Howth

1,238 registered freehold parcels lie mostly in Howth, from 1 m² to 192,957 m² (19.3 ha, 47.68 acres). The dashed line is the townland's boundary; 5 neighbouring parcels touch it.

Download the townland: DXF, in Irish Transverse Mercator metres, with its boundary, parcels and buildings; GeoJSON or KML.

• R2RS - Residential (Existing residential)
  The Fingal Development Plan 2023 – 2029, Fingal · 1,015 parcels The zoning objective in the plan
• M2TC - Town and District Centre (City/Town/village Centre, central area)
  The Fingal Development Plan 2023 – 2029, Fingal · 81 parcels The zoning objective in the plan
• G3HA - High Amenity (Conservation, amenity or buffer space, corridor/belt, landscape)
  The Fingal Development Plan 2023 – 2029, Fingal · 69 parcels The zoning objective in the plan
• G4OS - Open Space (Active open space)
  The Fingal Development Plan 2023 – 2029, Fingal · 19 parcels The zoning objective in the plan
• S3CI - Community Infrastructure (Community facilities)
  The Fingal Development Plan 2023 – 2029, Fingal · 10 parcels The zoning objective in the plan
• M3LC - Local Centre (District, neighbourhood centre)
  The Fingal Development Plan 2023 – 2029, Fingal · 0 parcels The zoning objective in the plan

Source: Tailte Éireann and the Department of Housing (MyPlan), national zoning, CC BY 4.0.

• 30 Aug 2026Referral

  The development consisted of a rear ground floor extension.

  Retention · Fingal County Council, F26A/0789E

• 24 Aug 2026Referral

  The development will consist of: Retention of alterations and amendmen

  Permission and retention · Fingal County Council, F26A/0766E

• 18 Aug 2026Referral

  The development will consist of the provision of a 3.6m wide vehicular

  Permission · Fingal County Council, F26A/0745E

• 31 Jul 202635 day assessment

  (i) Demolition of existing two-storey detached 3 no. bedroom dwelling

  Permission · Fingal County Council, F26A/0692E

• 30 Jul 2026Referral

  Planning Permission for proposed development comprising erection of a

  Permission · Fingal County Council, F26A/0680E

• 29 Jul 202635 day assessment

  Permission is sought for renovations, alterations and extensions to th

  Permission · Fingal County Council, F26A/0672E

• 20 Jul 2026Recommendation review

  The construction of 1 no. 2-storey, 2-bed, detached house with 1 no. s

  Permission · Fingal County Council, F26A/0651E

• 17 Jul 2026Recommendation review

  The development will consist of the removal of existing maritime navig

  Permission · Fingal County Council, F26A/0647E

• 16 Jul 2026Recommendation review

  The development will consist of: the construction of a detached domest

  Permission · Fingal County Council, F26A/0640E

• 14 Jul 2026Invalid application

  Planning Permission is sought for renovations, alterations and extensi

  Permission · Fingal County Council, F26A/0626E

• 10 Jul 2026Refuse permission

  (i) partial change of use, with associated internal reconfiguration, o

  Permission · Fingal County Council, F26A/0609E

• 10 Jul 2026Invalid application

  The development consists of the construction of a single story pitched

  Permission · Fingal County Council, F26A/0608E

• 6 Jul 2026Grant permission

  1) The demolition of an existing single storey garage and carport to t

  Permission · Fingal County Council, F26A/0587

• 6 Jul 2026Grant permission

  Works to existing dwelling at 8 Thormanby Lodge, Howth, Co. Dublin D13

  Permission · Fingal County Council, F26A/0591E

• 21 Jun 2026Request additional information

  The proposed development comprises alterations and extensions to the e

  Permission · Fingal County Council, F26A/0538E

• 19 Jun 2026Grant permission

  Planning Permission is sought for works to a two-storey, 3-bed existin

  Permission · Fingal County Council, F26A/0532E

• 18 Jun 2026Grant permission & grant retention

  Proposed 1st floor extension at side and rear, rainwater planters in f

  Permission and retention · Fingal County Council, F26A/0520E

• 5 Jun 2026Grant permission

  The development will consist of: (i) Partial demolition of the existin

  Permission · Fingal County Council, F26A/0472E

• 3 Jun 2026Grant permission

  The development will consist of the following:

  Permission · Fingal County Council, F26A/0463E

• 31 May 2026Invalid application

  The development will consist of Façade alterations to include new wind

  Permission · Fingal County Council, F26A/0456E

• 29 May 2026Request additional information

  Retention Permission and Planning Permission is sought for alterations

  Permission and retention · Fingal County Council, F26A/0454E

• 26 May 2026Invalid application

  1 no. 2-storey, 2 bed detached houes with 1 no. skylight and 1 no. cle

  Permission · Fingal County Council, F26A/0437E

• 24 May 2026Grant permission

  The development will consist of (a) single storey detached garden room

  Permission · Fingal County Council, F26A/0433E

• 22 May 2026Request additional information

  The development consists of the retention of; a single storey extensio

  Retention · Fingal County Council, F26A/0427E

• 15 May 2026Grant permission

  Proposed (1) single storey extensions to front, side & rere, & (2) gro

  Permission · Fingal County Council, F26A/0395E

The 25 most recent of over 100 applications.

Source: National Planning Applications, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, CC BY 4.0. Applicants are not shown.

