For a long time I thought that Ireland didn’t like me. This was mt third attempt to visit it: on two earlier occasions there were always some obstacles that prevented us from going. Once it was the beginning of my pregnancy – a time in which I couldn’t fly, other time it was our little one being ill and not able to travel. But this time I made it! Was I impressed by Ireland as Łukasz was? Maybe not so much (as the cold wind and Maks’s coughing were trying to spoil my trip) but it was great anyway. Fish and chips tasted delicious and the views were beautiful. Our destination and starting point was Howth – a small town (9,000 inhabitants) on the Howth Head peninsula, located 15 km from Dublin and known for delicious fish and seafood.
We stayed in a cosy, little King Sitric hotel. The hotel praises its rooms saying that it’s a place where the waves will rock you to sleep. And they’re telling the truth! There’s also a restaurant, serving fantastic fish soup (the famous Irish chowder) and lots of other things – details to follow! The breakfast is served by the host herself. Łukasz started every day with a grilled fish, just fished out, while I went for a smoked salmon with scrambled eggs, local brown bread and freshly squeezed juice. Also, different kinds of cheese, fruits and yoghurts were available. That’s what I call breakfast. What a great way to start your day!
lighthouse in Howth
the harbour in Howth
What is there to do in Howth? We mainly spent our time walking around and eating fish and seafood. They have pretty much everything that swims – from fish to oysters.
The city is quite small yet full of restaurants: fish and chips, calamari, shrimps, oysters and apple crumble are available everywhere.
our Easter dinner
Despite the crappy weather, we walked around a lot and Maks played at local playground. I couldn’t believe how lightly the locals dressed. While I was shaking in a heavy jacket, a beanie and mittens, the kids were running around wearing sweatshirts and no beanies at all!! Maybe that’s how you build up your immunity but I guess that it wasn’t a good time for me to start 😉
picturesque Howth Village
While taking a walk in Howth it’s easy to encounter seals swimming to the shores. It couldn’t be better for Maks: first “shlimps” (shrimps) and then “u u u” a seal!
fun for every little animal lover
When you’re in Howth, take a trip to Dublin. It’s just 30 minutes by train. It appears to be even faster as there is quite a fast Wi-Fi access on the train – important information for all travellers.
We treated Dublin mostly as a walking area – we didn’t plan any sightseeing nor went to the Jameson distillery or Guinness brewery, which Łukasz saw before. Easter Dublin was colourful and full of people – both in the streets and in the pubs.
the Temple Bar
Maks in an Irish pub: “Dad, beer!”
What else is there to do around? The train doesn’t only go Howth-Dublin. Try other lines and go to Malahide or Skerries. The cities are really small and might not be as charming as little Italian villages, but have their own mysterious charm and numerous restaurants serving delicious fish…
melancholy in Skerries
looking for Stoop Your Head restaurant
Despite the cold and windy weather, Skerries was really picturesque and quite calm… But the thing that we enjoyed the most, was a great dinner in a funny named restaurant called Stoop Your Head.
halibut with shripms
Looks delicious, doesn’t it? 🙂 I’ll write more about what we ate in Ireland later. Some of the specialties are really worth seeing and trying – I was blown away by plum crumble with pecan nuts and surprised by fried oysters! Even though I don’t eat the slimy ones which I don’t find tasty at all, the fried ones were delicious! Did you ever try it? No? Then come back here and next go to Ireland and try for yourself. Ryanair will take you to Dublin at a low price! 🙂
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