Location: Howth Map
Constructed: 14th century
Howth Castle, located on the scenic Howth Peninsula in County Dublin, Ireland, is a historic fortress with over 800 years of history, making it one of the longest continuously inhabited private residences in Europe. Nestled amidst 500 acres of parkland, the castle overlooks Dublin Bay, offering stunning views of the Irish Sea, Ireland’s Eye, and the rugged cliffs of Howth Head. Once the ancestral home of the St. Lawrence family and later the Gaisford-St. Lawrence family, it has evolved from a medieval stronghold to a romantic, rambling estate that blends architectural styles across centuries. Sold to Tetrarch Capital in 2019, the castle is undergoing redevelopment, but its rich history, picturesque grounds, and cultural significance continue to captivate visitors.
Origins and Early Development
Howth Castle’s origins trace back to
1177, when Almeric (or Armoricus) Tristram, a Norman knight, arrived in
Ireland with John de Courcy during the Norman invasion. Legend holds
that on August 10, the feast day of St. Lawrence, Almeric won a victory
at Evora Bridge near Howth, securing control of the Howth Peninsula. In
gratitude, he adopted the name St. Lawrence, founding a dynasty that
would hold the castle and lands for over eight centuries. The St.
Lawrence family became hereditary Lords of Howth, a feudal barony, with
titles evolving to Baron Howth (until 1767) and Earl of Howth (until
1909).
The first castle, a timber structure, was built around
1177 on Tower Hill, overlooking Balscadden Bay near Howth village. By
1235, a deed records a new castle constructed on the current site,
likely also of wood, situated on fertile land away from the coast. The
earliest extant stone structures date to the mid-15th century, marking
the transition to a more permanent fortress.
Medieval and Early
Modern Period
The St. Lawrence family navigated Ireland’s turbulent
history with remarkable resilience, retaining their titles and lands
through the Middle Ages, Tudor, Elizabethan, Commonwealth, and
Restoration periods. Unlike many Norman families, they remained loyal to
the English Crown within the Pale (the area around Dublin under English
control), even as Gaelic Irish and Old English families faced decline.
The castle served as a defensive stronghold, protecting the peninsula
from Viking raids and later Gaelic rebellions.
A famous legend
from 1576 involves Gráinne (Grace) O’Malley, the Gaelic chieftain and
“Pirate Queen.” Attempting a courtesy visit to the 8th Baron Howth, she
was refused entry as the family was dining, and the castle gates were
closed. In retaliation, she abducted the baron’s grandson, the 10th
Baron, releasing him only after the family promised to keep the gates
open to unexpected visitors and set an extra plate at every meal. This
tradition is said to have persisted, symbolizing the castle’s
hospitality.
Architectural Evolution and Later History
The
castle underwent significant transformations over the centuries. In the
15th century, Christopher, 14th Lord of Howth, built the Keep and Gate
Tower, the oldest surviving structures (circa 1450). The Hall was added
in 1558 by Christopher, 20th Lord of Howth (the “Blind Lord”), and
further expansions occurred in the 17th century. In 1738, William St.
Lawrence, 14th Lord of Howth, modernized the castle in a Palladian
style, introducing classical features like Georgian sash windows and a
balustraded terrace.
In 1909, the death of the 4th and last Earl
of Howth left the estate to his nephew, Julian Gaisford, who assumed the
name Gaisford-St. Lawrence. He commissioned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens
in 1910–1911 to renovate and expand the castle, adding a library tower
(Gaisford Tower), a loggia, and a Catholic chapel, blending modern
comforts with the castle’s medieval character.
The estate, once
encompassing much of northern Dublin (including Kilbarrack, Raheny, and
Clontarf), was gradually reduced from the 19th to mid-20th centuries. By
the late 20th century, the demesne was redeveloped with golf courses, a
hotel, and other facilities. In 2018, the Gaisford-St. Lawrence family
sold the castle, estate, and Ireland’s Eye to Tetrarch Capital for
redevelopment into a luxury resort. A 7-acre portion near the castle
gate was sold to Glenveagh Homes for €14 million for residential
development.
Recent Developments
Since its sale, Howth
Castle’s future as a publicly accessible site is uncertain. Tours have
likely ceased, and the castle is poised to become a luxury hotel,
aligning with Tetrarch’s vision. However, the estate’s cultural and
historical significance, including its gardens and nearby attractions,
continues to draw visitors to the Howth Peninsula.