Designated sites

• Special Area of Conservation: Howth Head SAC 000202
• Special Area of Conservation: Rockabill to Dalkey Island SAC 003000
• Special Protection Area: Howth Head Coast SPA 004113
• Special Protection Area: North-West Irish Sea cSPA 004236
• Proposed Natural Heritage Area: Howth Head 000202

Recorded monuments

• DU015-028001 Cist
  Description

  A cist (L 9m; Wth 0.7m) was exposed during house construction work in 1897 (Shearman 1866-9, 330-32). It was constructed of limestone blocks and was covered by a mound (Westropp 1922, 64). Not visible at ground level. Compiled by: Geraldine Stout Date of upload: 26 August 2011

• DU015-029001 Church
  Description

  St. Mary's Church, known as Howth Abbey is a National Monument (No. 36). It is sited on the side of north facing hill with extensive views of Howth harbour and Ireland's Eye. The original church on the site was founded by Sitric, King of Dublin c.1042. It comprises an impressive double-aisled church of largely 14th century date with later alterations. Built of coursed masonry. The aisles vary in length (N aisle L 20.7m; dims. S aisle L 23m) and are almost of equal width (Wth c. 6m). They are divided by an arcade of pointed arches. Both aisles originally gabled, were merged to form one roof in the 16th-century. The southern aisles appears bowed. The western gable was widened to carry stairs to a triple bellcote. An external recess with a high-semi-circular arched opening was also added to the W gable. A porch in the southern wall allows access to the S aisle through a pointed sandstone doorway and a round-headed doorway of dressed limestone in the interior. Both doors in N aisle have plain pointed head s and are of uncertain date. N aisle is lit by a double-light tracery W window with sandstone jambs, and a triple light E window with semi-elliptical flattened heads of dressed limestone. S aisle is lit by double-light with flattened arches in the W and a triple light with cusped ogee and trefoil heads in the E. There is a stoup in the S wall which is contained in a trefoil-headed niche in the S wall (Cochrane 1896, 1-21; Ball 1917 29-47, 87-111; Leask 1960, 3, 34-37). The church also contains a piscina with a trefoil-head and another further west. In the southwest corner of the south aisle is the chantry chapel which contains the tomb of Christopher St Lawrence and his wife Anna Plunkett (DU015-029003-). Compiled by: Geraldine Stout Updated by: Christine Baker Date of upload: 26 January 2015

• DU015-029002 Ritual site - holy well
  Description

  Holy well known locally as 'Our Lady's Spout', located near the base of the retaining wall of St Mary's Abbey abbey (DU015-029001-) graveyard (DU015-029006-). Described by Ó Danachair (1958, 77) as; The Holy Spout" or "The Eye Spout local. Not named on maps. A steady trickle of water issuing from a short length of three-inch iron pipe which projects at a height of about four feet from the retaining wall on the south side of Harbour Road, Howth, just outside Howth Abbey. It is said to come from a holy well, dedicated to Our Lady, in the abbey grounds, The water cures sore eyes'. Folklore collected in 1934 from Howth School recorded the following tradition about 'Our Lady's Spout' ; 'This is a small stream of water which runs through an iron spout, and comes under the ruins of St Mary's Abbey, Howth, on to the Harbour Road. The spout is about 5 feet from ground, there is only a small trickle of water, but it is held to be a cure for sore eyes, and the people still use it for that purpose' (The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0792, Page 3; https://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/4498746/4385850/4498747?ChapterID=4498746). Compiled by: Geraldine Stout Updated by: Christine Baker Revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 17 April 2023

• DU015-029003 Tomb - effigial
  Description

  A 15th-century altar tomb dims. L 2.2m, 1.05m) stands at east end of southern aisle of St. Mary's church (DU015-029001-) in Howth. The tomb of Christopher St Lawrence and his wife, Anne Plunket c. 1462 was described by Hunt (1974, 144-5) as follows; 'Situated in a chantry given by the St Lawrence family around 1462 is a double altar tomb bearing the figures of Sir Christopher St Lawrence who died in 1462, and Anne Plunket, his wife. The knight is on the sinister. He is armed in the manner typical of the Meath school, of which this monument is a product. The body armour is a pair of plates Over a mail habergeon to mid-thigh. The neck and shoulders are defended by a pisane, With besagews on the shoulder points. On the head is a bascinet with a fairly acute point. There are traces of a visor. The arms and legs are of plate, the discs of the cowters matching those on the shoulders. There are gauntlets on the hands. The sword hangs from a belt at the waist, and has a short straight cross and an ovate pommel. The feet are shod with articulated sabatons with short pointed toes. The lady is depicted in a costume similar to the others of the class with V-neck and a broad flat collar, showing an underbodice of similar shape, full sleeves gathered at the wrist, a long pleated gown and decorated belt below which the revers of the tight bodice are seen descending over the stomach in a deep U form. Her head-dress is of low turret form, on which some of the foil original quatre-diaper work remains, with a short veil falling on the tasseled pillow beneath her head. The relief of the figures is unusually low. Around the chamfered edge of the slab runs the following inscription: HIC JACENT CRISTOFORUS DE SANCTO LAURENT DOMINUSET ANNA DOMINE FILIA . . . PLUNKET DE RATOAT/H OBITUS I CRISTO DOMINE ANNO DOMINE MCCCC SEXTO II QUORUM ANIMABUS DEUS PROPICIETUR. . . ME FECIT Here lie Sir Christopher Saint Lawrence and Lady Anne daughter of. . . Plunket of Ratoath who died in Christ the Lord in the year of the Lord 1462, on whose souls Christ have mercy made me. The whole inscription is in Black Letter except the 'me fecit' which is in Roman letters. It is unfortunate that the signature of the maker is illegible. Tomb-surrounds East end - The east end of the tomb is divided into four niches, having ogee arches Cusps, and separated by slender pinnacles. Beneath each arch is a figure: 1 an abbess; 2 an archbishop; 3 St Catherine; 4 St Peter West end - The west end is divided in the same manner, the figures representing: 1 an angel with a censer; 2 the Crucifixion between Our Lady and St John; 3 St Michael slaying the dragon; 4 an angel with a censer. Long sides - The sides are also niched, but the six niches are empty and instead of pinnacles, there are five shields above the dividing buttresses. Those on the south side bear the arms: 1 St Lawrence impaling Plunket differenced with an annulet; 2 Butler or le Poer; 3 Plunket; 4 Fleming; 5 Cusack. Those on the north: 1 Bellew; 2 Barry or Hussey; 3 St Lawrence; 4 White; 5 The arms of the Passion. The tomb is behind iron railings and under a slate-roofed, timber-posted canopy which protects it from the most direct effects of the weather. See attached black and white images taken by Edwin Rae from the Edwin Rae Collection, courtesy of Trinity College Dublin, http://hdl.handle.net/2262/12041 Anon. 1833 The Abbey of Howth, with Some Account of the Family of St. Laurence and Sir John de Courcy. The Dublin Penny Journal, Aug. 31, 1833, Vol. 2, No. 61 (Aug. 31, 1833), 68-70. Anon. 1833 Tomb of the St. Laurence Family, in the Abbey of Howth. The Dublin Penny Journal, Vol. 2, No. 61 (Aug. 31, 1833), 72. Compiled by: Geraldine Stout Updated by: Christine Baker Revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 14 March 2023

