Off to Howth!

Howth (which rhymes with "both") is another seaside town located about 40 minutes on the DART train north of where we live.  Many locals go there for a day outing:  seafood lunch, stroll around the harbor, sit in the park--not a bad way to spend the day!

So that's what we did.  We walked along the harbor--lots of boats in the marina.

Howth harbor, marina and lighthouse

Boats and pretty sky

Friendly seal looking for handouts

Lonely fishing boat, rocks in the distance

But we needed more than just a stroll!  We, along with many other day hikers, climbed up the nearby hill and walked along the cliff which looped back to the harbor.  There are short routes of about 1/2 hour or longer hikes.  You guessed it:  We decided on the long hike and it took us about 3  hours. 

We passed some beautiful homes with views of old walls and, of course, the water.

This wall was along the edge of a private home

See the fisherman on the edge?

Nice cove!

Not a bad view from the living room!

Lighthouse

The path then turned inland.  We passed through a golf course, went through the Bog of the Frog (lots of ferns) and pretty trees.

Our last stop (before stopping at a pub for fish, chips and a pint), was to Ye Olde Hurdy Gurdy Museum of Vintage Radio based in the Martello Tower.

The tower, one of many along the Irish coast, was built in 1805 to guard against the possibility of a Napoleonic invasion (which never happened).

The museum was opened in 2003 and has countless artifacts of all forms of communication, some  related to Irish historical events.  We met Simon, the guide, whose father collected these pieces for the last 70 years.  Lots of stories--one man's passion!

Hurdy Gurdy Musem

In front of the Hurdy Gurdy Radio Museum in the Martello Tower

On another note:  We spotted this interesting 3-wheeled vehicle in Dublin with 2 lucky leprechauns on the handlebar.  This looks like a pretty comfy ride! (It has a sign on it "Look, don't touch").