Travel with Me: Howth-Ireland | Bustling Fishing Village Entrance to Dublin Bay.

Howth-Ireland | Bustling Fishing Village Entrance to Dublin Bay.

Howth is a small coastal marvel of Ireland with a very special appeal, a bustling fishing village on a charming peninsula and entrance to Dublin Bay, the vibrant, eternally, lively Capital of Ireland is very close situated at just 15, 0 kilometres of distance and the train Dart takes just 20 minutes from Tara or Connolly Stations to reach that lovely place nestled between scenic cliffs and a captivating green countryside in the immediate interior.

Part of the administrative County of Fingal in the province of Leinster, Éadair Binn how is called in Irish language meaning Éadar's peak, a denomination took centuries ago by that fascinating Celtic culture which always hides captivating secrets, mysteries highlighted by those old fascinating Gaelic legends which always hide something of highly suggestive to transmit.

Located near Portmarnock on a very scenic peninsula called Howth Head, a name left by the Norsemen andvery close to Sutton, a residential suburb of Dublin's Northside well known for its striking beach that town is since a long tome ago considered one of the favourite places of many Dubliners including rock stars as the iconic U2 leader Bono.

It is a destination in which tourists and locals flock there to see seals and marine mammals attracting the gaze of tourists near its lively port and once there all them decide to spend enjoyable times because Howth in its kind is so special and at first sight the visitor will immediately have the confirmation of that.

There is a multitude of people who love that centre, the reasons are undoubtedly many. One of them is the presence of traditional cosy Pubs eternally inviting, the opportunity to enjoy the view of a fascinating bay, the unforgettable coastline of Ireland, an excellent gastronomy in which salmon and fresh fish are among the best of the entire county and probably hundreds of things more.

That site is extremely pleasant and attractive because it kept with pride all its old captivating charm of bustling fishing village with its picturesque harbour and lively marina with a lovely on which quays it is always a pleasure to enjoy a walk admiring all what there is around that idyllic site enjoying spectacular landscapes towards the inland and on the other side sea views absolutely astonishing all surrounded by a sort of magic aura.

Once there a visitor can enjoy very pleasant times strolling its captivating streets highlighted by coloured doors, for someone the distinguished air of Howth is also able to transmit deepest inspirations with a simple walk along the way leading to its distinctive lighthouse, including it is so loved by cyclists and hikers especially on weekends in a place in which they find the ideal habitat to practise their activities.

In the air there is always a special atmosphere accompanied by a cool, beloved breeze as created to delight the visitor, that is another aspect which captures the attention of anyone in a while because it is also in places like that you can breathe the great feelings which transmits the true, captivating Ireland in all its magic splendour and appeal.

When someone is planning a trip to that fabulous country, one expects to learn something more about those very popular Celtic traditions and a secular culture or to be immediately in contact with its verdant nature, the rugged coastline facing Great Britain with protagonist, the sea, an inspiring horizon but next to all that arise other attractions as for enchantment.

It is enough to walk for less than one kilometre in many coastal centres as Howth and you will face a fairytale path crossing a fascinating forest and just some metres away you can admire a scenic hilly environment spreading all its charm with unforgettable landscapes forming a suggestive frame where every beautiful detail is so greatly visible and tangible.

Including in raining days that site transmits beautiful sensations, it could be a magnificent poster representing the magic charm of the Republic of Ireland which also thanks to places like that it is unique in its kind.

The local history is very old, rich of relevant events since the times when the current land was Inhabited by the first Celts before the advent of the Vikings in medieval times with a massive land since 795 on its eastern coast developing the city of Dublin.

The current Irish capital became in the late 8th century a strategic base of that Nordic population for their trips to Scandinavia crossing the North Sea occupying with their drakkar, those iconic ships so famous all the coastal stretch north and south of the current major centre of the Nation. (If you are interested I wrote a post about the Irish Capital)

Historically Howth was occupied by the Norsemen in 819 who remained until 1169, and today you can find after centuries many links between the locals and those Nordic ancestors.

Some words left by the Vikings were introduced in the Gaelic-Celtic language, something is also related to the local gastronomy all details which are clear roots with that distant past.