• DU015-029004 Graveslab
  Description

  There are two medieval grave slabs attached to the E and S wall of the S aisle (DU0 15-029001-). Both grave-slabs have an incised floriated cross with arms and a stepped base. Compiled by: Geraldine Stout Date of upload: 26 August 2011

• DU015-029005 Graveslab
  Description

  A grave- slab is re-used as a kerbstone in the south-west corner of graveyard. It contains a stepped base inscribed on the lower portion of the slab. Now lying on its side just north of the base of the graveyard entrance steps. Compiled by: Geraldine Stout Updated by: Christine Baker Date of upload: 26 January 2015

• DU015-029006 Graveyard
  Description

  This graveyard is square in plan and entered from the southwest corner where it drops down significantly from street level. Externally there are houses to the south and west including Howth College (DU015-030----), Abbey Road. to the east and a sheer drop c.30ft to the north. The unusual crenallated perimeter wall was depicted by Beranger in the 18th century. After torrential rain in October 2011, part of the northern perimeter wall collapsed causing extensive ground collapse and coffin exposure. A programme of removal and reinstatement was undertaken and the graveyard wall butressed externally. There are engineering monitoring points along the internal wall and on the church. The collapse along the northern limit has been repaired and plots reinstated. The graveyard contains a mixture of 18th, 19th and modern gravestones that range form simple undecorated stones to table tombs. Compiled by: Geraldine Stout Updated by: Christine Baker Date of upload: 26 January 2015

• DU015-030 House - fortified house
  Description

  Known as the College of Howth, this is a T-shaped three- storey building of probable late 15th-sixteenth-century date. It fronts onto Abbey Street and is located south of St Mary's Church (DU015-029001-). It's longer axis runs east-west (int. dims. max. L 16m, max Wth 7m) and there is a small projection in the centre of the east wall which according to Leask (1960, III, 28-30) contained the garderobes. Built of roughly coursed blocks of Howth stone, volcanic type rocks and limestone with dressed limestone used in quoins, windows and doors. Formerly the E end of the building was divided into two compartments each containing fireplaces in gable walls. An entrance passage divided the west end of building into two compartments. Access was through elliptical arched doorway with chamfered jambs that have been hammer dressed. Ground floor was lit by an elliptical arched window with plain hood moulding. The eastern projection is lit by slit opes. The first floor contains round arched windows formed of chamfered limestone jambs. A number of archaeological investigations were undertaken prior to its conversion to a domestic house. A survey revealed that the inside had been lowered in modern times, the original ground floor was 1.7m higher than the present floor. It also identified a mortared foundation within the footprint of the building which was suggestive of an earlier structure or a cellar (Simpson, L. 2006, 161). Hand excavation (Licence no. 03E1804) of four pits (averaging 1m sq.), at the corners of the building and the southern footing of a proposed stairwell (3m east-west by 1.1m), were excavated through archaeological deposits to determine the natural subsoil. The medieval horizon containing 13th/14th-century pottery was identified 0.06-0.43m below the lowered ground level. The foundation of a rubble-built internal wall (0.5m high) was identified almost centrally to the structure (Baker 2003). The new house was 'hung' within the original and an iron roof added. Compiled by: Geraldine Stout Updated by: Christine Baker Date of upload: 26 January 2015

• DU015-094 Building
  Description

  A site assessment directly west of 'Abbey Cottage' which is the western portion of the priests' house associated with St Mary's Abbey, Howth revealed the north-west angle of an earlier stone structure. This comprised two courses of quoin stones overlying a more crudely constructed foundation layer. The dressing on the stone indicated a 16th-century date. As this structure and the gable wall of Abbey Cottage observe the same line, it appears that this may have been the original gable of Abbey Cottage which was rebuilt c. 90m to the east, probably during the 19th century (Meenan 1995). Compiled by: Geraldine Stout Date of upload: 26 August 2011

• DU015-138 House - medieval
  Description

  The remains of this medieval house were discovered in the course of excavations undertaken in 1992 (license no. 92E0010; Hayden 1993). The building proved to be of 13th- or 14th-century date and measured 8.6m east-west by 4m north-south internally and had walls up to 0.95m in thickness, standing to a maximum height of 0.60m. The building is likely to have had more than one storey judging from the stoutness of the walls and the entrance was situated at its east end. Three floor levels were uncovered in the interior and took the form of mortar or clay floors with associated occupation deposits. Initially the ground floor may have been a single room but during a second phase, when the second floor level was laid, it was divided into two rooms by a stone footing presumably carrying a wooden superstructure. The building was set in a trench partly cut into the rising ground below the cliff to the south and water seeping down the cliff face appears to have been a problem. This was alleviated by the construction of underfoot drains and a sump at the second level. The building appears to have gone out of use and been demolished by the 15th or 16th century possibly as a result of the area being inundated by the sea when large sand banks were laid down (Hayden 1993). Compiled by: Paul Walsh Date of upload: 23 June 2015