Howth Castle is a “rambling and romantic” structure, described by
Burke’s as a massive medieval keep with Irish crow-step crenelated
towers, to which additions have been made over 800 years. Its
eclectic design reflects its evolution from a defensive fortress to
a residential mansion.
Key Architectural Features
Keep and
Gate Tower (circa 1450): Built by Christopher, 14th Lord of Howth,
these are the oldest surviving elements, forming the castle’s
medieval core. The Keep is a large tower to the left of the main
entrance, while the Gate Tower, slightly forward, guards the
entrance court. Traces of a defensive wall and turrets remain in the
gardens.
Hall (1558): Added by the “Blind Lord,” this central
range, now entered via the main door, features Georgian sash windows
from the 1738 renovation. A top floor was added before 1641 by
Nicolas, 23rd Lord of Howth.
East Wing/Tower House (1660–1671):
Constructed by William, 25th Lord of Howth, this addition includes
battlements and turrets, maintaining the castle’s fortified
appearance.
Palladian Redesign (1738): William St. Lawrence’s
overhaul, designed by Sir Edward Lovett Pearce, introduced classical
elements, including a pedimented Doric doorcase, a balustraded
terrace with steps, and symmetrical proportions, softening the
castle’s martial aesthetic.
Lutyens’ Additions (1910–1911): Sir
Edwin Lutyens modernized the castle, adding:
Gaisford Tower: A
three-bay, two-story library block with a dormer attic,
incorporating earlier fabric from 1738 and 1840, featuring square
turrets and oak bookcases with elm-paneled ceilings.
Loggia and
Corridors: A loggia with bathrooms above and corbelled oriel windows
along the drawing room wing, enhancing functionality and charm.
Catholic Chapel: A simple, dignified space in the early 19th-century
range, with a barrel-vaulted ceiling and apse.
Sunken Garden: A
charming addition near the tower, blending formal and natural
elements.
Victorian Wing (19th Century): Designed by Sir Benjamin
Lee Guinness, this addition expanded the castle’s residential
capacity.
Interior Highlights
The castle’s interiors,
accumulated over centuries, include:
Great Sword of Howth:
Allegedly wielded by Almeric in 1177, though likely from the early
15th century, a symbol of the family’s martial heritage.
Drawing
Room: Features a mid-18th-century ceiling, possibly inspired by
William Kent’s Works of Inigo Jones, with paneled walls and arched
mouldings.
Library: Lutyens’ oak-paneled library in the Gaisford
Tower, with elm ceilings, is a scholarly retreat.
Furniture: Fine
18th-century Irish pieces, reflecting the family’s wealth and taste.
The castle’s architecture illustrates Ireland’s evolving historic
houses, blending Norman, Tudor, Palladian, and Edwardian styles into
a cohesive, if eclectic, whole.
Howth Castle is a cultural and historical treasure, embodying
Ireland’s Norman legacy, feudal traditions, and adaptation to modern
times:
St. Lawrence Legacy: The family’s 800-year tenure, from
Almeric’s arrival to the 2019 sale, is unparalleled, making the castle a
living link to Ireland’s medieval past. Their loyalty to the Crown and
survival through rebellions highlight their political acumen.
Gráinne
O’Malley Legend: The 1576 incident with the Pirate Queen is a celebrated
tale, blending Gaelic and Norman narratives and symbolizing hospitality.
Literary Connections: The castle hosted Dean Jonathan Swift, a friend of
the 14th Lord, who described Lady Howth as a “blue-eyed nymph.” Rosa
Mulholland’s 1892 description of the grounds as a “quaint old castle”
with “cathedral-like” woods captures its romantic allure. Samuel
Ferguson’s poem “Aideen’s Grave” immortalizes the nearby dolmen.
Community Role: The castle has hosted cultural events, including art
exhibitions, concerts, and food festivals, and was home to the Howth
Castle Cookery School, fostering local engagement.
Archaeological
Sites: The estate includes:
Aideen’s Grave: A 3,000-year-old dolmen,
legendarily the tomb of Aideen, who died of a broken heart in AD 184,
though the structure predates this tale.
St. Mary’s Abbey Ruins:
Founded in 1042 by Viking King Sitric, amalgamated with Ireland’s Eye
monastery in 1235, with most ruins from the 15th–16th centuries.
