Kayaking in Howth

I have been thinking about buying a kayak and to test whether I would like it I went on a 2,5 hrs beginners course in Howth Harbor last night. After some basics and trying things out we went across to Ireland’s Eye which is an island in the bay there. We  landed there and then headed back passing a group of seals (one of them came up right in front of my kayak) On return to the harbor we did some rescue exercises in the harbor. Best 55 euro’s ever spent with Shearwater kayaking. Going again next week for a follow up course.

(for obvious reasons I didn’t have my camera so I ‘borrowed’ the pics from other sites)

Howth Dublin Bay Prawn Festival

Today we wanted to go to the Dublin Bay Festival in Howth. Unfortunately we hit a traffic jam into Howth so we went by train for the last bit. It’s been quite some tiime since I was in a train.

The festival was basically one tent with varieties of prawns prepared in different ways and a carnival. We had some great barbecued prawns in bisque. 

Then we walked around a bit and took a ride in the ferris wheel. I had a slight bout of vertigo and didn’t enjoy it much. (although she denies it I think J was laughing at me).

Howth again

Because I took a wrong turn last week and wasn’t able to finish the complete 12km round of Howth I went again today. I managed to climb both hills as well each of which give great views.

Howth

Unfortunately wifey wasn’t feeling well today so I went on a hike in Howth on my own. Howth is one of my favorite places as it is near to where I live (Malahide) and it has some great stuff to see and do. You have a nice harbor (both fishing and yachting) and there are some great fish shops and restaurants on the docks. There are also some seals to see in the fishing harbor.

Besides the harbor you can also take a hike around the island. It has some great views and if you are lucky you can spot dolphins or seals in the water beneath the cliffs. (you’ll have to pay attention though as they are usually quite far away). You can also walk inland a bit where there are two large hills which give great views of everything between the Wicklow Mountains and Rush.