Howth Castle

On the Howth peninsula, a good half hour north-east of Dublin city centre, two attractions sit side by side: Howth Castle, one of Ireland's longest continuously inhabited buildings, and, in its former stables, the volunteer-run National Transport Museum of Ireland. The castle grounds are free to explore; the museum opens on only a few days a week.

Howth Castle

Howth Castle's origins go back to 1177, when the St Lawrence family took over the estate. The oldest surviving stone structures, the central keep and gate tower, date from the mid-15th century. British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens substantially remodelled the property between 1910 and 1911, adding a library, a chapel and the distinctive Gaisford Tower among other features. After more than 800 years in the same family, the castle was sold in 2021, with plans to convert it into a luxury hotel.

The castle itself is a private residence and not open to the public inside. Public guided tours resume at weekends from 10 May 2026, booked via howthcastle.ie. Private tours are available year-round, last around an hour and cost from €150.

The castle grounds

While the building itself is only accessible on a tour, the surrounding grounds are open free of charge year-round, from dawn to dusk. The main draw is the extensive rhododendron park, in full colour during its flowering season in May and June — the best weeks to visit. The grounds also contain the neolithic dolmen known as "Aideen's Grave" and the Deer Park Golf Course. If you're in Howth anyway, the walk pairs well with nearby Howth Harbour and Ireland's Eye.

National Transport Museum of Ireland

The estate's former stables, the Heritage Depot, house the National Transport Museum of Ireland. Run entirely by volunteers, the collection holds over 180 historic vehicles, around 60 of which are on display, including buses, trams, lorries, fire engines, military vehicles and tractors. The oldest exhibit dates from 1883, the newest from 1984.

A highlight is the restored Hill of Howth Tramway No. 9, the last tram to run in regular service anywhere in Ireland, on 31 May 1959. On some trams, staff can let you climb up to the top deck on request. Vehicles are packed in close together, which gives the place the charm of a genuine collector's depot but limits how much space there is to move around. The halls are difficult to navigate with a pushchair or wheelchair, and there is no official accessibility statement.

Tickets and prices

The museum charges admission; the castle grounds do not. Adults pay €5.50, children/seniors/students €4.00, and a family ticket costs €12.00. Payment is on site only — there is no online booking. As the museum is small and rarely busy, you don't need to book ahead either. For other options nearby, see the guide Museums in Dublin.

Visiting: the practical details

Allow around 30 to 45 minutes for the museum, or about an hour and a half if you add a walk through the castle grounds. The key thing to plan around is the limited opening: the museum is only open at weekends and on bank holidays from 14:00 to 17:00, plus daily in the week after Christmas. Build your visit around these hours and aim for an afternoon slot.

• Getting there: take the DART to Howth station, from where it's about 730 m to the museum. Alternatively, bus route H3 runs from Abbey Street to a stop opposite the castle gates, about 365 m away. For ticket and route tips, see the guide Public transport in Dublin.
• Best time: May and June, when the rhododendron park is in bloom.
• Combine with: the free Howth Harbour and its cliff path are a few minutes' walk away and can easily fill the rest of the day.

For an overview of other castles and manor houses around Dublin, see Castles and Fortresses.