate ª Continue along the coast road for Donabate. Turn left at the sign for
A distinctive red-painted building with (R106) to reach Malahide. Newbridge House.
eight smart rooms, all with sea views,
and a highly regarded fish restaurant.
East Pier; 01 832 5235; Below Huge kitchen of Newbridge House, with its magnificent display of historic cooking equipment
www.kingstiric.ie and crockery set out on original antique furnishings
AROUND HOWTH
Clontarf Castle moderate–expensive
This urban castle dates back to 1172.
Its historic exterior conceals a stylish
fusion of ancient and modern.
Castle Avenue, Clontarf, Dublin 3
(follow R105 Howth Road to Clontarf);
01 833 2321; www.clontarfcastle.ie
MALAHIDE
The Grand moderate–expensive
The Grand Hotel, set amid its own
grounds in the pretty seaside village of
Malahide, was built in 1835 but today
offers every modern luxury. With easy
access to the sea and amenities, it’s a
good base for exploring the area.
01 845 0000; www.thegrand.ie
Where to Stay: inexpensive, under €100; moderate, €100–€200; expensive, over €200

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