Also its name is thought to be of Viking origin, probably derived the Old Norse when in Medieval times it was called it Hofuö which translation means head.

Confirming furthermore those secular links today in Roskilde, a splendid and historic town situated in Denmark in the island of Sjelland to have a brilliant answer with a confirmation to those cultural common links, in the famous Viking Skuldelev Museum you can admire a 10th century ship made by Irish timber collected in the forests surrounding Howth.

In addition to all that some of the current local oldest families have surnames of clear Nordic origin such as Waldron, Asgard, Rickard, Sand and Arford identifying a direct descent of the Men of the North.

The history tells that after a period of peaceful coexistence along that Eastern coastline of the country the relationship between Vikings and the local Celts started to be pretty unfriendly and began the first skirmishes generating later a war.

The iconic King of Ireland Brian Boru in medieval times from Killaloe found unity forgetting the past higlighted by fights and clashes among many clans and in 1014 led the Celtic tribes to the victory against the Norsemen.

That leader was protagonist of a famous battle which took place in the outskirts of Dublin, concretely in Clontarf, an event which changed many aspects in the history of the country. (I wrote a post about that town and something on that epic figure if you are interested)

Despite that defeat many of those Nordic settlers decided to stay in Irish land until their final stage corresponding to the invasion by the Norman troops in 1169 led by Raymond Fitzgerald and Richard de Clare 2nd Earl of Pembroke who landed in Bannow in the county of Wexford.

That event sanctioned the expulsions of the Scandinavians to avoid possible future claims and the locals could not have a possible allied returned to their far motherland and also Howth as all the country fell under Anglo-Norman rule.

That land entirely occupied was protagonist of a notorious episode dated 1177 when Tristan the "Norman" took on the name of the Saint on whose feast day the battle was won in St. Lawrence marking the prelude of the end of the former Celtic Reign,

That man built a castle near the local harbour and the St. Lawrence link remains even today, he became Earl of Howth with the original title of Baron granted by King Henry II of England in 1181 for one knight´s fee.

Under English rule that village developed a small but active, trading port considering that the previous tiny dock was exclusively dedicated to fishing continuing to be autonomous until the 14th century, time in which it moved under control of Dublin but remaining in that network one of the most important of the entire bay devoted to that activity.

In the early 18th century that coastal centre was chosen as a harbour serving the area linked to mail packed by a postal service ship.

One of the arguments used against Howth by the advocates of Dún Laoghaire was that coaches might be raided in the badlands of Sutton which was at that time an open countryside

.However due to silting the port needed to be frequently dredged to accommodate the fleet and eventually the service was relocated to Dún Laoghaire.

Notorious is an event which took place in the village in the 19th century when it was officially visited by King George IV in 1821, it was since then that centre gained further fame becoming well known all around in Ireland and largely in Great Britain too.

Some years later arose a new bigger port, the former village was protagonist of a brilliant escalation life with an increasing commerce along the local coast thanks also to its strategic, unique position as entrance to Dublin Bay.

Another historic episode which highlighted Howth took place in June 1914 when 900 rifles landed along the local banks transported by Robert Erskine Childers for the Irish Volunteers.

Many of those weapons were used against the British troops in the Easter Rising and in the subsequent Anglo-Irish War, that clash ended in 1921 with the consequent declaration of Independence of that country with the advent of the new Republic of Ireland also known as
Éire.

The core of the village is arranged behind its distinctive harbour developed along an ample irregular rectangular space enclosed b strong quays and on its southern side lies its iconic Lighthouse facing the western pier.

In that captivating place there are some excellent restaurants, an area very suggested, ideal to taste delicious fish, tastefully seafood, a corner of that Irish centre which has preserved all its unmistakable seafaring spirit and indisputable images after decades and decades with a great atmosphere more alive than ever.

South of Harbour Road, the main artery which crosses the centre running south of the port starts Church Street which directly leads to Howth Abbey.

St. Lawrence Road is the most important access to the local municipal heart ending approximately 500/600 metres south of the Parish Church of Our Lady of the Assumption.