• DU016-002001 Castle - motte
  Description

  In 1775 Gabriel Beranger made a sketch showing a large flat- topped mound with an outer ring and a fosse (Harbison 1992, 24-5). Thought by Westropp (1922, 63-4) to be the mote-castle of Almoric, founder of the family line of Howth. All that remains is the flat natural spur on which a martello tower stands (DU016-020002-). Compiled by: Geraldine Stout Updated by: Christine Baker Date of upload: 29 January 2015

• DU016-002002 Martello tower
  Description

  Howth Martello Tower No. 2 (Kerrigan 1995, 174). According to Kerrigan (1995, 168) construction of the Dublin area Martello Towers and their batteries commenced in 1804 under the supervision of Colonel Benjamin Fisher of the Royal Engineers and by December 1805 all towers were armed and complete. Kerrigan (ibid., 174) recorded that; 'Twelve towers were constructed north of Dublin: each tower mounted one 24-pounder, apart from the tower on Ireland's Eye with two 24-pounders. No batteries were constructed with these towers'. Howth tower stands on a natural spur above Balscadden Bay, east of Howth Village off Abbey Street in view of the tower on Ireland's Eye on the W side of the island. Entrance in the SW side with machicolation present above the doorway. The interior is lit by small square opes. Exterior is rendered. A chimney has been inserted on the N side (Kerrigan 1995, 174).The tower was armed with a 24-pounder cannon. The Preventive Water Guard was granted the right to occupy the tower in 1825 when it formed part of their anti-struggling network of towers and stations. It was also used as a signalling station and was occupied by HM Postmaster General following the nationalisation of the telegraph companies in 1870 (Bolton et al 2012,151). Now the Hurdy Gurdy Museum of vintage radio. Described by Kerrigan (1995, 714) as; 'Tower no. 2 is on high ground overlooking Howth Harbour and Balscadden Bay and in sight of tower no. 3, on the western side of Ireland's Eye, one-and-a-half miles to the north. Tower no, 4 at Portmarnock, Carrick Hill' in contemporary lists, is three miles north-west of the tower on Ireland's Eye'. See attached plan of Howth Martello Tower No. 2 courtesy of the Irish Military Archives - Archival Reference Code: IE/MA/MPD/AD119457-005 Photo © Christine Matthews (cc-by-sa/2.0) DU016-002002-_03 Patrick Healy Collection, https://hdl.handle.net/10599/3222, © South Dublin Libraries, Local Studies Collection, County Library, Town Centre, Tallaght, Dublin 24 See attached Taylor's 1816 Map showing the location of the Martello Tower. Taylor, J. 1816 Taylor's map of the environs of Dublin: extending 10 to 14 miles from the castle, by actual survey, on a scale of 2 inches to one mile. Compiled by: Geraldine Stout Updated by; Christine Baker Revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 23 January 2023

• DU016-003001 Promontory fort - coastal
  Description

  A long, narrow headland projects into Doldrum Bay on the southeast corner of Howth Head. It is orientated NNW-SSE. Named 'Dun Griffen' on the 1837 OS 6-inch map, its defences are often referred to as the Bailey Fort. Westropp (1922, 61-2) identified two separated lines of defence across this headland. The outer line runs along the broad neck of the headland and comprises two lines of curving fosses with interveening earthen banks (outer fosse Wth 2.3-3m; D 1.5-2m; outer bank Wth 7.5m; H 2m; ; inner bank 3.3m; H 2.5m) best preserved in the N. The S end of the defences terminates at a stream. Roads extending N-S and E-W have cut through this end of the defences. The inner line of defence spans a narrowing in the headland and comprises a broad deep fosse (Wth 9.5m; D 3.25m). A low elongated mound, orientated NE-SW lies to the W of this fosse (Morris 1939, 181). A cashel erected in the SE tip of the headland was removed during construction of the Baily lighthouse (DU016-003002-; see Stokes 1893, 451). This construction work also revealed an extensive kitchen midden discovered at the base of the cliff (DU016-003003-; see Brunicardi 1914, 189). A house has been constructed to the west of the junction of the lanneways which may have impacted on the southern quadrant of the fosses. The site is extensively overgrown. Compiled by: Geraldine Stout Updated by: Christine Baker Date of upload: 29 January 2015

• DU016-003002 Ringfort - cashel
  Description

  Named 'site of caher' on the 1837 OS 6-inch map, this site has been referred to as 'Dun Griffen' (Shearman 1893, 451). The cashel, which had been erected at the eastern end of the headland, was removed during construction of the Baily lighthouse. Large quantities of bones were revealed. In 1890 when the Board of Irish Lights erected some cottages on the 'Little Bailey' several weapons of uncertain date were discovered in the digging of foundations. Not visible at ground level. Compiled by: Geraldine Stout Date of upload: 26 August 2011

• DU016-007 Cairn - unclassified
  Description

  Located on the summit of Kilrock on Howth Head. This is a circular round-topped cairn (diam. 6.5m; H 2-2.5m). There is a great deal of shattered stone visible on the surface. Kerbstones are visible along E and SW. A trignometrical station is marked at this point and there is the possibility that the cairn was constructed for this purpose. Spectacular views north to Ireland's Eye and east coast. Compiled by: Geraldine Stout Updated by: Christine Baker Date of upload: 29 January 2015

• DU019-003 Cairn - unclassified
  Description

  This is a kerbed cairn on the summit of Shelmartin (diam. 15.8m; H c. 2m). Kerbstones are visible in NE and SW. There is considerable collapse in the W and S section. Much of the cairn was rebuilt in the early 20th century (McCready 1893, 23, 446-7; Westropp 1922, 59).

