Where to go for a day out of town during a trip to Dublin? I would say to Howth! Reached comfortably with the DART, with about 5 euro ticket (return), Howth is a small fishing village overlooking the Bay of Dublin. The first thing that travellers will notice in this small village?
The high presence of seagulls who, quietly, stroll through the meadows of the village without being frightened by the number of people around them and trying to photograph them. Not far from the station there is a small tourist information office: I found there a couple of kinds and friendly girls who give me some directions and information about Howth and also a little map with some signposted trekking routes along
the coast of the village. I didn’t have the proper equipment for trekking (it wasn’t in my mind before departure), but I wanted to try to go for the shortest route to make at least a small part of it. I can tell you that, at least for the first part, the path is quite simple and the views are breathtaking. Keep in mind, however, some small details: – in some places, there is a lot of wind which, besides being very annoying, forces you to put on and take off your sweater (or jacket that you have with you); all very uncomfortable, in particular for your ears.
– Although it is quite obvious to think about it, bring with you your trekking equipment also for the most accessible route: “normal” shoes are (of course) uncomfortable! Keep in mind that according to the information I found the trekking route is 10 km (about 2 hours 30 minutes): try to preserve your feet for the rest of your holiday!
I got to the bend that “overlooks” the lighthouse to go back and take a short walk in the village. Along the way, there are several wider points from which to take beautiful pictures.
Throughout the walk, I met many people, many walkers passionate of all ages and also many tourists who travel at least partly this way to admire and photograph the same views that I suggested you observe. The small harbour at sunset has an extraordinary light and is also populated by numerous seagulls in the country. The pier is “used” for a walk for families, couples and tourists who come here from Dublin.
Sitting in the bars and restaurants overlooking the harbour you can see the inhabitants of the village watching the coming and going of people lingo the pier. Going on the opposite side from the nucleus of the town is the Parish of St. Mary. I arrived that it was closed, but I still enjoyed the building at sunset. Not far away is the Howth’s castle: it was built by the Normans on the coast in 1177 and rebuilt in 1235
on the central hill of the peninsula. Surrounded by a golf club, today it is considered one of the oldest buildings in Ireland and is inhabited by Howth’s heirs: being private property, it can not be visited except in some days. Although a part of the building seems to be “left to its fate” and in ruins, the small building certainly has its charm, and I suggest you get here and, as long as you are, take a quick walk through its gardens! Unfortunately, I didn’t find any official site on which to find information about it (you can find information about Howth on the website of the Dublin tourism board). Not far away from the castle, it’s located the national transport museum which has very particular opening hours: Saturday, Sunday and “Bank Holidays” from 14 to 17.00.  You can find all the information on the museum official website.
I almost forgot that Howth is also a city crucial for the Irish literature: one of the houses along Balscadden Road, which leads to hiking trails, is the home where writer William Butler Yeats spent part of his childhood.
In conclusion, just a consideration: keep in mind that half a day, in my opinion, is not enough to do everything! Unless you are determined to avoid trekking, which you do not recommend because you would miss a splendid activity, think about spending almost a whole day in this village. And if you arrive when the fishing boats are returning to port, around lunchtime, keep in mind that you could meet the seals which visit at Howth Harbor in search of their lunch (and go to look for them!).