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10b. Howth to Sutton Cross scenic walk - Part 2 Grey Seals and a diversion to Howth Abbey ruins and the start of the walk
See also 10d.
The lighthouse at the entrance to Howth Harbour and viewed through the myriad of yachts safely berthed in the excellent moorings of the harbour.
By the lighthouse is a commemorative plaque honouring the landing here on Sunday July 26th 1914 of Erskine Childers and the crew of the yacht "Asgard" laden with guns and ammunition and Irish Volunteers to fight for the freedom of Ireland.
There is quite a large population of grey seals on the East Coast of Ireland and some are quite tame and are fed fish in Howth Harbour and seem to really enjoy the company of onlookers!
The fishing is good for humans too off the piers and breakwater of Howth Harbour - a good 'Island's Eye' for a fish!
Howth Abbey occupies the site of a church founded in 1042 by Sigtrygg, King of Dublin. This was replaced about 1235 by a new church founded by Luke, Archbishop of Dublin. The buildings seen now date from the late 14th or early 15th century.
In the lovely fishing village of Howth you can find the remains of Howth Abbey, here viewed from the Martello tower above the harbour (on the left of picture below).
The Abbey remains viewed from the graveyard overlooking Howth Harbour. Just below is the historic 'supposedly' 15th century Abbey Tavern, a great venue for an Irish night out, there are steps up to the Abbey entrance. After this return to the harbour and head west along a road from by the breakwater until you eventually find the start of the path. It is a wonderful sea cliff walk with outstanding views most of the way e.g. across to Irelands Eye and Lambay Island and across Dublin Bay to the Wicklow mountains.
So, farewell to the fishing boats and harbour of Howth as we climb up above the sea onto the really good path around on the cliffs of Howth.
Heading out to the Cliffs of Howth and looking back towards the Martello Tower (on the left of the above and below pictures), the harbour breakwater and Irelands Eye island.
Martello Towers were built by the British in the late 18th century as part of the defensive system of the Napoleonic wars with France.
Fishing boat returning to Howth harbour.
The cliffs near Howth and Lambay Island in the right-distance before turning southward to follow the clearly marked path all the way round to Sutton Cross.
See also 10d. Picture sequence - Howth harbour & cliff walk |
Picture
sequence - Howth harbour & cliff walk
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