• DU019-004001 Cairn - unclassified
  Description

  Located at the NW end of a natural knoll known as 'Dun Hill' which has been enclosed in antiquity (DU019-004002-). This is a circular denuded cairn (diam 14m; H 1.5m) which incorporates a cist-like structure (L 0.8m; W 0.89m; D 0.5m). The latter is indicated as 'post office signal post' on the 1843 edition of the OS 6-inch map and may not be original (Westropp 1922, 58-9). This cairn was apparently built on top of a low earthen mound thought to be a barrow (DU019-004003-). The headland was subject to gorse fire over the summer of 2013 revealing field walls to the southwest. The cist itself and the summit remained unburned. Compiled by: Geraldine Stout Updated by: Christine Baker Date of upload: 29 January 2015

• DU019-004002 Hilltop enclosure
  Description

  The natural knoll known as 'Dung Hill' is a regular oval platform (L 41m, Wth 30m) defined by a steep, exposed rock scarp. It occupies an imposing position with dramatic views onto Howth harbour and Dublin Bay. According to Westropp there had been evidence for revetment and dry-stone walling around the knoll in the late 19th-century (1922, 58-59). The headland was subject to gorse fire over the summer of 2013 revealing field walls to the SW and possible cairn material or collapsed revetment to the W. There is a cairn in the NW end of the monument (DU019-004001-). Compiled by: Geraldine Stout Updated by: Christine Baker Date of upload: 29 January 2015

• DU019-004003 Barrow - mound barrow
  Description

  Located at the NW end of a natural knoll known as 'Dun Hill' which has been enclosed in antiquity (DU019-004002-). A later cairn was apparently built on top of a low earthen mound thought by Westropp (1922, 58-9) to be a barrow. Compiled by: Geraldine Stout Updated by: Christine Baker Date of upload: 29 January 2015

• DU019-006 Cairn - unclassified
  Description

  Located on elevated ground close to a trackway N of Carrickbrack. A relatively small cairn of stones of possible antiquity (Diam. 4.5m; H 1.25m). According to Westropp (1922, 59) it was known as the 'Cross Cairn' or 'St Patrick's Cross'. Difficult to locate as the area is overgrown with gorse. Extensive views of entire coast south to Wicklow. Compiled by: Geraldine Stout Updated by: Christine Baker Date of upload: 25 January 2015

Architectural heritage

• Howth Courthouse, court house, 1865–1870 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached four-bay single-storey courthouse, built 1868, on a rectangular plan. Notice inside states that the building was originally a place of worship for fishermen and was later used as rent collection office by Lord Howth's agents. ROOF:Pitched double slate roof; terracotta roof ridge tiles; rendered chimney stack with two terracotta pots. WALLS: Nap rendered ; five pilasters containing cross shaped recessed in capitals. OPENINGS: Round headed moulded windows with keystone rendered reveals; round headed 6/6 timber sash windows; INTERIOR:Main hall with plain plaster walls and ceiling; concrete floor; original timber skirting; balcony at east end with railing reclaimed from Catholic Church of the Assumption.

• Saint Lawrence Hotel, hotel, 1820–1860 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached seven-bay two-storey hotel, c.1840, with projecting entrance porch and flanking wings. Conservatory, c.1975, to east wing. Several extensions to rear.ROOF: Hipped in profile slate with rendered chimney stack. WALLS: Rendered and painted with quoins and string course. OPENINGS:Segmental arched openings with upvc windows and two timber sash windows to ground floor.

• Store/warehouse, 1850–1870 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced three-bay three-storey roughly dressed stone built store or warehouse, c.1860. ROOF: Double pitched slate roof with terracotta ridge tiles and two skylights to front pitch. WALLS: Coursed granite rubble wall with quoins. OPENINGS: Segmental yellow brick arched openings with stone and brick dressings. Timber casement . Tongue and grove double doors to former carriage arch; entrance to restaurant via modern door.

• Howth Garda Síochána Station, garda station/constabulary barracks, 1890–1910 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached three-bay three-storey over basement constabulary barrack, c.1900, with gable-fronted projecting porch and gable-fronted advanced end bay to north. Now in use as Garda Síochána station.ROOF: Double pitched slate roof; hipped to one side; pebble dash, and red brick chimney stacks; cast-iron rainwater goods. WALLS: Pebble dash walls with rendered quoins and detailing. OPENINGS: Square and pointed door openings; rendered reveals; limestone sills; segmental headed 6/6 timber sash windows to front, 3/3 and 6/6 to rear.

• Saint Mary's Abbey, graveyard/cemetery, 1000–1100 · National interest
  Description

  Graveyard with interments from c.1050 to 1973. Ruin of Saint Mary's Abbey [DU015-029001-] to site. Bounded by castellated granite walls.

• House, 1830–1850 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced three-bay two-storey, c.1840, retaining original fenestration.ROOF: Double pitched fibre cement tiled with two rendered chimney. WALLS: Cement rendered walls with quoin detailing. OPENINGS: Moulded plaster window surrounds to original timber sash windows. Eliptical arched plaster door surround comprising fluted pilasters; timber panelled door.

• House, 1840–1860 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced three-bay two-storey house, c.1850, retaining original fenestration.ROOF: M Profile; concrete asbestos tiles to front span; terracotta ridge tiles; cement rendered chimney stack; terracotta pots. WALLS: Rendered front elevation with quoin detailing to one side. OPENINGS:Square headed moulded rendered arch architraves; granite cills; timber 2/2 sash windows. Recessed timber panelled and glazed door; depressed headed opening; fluted pilasters; tiled floor within porch

• House, 1800–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  Pair of terraced double-pile three-bay two-storey houses, c.1820, with returns to rear. Recessed garage extension, c.1930, to end-of-terrace house.ROOF: M profile slate roof with terracotta ridge tiles; rendered chimney stacks; cast iron hopper and downpipe. WALLS: Cement rendered. OPENINGS: Flat headed window openings with rendered reveals; granite sills and timber sashes. Original stone doorcase with depressed arch opening, engaged ionic columns original leaded fanlight and probably original timber panelled door. I

• House, 1840–1860 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced three-bay two-storey house, c.1850, with wall-mounted cast-iron post box, c.1900 and timber shopfront, c.1910. ROOF: Double pitched slate and asbestos tile roof with terracotta ridge tiles; cement rendered chimney stack with terracotta pots. WALLS: Cement rendered; original timber shopfront with replacement facia. OPENINGS:Timber sash and aluminium windows. Timber glazed door. INTERIOR: Modern post office to ground floor.

