Howth Castle
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Howth Castle lies close to the village of Howth, north of the city of Dublin in the part of County Dublin now administered as County Fingal, Ireland. It is the ancestral home of the line of the Earl of Howth (previously Barons of Howth, holding the area since the Norman invasion), now held by their heirs, the Gaisford St. Lawrence family.
The current building is not the original Howth Castle, which was on the high slopes by the village and the sea. The great English architect Sir Edwin Lutyens restyled a 14th century castle built here, overlooking Dublin Bay.
The grounds are noted for the wild rhododendron gardens, which are open to the public in summer. The castle itself is not open to the public.
The National Transport Museum of Ireland is located in the grounds of the castle. It features lorries, trucks, fire engines and tractors. Also exhibited is the restored Hill of Howth No.9 Tram.
Also on the grounds is the Deer Park Hotel and its associated golf course.
A popular legend about the Castle concerns an incident that apparently occurred in 1576. During a trip from Dublin, the pirate Grace O'Malley attempted to pay a courtesy visit to the 8th Baron Howth. However, she was informed that the family was at dinner and the castle gates were closed against her. In retaliation, she abducted the grandson and heir, the 10th Baron. He was eventually released when a promise was given to keep the gates open to unexpected visitors, and to set an extra place at every meal. At Howth Castle today, this agreement is still honoured by the descendents of the Baron.
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