Ireland 2024: Transition Day

 

The day following the last day of the Great Southern Tour was a day for goodbyes but also a hello. My sisters went to the airport to head home but I wasn't finished with Ireland yet.  (Is anyone ever finished with Ireland?) While we were enjoying Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains, my SIL (M) was on an airplane headed to Dublin. We had just a few minutes all together, and then my sisters left the hotel. 

One quick selfie before we split up

We had a whole day before our next adventure began, so we had some choices: stay in Dublin and rest, or head north to Howth or south to Dún Laoghaire? I left it up to my SIL since I was acclimated to the time and she had only arrived. She was a real trooper and suggested we go in search of some fish & chips in Howth. 

We managed the train without too many problems. The train station was a short walk from our hotel but once we arrived we had a little difficulty figuring out how to buy a ticket. We figured it out, but then the turnstile wouldn't take them. Apparently, on the weekends you can ride the train out of Dublin for free but have to pay to return. (I'm not sure if that's true, but we got on the train without anyone asking for a ticket.)

Once we got there, we strolled around the port area. It was fairly busy and windy, so we just took our time and enjoyed being there. I was told that Howth is the place to get the best fish & chips, so I stopped a local and asked for a recommendation. We were a few minutes too early for fish & chips, so I opted for a cheese toasty. 

This was the place recommended to us. While I didn't have the fish & chips, the food was still good.

Map of Howth

Howth Harbor Lighthouse was built in the 19th century and was in use until 1982.

From the pier looking back at the town

Howth has been a fishing port since the 14th century. 

1 of 3 wood statues by Richie Clarke

Another wood statue on the side of the hill by Richie Clarke

The 3rd wood statue by Richie Clarke depicts the dragon head bow of a ship

The ruins of St. Mary's Abbey. Unfortunately, we didn't make it to walk around.

Not even 24 hours together, we were at the Guarda Station.

The last picture should be explained. I needed to use the ATM but when we found one, someone's card was still in the slot. We popped into the tourist office and she suggested we turn it in at the Guarda Station. Hopefully, it got back to the owner.

Howth was a good day trip out of Dublin. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of Dublin. I prefer to get out of the big cities into the small towns and villages. Howth is definitely a place I would love to return to. There is a Cliff Path that supposedly has some amazing views and I would like to get a closer look at the ruins of the Abbey. 

We had dinner back at the hotel and then went to our room. It was an early night because we had to be up and ready to leave the next morning. Northern Ireland and new adventures await!