• The Abbey Tavern, house, 1840–1860 · Regional interest
  Description

  Attached three-bay two-storey commercial building, c.1850. ROOF: M profile asbestos tiled roof hidden behind parapet with four rendered chimney stacks and cast-iron down pipe. WALLS: Rendered with quoins and string course; dentil cornice below parapet wall having projecting coping. OPENINGS: Square headed and segmental arched window openings with moulded plaster surrounds; timber sashes and casements; round headed door surround with fluted pilasters, plain fanlight and double doors.

• House, 1780–1820 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached four-bay two-storey over basement house, c.1800, with flanking screen walls. Gibbsian door surround approached by steps, with single-storey bay window to left-hand side. Single-bay single-storey return to rear. Partly re-fenestrated, c.1985. Now in use as public house.ROOF:Double-pitched; fibre-cement slate; concrete ridge tiles; nap rendered chimney stack; yellow clay octagonal pots; cast-iron rainwater goods; flat-roof to canted bay window with moulded cornice. WALLS: Nap rendered; nap rendered 'timber frame' dressings. OPENINGS: Square-headed window openings; moulded architraves; concrete sills to ground floor; replacement timber casement windows, c.1985; stone sills to upper floor; original 2/2 timber sash windows; canted bay window to left ground floor; segmental-headed window openings; continuous sill course; replacement timber casement windows, c.1985; round-headed door opening; cut-stone Gibbsian door case; replacement timber panelled door and diamond leaded fanlight, c.1990 I

• Howth Catholic Church, church/chapel, 1800–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached three-bay two-storey over basement Catholic church, c.1820, with pedimented central bay having a single-storey projecting porch, and flanked by recessed lean-to bays. Single-bay lean-to extension to west gable. Graveyard to north.ROOF: Double pitched slate roof; mono-pitched slate roofs to side bays. WALLS: Rendered with granite detailing including Greek revival motifs. OPENINGS: Central projecting granite porch with replacement timber door side entrances having granite surrounds.

• Howth Catholic Church, bell tower/stand, 1800–1860 · Regional interest
  Description

  Limestone and yellow brick belfry, c.1830, covered with ivy, and abutting boundary wall

• Royal Hotel, hotel, 1780–1820 · Regional interest
  Description

  Attached three-bay three-storey double-pile hotel, c.1800. Two-bay three-storey extension, c.1850, to south-east corner. Projecting bow to ground floor, c.1990. Two-bay two-storey extension to south-west corner, c.1995. ROOF: Double-pitched behind parapet; double-pile; replacement fibre-cement slate, c.1990; concrete ridge tiles; nap rendered chimney stacks; clay pots; concrete coping; upvc rainwater goods; flat-roof to bowed projection. WALLS: Nap rendered; painted. OPENINGS: Square-headed window openings -tripartite to upper floors; concrete sills; original 2/2 and 6/6 timber sash windows to first floor; replacement upvc casement windows, c.1990, to second floor; replacement timber casement windows, c.1990: rope moulded pillars with cast-iron dressings; tripartite door opening to right; round-headed door opening to centre; square-headed flanking door openings; glazed timber panelled doors; fanlight.

• Howth Public Library, library/archive, 1920–1940 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached three-bay single-storey library, c.1930, with gabled central projecting entrance porch.ROOF: Hipped cement tiled roof; cast iron rainwater goods. WALLS: Pebbledash with plaster quoins projecting gabled entrance. OPENINGS: Probably original timber mutipane casements with shared concrete sills. Panelled double doors with overlight.

• Saint Columbanus Hall, school, 1850–1855 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached three-bay single-storey school, built 1852, with projecting gable-fronted end bays and recessed entrance bay to north gable.ROOF: Double pitched roof with terracotta ridge tiles, cement rendered chimney stacks with terracotta pots. WALLS: Smooth rendered with recessed panel above windows in end bays. OPENINGS:Timber casements and sashes, concrete sills; tongue and groove doors

• House, 1890–1910 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced two-bay two-storey gable-fronted red brick house, c.1905, with shofpront to ground floor and return to rear. One of a pair (11359023)ROOF: Double pitched gable fronted roof; slate; clay ridge tiles; cast-iron water goods; timber finnial at apex; tall red brick chimney stacks. WALLS: Red brick, Flemish bond, shop flanked by pilasters with rock-faced granite bases and carved capitals. Granite coping, cill course and lintels; nap rendered to gable with red brick consoles having 'timber frame' dressings. OPENINGS: First floor contains two semi-circular headed windows with moulded brick surrounds flanked by two small square headed window, all four windows share common rock-faced granite cill course and broken granite lintels; uPVC windows.

• House, 1900–1910 · Regional interest
  Description

  Corner-sited end-of-terrace two-bay two-storey gable-fronted red brick Edwardian house, c.1905, with shopfront to ground floor and return to rear. One of a pair (11359022)ROOF: Gable-fronted; slate; red clay ridge tiles; square rooflight; profiled red brick chimney stack; yellow clay pots; Gable timber eaves; finial; cast-iron rainwater goods. WALLS: Red brick; Flemish bond; bull nosed brick corner pilasters to ground floor with granite dressings; granite quoins to first floor; nap rendered to gable with red brick consoles having 'timber frame' dressings. OPENINGS:Pair of round-headed window openings to first floor having square-headed flanking windows; granite sills; moulded red brick archivolts and cut-stone untels; square-headed to remainder of building; replacement uPVC casement windows, c.1990; timber shopfront, c.1990; square-headed door opening to left side elevation; timber panelled door

• Catholic Church of the Assumption, church/chapel, 1890–1900 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached gable-fronted stone built Catholic church, designed 1894; built 1896-9. Square profile three-stage tower to north-east corner. Transepts to southern end having entrance porches attached to north elevations, and side-chapels attached to south elevations. Apse to south. Sacristy attached to west side-chapel.ROOF: Double pitched slate; decorative terracotta ridge tiles; cast iron rainwater goods. WALLS: Rockfaced granite; limestone chamfered plinth; gargoyles and early Irish stone crosses to pinnacles. OPENINGS: Round headed stained glass windows to nave and transept with decorative stone hood mouldings. Elaborate tracery rose window. Polished granite columns supporting round headed door opening to entrance. INTERIOR:Carved timber gallery. Polished granite columns . Apse is marble panelled; arched timber ceiling supported by carved stone 'angel' corbels.

