Howth Head, Co. Dublin

Binn Éadair, Co. Baile Atha Cliath

Bailey Lighthouse, Howth Head, Co. Dublin

A lighthouse has existed and been in operation on the site of Bailey Lighthouse since 1667. The current lighthouse was built in the 19th century and electrified in 1972. The coast has had many shipwrecks.

(c) Annette Kelly

Bailey Lighthouse, Howth Head, Co. Dublin
(c) Annette Kelly

Bailey Lighthouse, Howth Head, Co. Dublin

A lighthouse has existed and been in operation on the site of Bailey Lighthouse since 1667. The current lighthouse was built in the 19th century and electrified in 1972. The coast has had many shipwrecks.

(c) Annette Kelly

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Howth Head (Binn Éadair) is a peninsula about 13 km from Dublin city centre on the north side of Dublin Bay. Originally an island, it is connected to the mainland by a tombolo or land bridge created by deposited sand at Sutton (Cill Fhionntáin) and is accessed by both Dublin Bus and DART train services.

The terrain rises to above 100m and the highest point is Black Linn ( Dubh Linn). 570 acres are designated as a Special Area Of Conservation, including bogland covered in yellow gorse. A network of paths circle the cliffs of the head with views of Ireland’s Eye (Inis Mac Neasáin) and Lambey Island (Reachrainn), the Irish Sea, Dublin Bay and the Dublin and Wicklow mountains.

Howth village and its enclosed harbour are situated on the north side of the head with two islands, Ireland ’s Eye and Lambey Island just off shore. There is a lighthouse in the harbour while the Bailey Lighthouse is on the rocky south east tip of the head.

There are Martello towers on the islands of Ireland’s Eye and Lambey Island and also in Sutton and Howth. Howth Castle and the Deer Park Hotel & Spa are local landmarks. On the grounds of Howth Castle is Aideen's Grave, a collapsed dolmen, a type of ancient burial site .

The area is popular with golfers, walkers, bird watchers, sailors and anglers.

Howth Harbour is used both by fishing vessels and yacht clubs.

Further information on Howth Head can be found at:

www.discoverireland.com

www.visitdublin.com