That centre apart its charming, scenic beauty also has a very important historic patrimony and you can start the visit along Church Street with one of its emblematic symbols consisting in St. Mary’s Church situated very close to the bustling marina also known as Howth Abbey or in Irish language Mainistir Bhinn Édair.

The original religious building was erected in 1042 during the times Sitric King and the history of that Sacred temple had a very tumultuous past during its chronological stages.

The former construction was completely replaced in 1235 by a Parish Church re-founded and consecrated by Luke Archbishop of Dublin and in the 14th century it was largely re-arranged once again.

The building was further modified in the 15th and 16th centuries when the gables were raised, a bell-cote was built and embellished with a new porch, in addition the southern door was another architectural element inserted in the layout during those several changes.

On the top of the structure you can notice an effigy depicting the Knight and his wife while on the facades great highlights are fine works consisting in carvings of scenes of the Crucifixion, St. Michael and two Angels, St. Peter holding keys, St. Thomas of Canterbury and St Katherine with a wheel as well as various Coats of Arms.

The St. Lawrence of nearby Howth Castle also modified the east end to act as a private Chapel, inside lies the tomb of Christopher St. Lawrence, 2nd Baron of Howth who died in 1462 and buried with his wife Anna Plunkett of Ratoath.

Howth Marina is one of the iconic landmarks, owned by the prestigious Howth Yacht Club which is the largest Yachting Institution in Ireland.

Established in 1895, boasting over 2,000 members, that prestigious Entity is well known all around the country for several awards, honours and fame achieved during its long history.

Do not miss to take a look near the lighthouse on the Eastern Pier to the Asgard Plaque. That site is the concrete point in which in 1914 Erskine Childers and the crew of the yacht Asgard landed there with guns and several arms supplying the Irish volunteers to fight for the freedom of Ireland.

The history of that figure is extremely interesting, Robert "Bob" Erskine Childers was born in England in 1870, orphan of fathers he spent school holidays at his Aunt home in Wicklow, graduated at Cambridge University he became a civil servant working as a Clerk for the British House of Commons.

That man also served during the Boer War the British Army in a horse artillery division during a campaign in Africa and in 1914 he was incorporated in the Royal Navy in which he was awarded with the distinguished Service Cross.

He was also a keen sailor, his yacht was often seen sailing around several British and European waterways and another interest of his life was writing, well known is his novel The Riddle of the Sands considered to be the first thriller even written.

At the intersection of Harbour Road and West Pier on the left walking east of that artery lies The Ready Boat Pillar, a sculpture by Sean O' Dwyer, a work which was unveiled by Broadcaster Gay Byrne on September 1996.

Traditionally the sea has always played an important role for Howth bringing life, important resources and wealth to local people but also taking lives away and O' Dwyer in that work represented a boat at the top of his sculpture, it measures 4,0 x 1,0 metres formed by pigmented granite.

One story is that after losing an important battle, the Tuatha De Dannan promised that a ship would always be kept at the ready in Howth for any emergency and the figures surrounding the vessel are waiting to offer assistance should it be needed one day.

The Sculpture consists of 14 elements, besides the pillar and the representation of the boat sculpture you can see four portrait panels with the faces of characters from mythology of the village while the four sides of the column represent different ages of the local history such as Ancient, Early Christian, Medieval and Modern eras.

In the portrait corresponding to the panel one with reference to the Ancient times is represented The Bride depicting the earliest people who colonised Ireland during the first stages of its development and it tells of Cesair, daughter of one of the sons of Noah who reach that place to escape from the great flood.

The story in the panel one The Siege is inspired by the Siege of Etar, a historic event which took place in what was then known as Dunboe the Cow Fort when the King of Ireland Conchobar Mac Neasa was attacked by the Leinstermen wishing to regain the spoils of war stolen consisting in 150 women and 700 cows.

The portrait in the panel number 2 depicts the Son of Nessan with clear reference to the Early Christian Times. It shows one of the three sons of that figure who were known to be holy men of exceptional piety, the story says about one of the sons who were by Satan on Ireland's Eye Island.

In the portrait visible on the panel three are depicted the Medieval Times with the Wounded King the first Lord of Howth descendant of St. Lawrence family and Sir Tristan, one of The Knights of the Round Table.