• House, 1810–1830 · Regional interest
  Description

  Semi-detached three-bay two-storey house, c.1820, with single-storey screen wall to south. Square headed timber sash tripartite windows with granite sills. Painted stone Ionic doorcase.ROOF: Double pitched slate; terracotta ridge tiles; red brick chimney stacks; terracotta pots; cast iron rain water goods. WALLS: Rough cast painted with rendered dressings; nap rendered side elevation. OPENINGS: raised and fielded panelled door, timber fanlight. Eliptical headed door opening; sill guard.

• Howth National School, school, 1890–1910 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached eight-bay single-storey former national school, c.1900, now vacant.ROOF: Double pitched; slate; terracotta ridge tiles; red brick stacks; cast iron rainwater goods; exposed roof timbers. WALLS: Rubble stone and brick; lime render; rendered quoins; inscribed concrete wall mounted plaque. OPENINGS:Square headed concrete sills; rendered quoined reveals; original 6/9 timber casement windows. Two with nine pane fixed overlight. Timber tongue and groove panelled doors.

• Bracken Hall, hall, 1920–1940 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached three-bay single-storey corrugated-iron hall, c.1930, with projecting entrance porch to north-east gable. Now disused. Single-storey outbuilding to site.ROOF: Gable-fronted; corrugated-iron; iron ridge tiles; decorative timber barge boards; gable-fronted to porch with timber latching to gable. WALLS: Corrugated-iron; painted timber latching to gables. OPENINGS: Square-headed window openings; timber sills; replacement uPVC casement windows, c.1990; pointed-arch door opening; tongue-and-grooved timber panelled door.

• Kilrock House, gate lodge, 1860–1880 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached two-bay single-storey red brick gate lodge, c.1870, with bay-window and recessed entrance bay. Set adjacent to pair of red brick and limestone gate piers with cast-iron gate.ROOF: Hipped; slate; terracotta ridge tiles; ornate brick chimney with clay pots. WALLS: Hard red brick; limestone plinth course; moulded brick. Decorative polychrome tile to side wall. OPENINGS: Segmental headed; moulded brick reveals; stone sills; timber sash windows; timber panelled door.

• Kilrock House, house, 1860–1880 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached three-bay two-storey red brick house, c.1870, on an irregular plan with a central canted bay. Retaining original fenestration. Single-storey brick outbuildings to east.ROOF: Complex roof plan with natural slate; wrought iron weathervane; cast-iron rainwater goods. WALLS: Red brick Flemish bond with moulded brick and carved limestone detail polychrome attic; tiled detail; modern conservatory to south face. OPENINGS:Canted bay windows; original timber sashes; retained single, di-partite, tri-partite round segmental, square headed openings with stopped chamfered or bullnosed brick reveals; stone sills, 1/1 timber sash windows, timber panelled entrance door.

• House, 1880–1900 · Regional interest
  Description

  Pair of semi-detached four-bay two-storey houses, c.1890, with gabled central bays and gabled advanced end bays. Single-bay single-storey flat-roofed recessed entrance bays to sides. Single-bay two-storey returns to rear.ROOF: Hipped and gable-fronted natural slate; decorative iron ridge tiles; nap rendered chimney stacks; octagonal yellow clay pots; square rooflights; timber eaves; cast-iron rainwater goods; flat-roofs to recessed entrance bays. WALLS: Nap rendered; unpainted; raised nap rendered quoins to corners; decorative timber frames to gable fronts. OPENINGS: Square-headed window openings; concrete sills; 1/1 timber sash windows; roound-headed door openings; timber panelled doors; overlights.

• House, 1870–1890 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terrace of six three-bay two-storey houses, c.1880, with gabled projecting end bays, having recessed central entrance porches, flanked by bay windows.ROOF: Double pitched slate roofs with terracotta ridge tiles; red brick chimneys; retaining terracotta chimney pots; exposed gutters; decorative timber barge boards with finials to end bays. WALLS: Cement rendered with render quoins to party walls; small single storey rendered scullery returns. OPENINGS: Round and square headed windows - most rendered reveals, stone sills; some original 1/1 timber sashes; others with casement uPVC; coloured glass to stairhall; door surrounds having fluted pilasters and moulded key stone; timber panelled and glazed doors flanked by sidelights and overlights above; recessed porches to mid terrace houses withl timber panelled and glazed doors flanked by sidelights and overlights above.

• Howth Martello Tower, martello tower, 1800–1810 · National interest
  Description

  Martello tower, c.1805, on a circular plan with tapered profile, having machicolation above raised entrance. Modern metal steps to first floor.ROOF: Concealed behind parapet. WALLS: Rendered; granite string course and coping to parapet; ashlar granite projection supported by five granite console bracket above entrance. OPENINGS: Square headed; rendered hood mouldings. Metal studded door to first floor. Second door located at ground floor with gibbsian granite surround; metal studded door randomly placed; small square windows

• Howth Harbour Lighthouse, lighthouse, 1815–1820 · National interest
  Description

  Three-stage ashlar granite lighthouse, built 1817, with cast-iron railings surrounding glass lantern. Two-bay two-storey ashlar granite lighthouse keeper's house attached to south-east, converted to two-storeys in 1856. Converted to unattended electric lighting in 1955.ROOF: Glass & steel lantern, steel railings to observation deck. WALLS: Granite ashlar; granite corbels supporting projecting observation deck. Wall plaque with date inscribed. OPENINGS: Square headed sash windows to lighthouse uPVC sashes to lighthouse keeper's house. Square headed; tongue and grooved timber panelled door; plain overlight; Semi-circular granite doorstep.

