Howth is a great little seaside town in County Dublin (the capital of Ireland). Pubs in Howth
Popular for day-trippers, courting couples, locals looking for some weekend vibes or adventurous tourists, Howth is the place to be on a sunny day. It’s just as buzzy in the height of winter when pubs light log fires and serve up fresh plates of fish and chips – sounds dreamy doesn’t it?
While hosting a hoard of places to see and things to do, Howth is also home to top social spots, such as booming bars and pubs, making it an ideal place to spend the day or night.
Here are the top five pubs and bars in Howth, to add to your bucket list.
5. Waterside
Feel like grabbing a pint and watching the match? This harbourside pub is your best bet. Packed with locals who always seem up for a natter, the Waterside offers a mixed vibe of a laid back local restaurant, modern bar and a traditional Irish pub.
Hot plates of freshly caught fish, finger-licking chicken wings, salads and soups offer a little something for everyone whilst the few picnic tables out the front are the most-coveted summer spots.
Location: Waterside, Harbour Rd, Howth, Co. Dublin, Ireland
4. The Abbey Tavern
Located halfway between Howth Harbour and Howth Village is The Abbey Tavern. This traditional Irish pub is the perfect place for out-of-towners looking to get a little insight into local life.
Arguably, one of the most historic pubs in Howth, The Abbey Tavern sits on the original 11th Century site of St Mary’s Abbey, which was founded by the King of Dublin (Viking Sigtrygg II Silkbeard Olafsson) who also founded Dublin’s impressive Christchurch Cathedral.
Parts of the pub date as far back as the 16th century and this added layer of cultural and historical significance gives The Abbey Tavern its flair.
Bustling nightly, The Abbey Tavern is a leading entertainment venue and restaurant, as well as a local watering hole. Not only has it won awards for its hospitality and food but the entertainment is second to none.
Location: The Abbey Tavern, 28 Abbey St, Howth, Co. Dublin, Ireland
3. O’Connell’s
This contemporary Irish pub offers a modern and comfortable place to enjoy a drink or watch the match on one of the TV screens. It’s airy and spacious with a public house on the ground floor and a more relaxed dining space upstairs, perfect for pub lunches and families entertaining smaller kids.
A covered seating area to the front makes for the perfect place to enjoy a plate of fish and chips with a pint in the summer months. Overlooking Howth Pier, O’Connell’s serves quality pub grub and pints of “The Black Stuff” making it a fine contender for “top pub” in Howth Village.
Location: O’Connell’s, E Pier, Howth, Co. Dublin,
2. The Summit Inn
If you’re in search for one of the most authentic local pubs in Howth, we suggest you take the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) to Howth Harbour and enjoy the uphill walk to Howth Summit. It offers vista views over the entirety of Dublin. By the time you’ve reached The Summit Inn you’ll be dying for a few pints and some pub grub, and there’s no better place!
The Summit Inn is a cosy traditional pub with a pool table and an open fire. Generous outdoor seating makes this a top spot in the summer months, whilst winter draws crowds to its cosy interior.
Pints of “The Black Stuff” and plates of Guinness pie and fish and chips run on rotation here, and they even have veggie options, too.
Location: The Summit Inn, 13 Thormanby Road, Howth, Dublin 13, Ireland
1. The Bloody Stream
One of the most popular pubs in Howth has got to be The Bloody Stream. Set underneath the DART station – the most trodden access point to and from Howth – this pub seems to garner just as much footfall as the train station above.
Small and cosy, The Bloody Stream fuses traditional Irish pub vibes with a cool and contemporary crowd. An extended, covered beer garden is home to BBQs and live music in the summer, and if you’re feeling like a night out on the town, without heading into Dublin city, The Bloody Stream is always a good shout.
Location: The Bloody Stream, Howth Railway Station, Howth, Co. Dublin, Ireland