The story is about the legend of the iconic King Almeric who survived to fight many battles and the St. Lawrence family Coat of Arms bears the motto that which heals. After a battle was found leaning on his shield, left for dead beside a rose bush from which he plucked some petals to place on his wounds.

The portrait you can see in the panel four represents the modern Times with The Daughter of Today. That representation is linked to the origins of Ben-na-Dair, one of the names of Howth depicting The Hill of the Oaks which originally it was almost in its totality covered by oak trees and the panel also refers to The Bloody Stream because of the many battles fought in the area.

That Irish centre also has a castle which was originally an imposing construction dated the 15th century; it is partially in ruins but still keeping lovely gardens.

It lies close to the village, well to have been the former residence of St. Lawrence family and it was once the scene of a famous event suspended between historic facts and legends.

From 1425 to 1767 the title has been Lord of Howth holding the area since the Norman invasion and it is now held by their heirs the Gaisford St. Lawrence family.

Since 1180 St. Lawrence family have been the Lords of Howth and that historic manor has stood on its present site for over 700 years with the original one consisting in a timber structure having been sited concretely on Tower Hill overlooking Balscadden Bay.

The current construction is not the original which was situated on the high slopes by the village until an English architect called Edwin Lutyens restyled a 14th century castle built there overlooking Dublin Bay.

Some legends are related to that site as one linked to the pirate Grace O ' Malley also known as the Sea Queen of Connemara, a suggestive figure of the 16th century very famous in the Celtic culture.

That narration related to that legendary character tells that she sailed towards Dublin deciding to visit the Baron of Howth but that meeting was refused by that noble.

That corsair as revenge kidnapped the son of the heir of the aristocratic man who was released just after obtaining a solemn promise because from that episode onwards the castle gates were always opened to her and other visitors including preparing in several occasions delicious meals for them.

If that is a legend or a real fact one thing is certain, even today the family St. Lawrence, the current owners of the manor respect that promise and at Howth Castle today that old agreement is still honoured by the descendants of the Baron with the hospitality offered in the site and its estate, Deer Park, key features of the area.

Deer Park Hotel closed in 2014 but it continues as a bar with access to golf courses, definitely a great incentive with the chance to play that trendy sport in a magnificent environment.

Ireland in its kind is a magic place for those suggestive histories or legends which capture the imagination of every tourist enchanted to listen them and you can change places including visiting the most remote smallest hamlets and there is always something of extremely captivating in that land constantly learning something more.

In recent times the 17th classical landscape was totally obliterated to establish a golf course, the grounds are noted for the wild and splendid rhododendron gardens which are open to the public in summer and some of the oldest were planted in 1710.

For tourists, however is not allowed to visit the castle but around that building extends a beautiful green garden and summer explodes with colour and an irresistible fragrance.

Once there you can also visit there the interesting National Museum of Transport which displays a collection consisting in lorries, trucks, fire engines, tractors and in addition you will have the chance to admire the restored Hill of Howth Nº 9 Tram.

That site furthermore hosts the Cookery School based in the restored Georgian kitchens of the mansion which is another symbol for the excellent traditions and its prestigious fame.

On the grounds of that fascinating manor also lies a Dolmen known locally as Aideen's Grave and about literature that emblematic place with its immediate surroundings inspired some famous writers as Wells who was moved to exclaim that his view from the grounds of Deer Park to Ireland´s Eye was the finest view west of Naples.

A different latitude in comparison with the beautiful Mediterranean city beneath the Vesuvius but you know the imagination of the artists often flies, especially that of the Irish writers well known for their talented inspirations, immense creativity and certainly Ireland with its captivating and charming landscapes can do that and much more.

About that artistic literary talent, another sublime inspiration looking at that magnificent building was taken by the prominent writer James Joyce.

His famed work titled Finnegans Wake, the James Joyce's 1939 novel is Howth Castle and Environs which is taken to mean Dublin, the initials HCE appear in many contexts in that literary work, not least in the name of its presumed main character: Humprey Chimpden Earwicker.

Howth Head is one of the most scenic highlights of the entire bay you can not miss, it is a place with a number o scenic peaks and the highest is the Black Linn.