• Glenaveena House, house, 1855–1865 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached three-bay two-storey Venetian Gothic style house, built 1859, to design by Benjamin Woodward.ROOF: Hipped; slate; concrete ridge tiles; nap rendered chimney stacks; yellow clay octagonal pots; consoled timber eaves; cast-iron rainwater goods; gable-fronted to chapel; timber belevdere over apex with pyramidal roof having sprocketed eaves double-pitched to wing; concrete profiled tiles. WALLS: Nap rendered; ruled and lined; quoined corner piers; unpainted; nap rendered to chapel; painted; cast-concrete panels to wing; painted. OPENINGS: Square-headed window openings; granite sills; consoled granite balconies to first floor with cast-iron railings; replacement uPVC casement windows; trefoil-headed window opening with original timber casement window; replacement uPVC projecting porch; lancet-arch door opening to chapel; tongue-and-grove timber panelled door; square-headed openings to wing; uPVC casement windows.

• Station House, worker's house, 1880–1900 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached four-bay single-storey house, c.1890, with gabled projecting porch to front elevation. Retaining original fenestration. Associated with Great Northern Railway (GNR) Sutton and Howth Electric Tramway (opened 1901; closed 1959). ROOF: Double-pitched; slate; concrete ridge tiles; red brick chimney stacks; yellow terracotta pots; timber eaves; cast-iron rainwater goods; Gable-fronted to porch with timber lattice dressings to gable. WALLS: Roughcast; painted; nap rendered dressings including quoins to porch and continuous course; painted. OPENINGS: Segmental-headed openings; granite sills; 6/6 timber sash windows; square-headed door opening to rear elevation: tongue-and-groove timber panelled door.

• Post box, 1900–1910 · Regional interest
  Description

  Wall-mounted cast-iron post box, c.1905, with raised 'ER' monogram.

• Lighthouse keeper's house, 1840–1880 · Regional interest
  Description

  Pair of semi-detached three-bay single-storey lighthouse keeper's houses with dormer attics, c.1860, having central projecting porches. Partly re-fenestrated and extended to rear, c.1990.ROOF: Double-pitched; slate; replacement concrete ridge tiles; nap rendered chimney stacks; clay pots; granite coping to gable ends with granite corbels; gable-fronted to dormer attic windows; square rooflights to rear; cast-iron rainwater goods; gable-fronted porch behind parapet; granite corbels. WALLS: Nap rendered; painted; red brick dressings; granite dressings to porch; slate-hung to dormer attic windows; nap rendered to wing; unpainted. OPENINGS: Original square-headed openings; granite sills; 6/6 timber sash windows to ground floor; replacement 3/3 uPVC sash windows to dormers; timber panelled doors; timber casement windows to wings; sheet-metal doors to integral garages.

• Baily Lighthouse, lighthouse, 1810–1820 · Regional interest
  Description

  Two-stage ashlar granite lighthouse with metal-framed glazed lantern, 1814, attached to five-bay three-storey block to north-west, c 1860. Single- and two-storey coastguard buildings to site. Lighthouse automated 1996

• Baily Lighthouse, store/warehouse, 1880–1920 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached three-bay two-storey stone built outbuilding with attic storey, c1900, on an L-shaped plan.ROOF: Double-pitched; slate; concrete ridge tiles; square rooflight; granite coping to gable ends; cast-iron rainwater goods. WALLS: Random coursed rubble stone; partly nap rendered; painted. OPENINGS: Segmental-headed door openings; painted red brick surround; square-headed door opening; tongue-and-groove timber panelled doors; round opening to gable; blocked-up

Designated sites: National Parks and Wildlife Service. Recorded monuments: Sites and Monuments Record, National Monuments Service. Buildings: National Inventory of Architectural Heritage. Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, CC BY 4.0. Works at or in relation to a recorded monument need two months' written notice to the National Monuments Service (National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994, section 12).

Radon

About 1 in 10 homes in this area is likely to have high radon levels. Testing a home

Landslides

Susceptibility high, moderately high, moderately low, moderately low (inferred), low, low (inferred), on the 1:50,000 map; parts are made ground and water.

Terrain model

LiDAR of the Office of Public Works, flown in 2011, at 2 m: tile OPW_3376 (ZIP).

Flooding

The flood maps of the Office of Public Works: floodinfo.ie.

Radon Risk Map of Ireland, Environmental Protection Agency; Landslide Susceptibility Classification, Geological Survey Ireland; both CC BY 4.0. LiDAR: contains Irish Public Sector Data (Geological Survey Ireland & the Office of Public Works) licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) licence.

No address of the register names Howth with five sales or more. The sales of the area are on the page of Co. Dublin.

Name

Howth · Binn Éadair

Area

4,933,025 m² (493.3 ha, 1,218.98 acres)

Civil parish

Howth, and its townlands

Barony

Coolock

Electoral division

Howth, the unit of the census

Census 2022

Howth electoral division: 8,399 people in 3,126 households; 85% of households own their home; 13% of homes were built since 2001; 7% of dwellings stood vacant on census night, and 2% were holiday homes.

Neighbouring townlands

Censure, Howth Demesne, Sutton North, Sutton South

Placenames

Howth on logainm.ie, the Placenames Database of Ireland

Townlands, civil parishes, baronies and electoral divisions, National Statutory Boundaries, Tailte Éireann, CC BY 4.0. Census 2022, Small Area Population Statistics by electoral division, Central Statistics Office, CC BY 4.0. A townland is the smallest land division of Ireland, and the unit of a rural address; old registers such as the 1901 and 1911 censuses file it under its civil parish and barony.