Corr
Castle Ruins: A 16th-century structure on the grounds, adding to the
estate’s historical depth.
The castle’s 500-acre demesne is a highlight, offering a mix of
natural beauty and curated landscapes:
Rhododendron Gardens:
Planted in 1854, these are among Ireland’s earliest and most famous,
with over 200 species and hybrids. Blooming in April–June, they create
an “avalanche of colour,” especially vibrant in May.
Beech Hedges:
Planted in 1710, these 10-meter-high hedges are among Ireland’s oldest,
framing the gardens.
Formal Gardens: Include a swan-inhabited pond, a
plashing fountain, and a sunken garden by Lutyens, described by
Mulholland as a “prim garden” encircled by woods.
Deer Park: A public
golf course and pitch-and-putt facilities occupy this area, with scenic
views of Dublin Bay and Ireland’s Eye.
Howth Head: The estate
encompasses much of the peninsula, including heathlands, cliff walks,
and light woodlands. The Cliff Path Loop (6 km) offers dramatic views of
crashing waves and rich heathers.
National Transport Museum: Housed
in the former stables, it features double-decker buses, trams, and
vintage vehicles, adding a quirky attraction.
Historically, Howth Castle was a private residence with limited
public access, but it offered guided tours, garden walks, and cultural
activities. Since its 2019 sale, visitor options may have changed, and
the castle’s future accessibility is uncertain. Below is an overview
based on its pre-sale offerings and current context:
Access:
Located at Howth Castle, Howth, Dublin, D13 EH73, the castle is a
30-minute DART ride from Dublin city center to Howth Station, followed
by a 15-minute walk uphill via the R105. Dublin Bus routes 31 or 31B
from O’Connell Street take 40–50 minutes to Howth village, with a
20-minute walk to the castle. Parking is available on-site, though fees
may apply.
Tours (Pre-2019): Guided tours, often led by resident
historian Daniel, were available for groups by booking (via
www.howthcastle.ie) or on Sundays in August–September for €12–€20. Tours
covered the castle’s architecture, history, and stories, lasting about
an hour. Visitors praised Daniel’s knowledge and enthusiasm.
Current
Status (2025): Tours are likely discontinued due to the castle’s sale
and redevelopment plans. However, the grounds, including the
Rhododendron Gardens and Deer Park, may remain accessible for walks,
especially in spring when the gardens bloom. Check www.howthcastle.ie or
www.fingal.ie for updates.
Attractions:
Rhododendron Gardens:
Open seasonally, free to explore, with peak blooms in April–May.
National Transport Museum: Open year-round, showcasing vintage vehicles
(check www.nationaltransportmuseum.org for hours and fees).
Howth
Cliff Walks: Free, with trails like the Cliff Path Loop offering
stunning coastal views.
Cookery School (Closed): The Howth Castle
Cookery School, known for seafood and Irish cuisine classes, is likely
defunct post-sale.
Nearby Attractions: Howth village offers seafood
restaurants (e.g., King Sitric, Beshoffs), the Ye Olde Hurdy-Gurdy
Museum of Vintage Radio, and boat trips to Ireland’s Eye. St. Mary’s
Abbey ruins and Aideen’s Grave are within the estate.
Best Time to
Visit: Spring (April–May) for garden blooms, or summer for mild weather
and coastal walks. Autumn and winter offer quieter visits but fewer
facilities.
Tips: Wear comfortable shoes for uneven grounds and
coastal paths. Bring a camera for Dublin Bay views. Check for updates on
access due to ongoing redevelopment.
Howth Castle’s preservation has been a private endeavor, with the St.
Lawrence family maintaining it for centuries. However, challenges
persist:
Conservation Efforts:
The Gaisford-St. Lawrence
family preserved the castle’s structure and contents, sharing it through
tours and events.
Lutyens’ 1910–1911 renovations ensured the castle’s
habitability while respecting its medieval core.
Challenges:
Sale and Redevelopment: The 2019 sale to Tetrarch Capital sparked
concerns about the castle’s heritage, with fears of
over-commercialization. A 2021 post on X lamented the dispersal of its
contents at auction, suggesting missed opportunities for state
acquisition.
Maintenance: The castle’s towers and walls show signs of
disrepair, with weeds noted by some visitors, requiring ongoing care.
Balancing Access and Privacy: As a private residence, public access was
limited, and post-sale, it may be further restricted during
redevelopment.