After the first mention it appeared on a map in which it was attributed to Ptolemy called Edri Deserta and depicted as an island as it was formerly while today is a tombolo connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land forming the north of the coast of Dublin Bay.

Much of the place is steep with a peak of 171, 0 metres and high cliffs above the sea forming a very captivating scenery one of the most photographed sites in the local boundaries, a place created to donate divine dreams.

In an area near Shielmartin there is a small peat bog called the Bog of the Frogs. The wilder local land can be accessed by a network of trails and much of the centre while at east it is a protected space, part of a Special Area of Conservation of some kilometres.

That place is also connected to the literary world and Howth Head was immortalised in James Joyce's Ulysses, that magnificent work who conquered many readers worldwide.

Another great visit extremely recommended is a beautiful long walk along a path highlighted by the presence of picturesque cliffs leading to a place called The Summit which is the highest point of the stunning local coastline consisting in a rocky cape with splendid views over the village.

At the southeastern corner of that stupendous headland in an area known as Bailey, historically called the Green Bailey starts a well marked route along a pretty a rocky path leading to the top of a group of wonderful cliffs bordering the local coast.

Those are the indisputable, unique places of that enchanting country called Ireland in which you can breathe an incomparable air highlighted by legends, old narrations, places where you can feel a mysterious, captivating atmosphere all around simply looking at the horizon a in an environment in which those cliffs, the sea and the Irish sky are magically mixed in something of extremely mystical and highly suggestive.

Just listening the sound of the waves impacting against the rocks while the rest is silent, the contemplation of that stupendous paradise transmits something of eternally inspiring and all that is Ireland in all its superb and magic splendour.

A walk to the lighthouse is another great experience for the beautiful natural setting encircling that majestic, towering building and for a spectacular view of the entire bay admiring its stunning shape with the astonishing, jagged coastal stretch.

After several shipwrecks in the area the lighthouse finally got a fog horn in 1853 and through the year’s modernisations was done and it has been a training facility for new lighthouses established along the Irish coastline.

In 1996 that construction was the last Irish lighthouse which became automatic and it is one of the oldest and most important in the country.

It also reached a notable fame because it housed the famous writer Salman Rushdie for a night during the period of the fatwa against him.

Howth is located in a privileged position at the entrance to Dublin Bay offering striking views at distance to the mountains of Wicklow and Boyne Valley and beyond on a clear day also that is a fantastic attraction.

That striking gulf is marvellous point to admire other places which spread with their unique charm sort of inspiring message taking a look to several marvels scattered all around that fabulous land completing a scenery simply unique.

Along the local coast you can enjoy a marvellous view of an island known as Ireland´s Eye considered a relevant bird sanctuary.

That place is a very popular bird watching, many species of volatiles can be seen regularly such as razorbills, guillemots, linnets, yellowhammers, skylarks, peregrine falcons, buzzards and kestrels among others.

Wildlife lovers can also see spot seals playing near the coast, another great attraction which since a long time ago calling many people to see those marine mammals which in some occasions are very numerous.

The island is accessed by boat in summer, it also has the ruins of an ancient Monastery which was once inhabited by monks whose legacy is memorialised in the ruins of St. Nessan’s Church, a Religious Order which abandoned that site because it was often attacked by pirates becoming a very unsafe place.

Ireland's Eye, is also part of the Special Area of Conservation lying at approximately 1,0 Kilometre north of the harbour with Lambay Island 5, 0 kilometres further to the north. (I wrote something about it in a post about the nearest Portmarnock in the case you are interested)

A Martello tower exists on each of those islands with another tower overlooking Howth harbour opened as a visitor centre in Ye Olde Hurdy-Gurdy Museum of Vintage Radio inaugurated on 8th June 2001 and another one is located at Red Rock at Sutton.

They are a network of defencive constructions built along the Irish coasts all elevated in the 19th century as former checkpoints, part system developed to stop the many attempts of the French troops invasions led in that period by Napoleon Bonaparte when Ireland was part of Great Britain.

Beyond historic buildings and monuments, magnificent natural landscapes, history and legends worth visiting Howth just to discover the beauty of its charming streets highlighted by its typical lively pubs next to traditional cosy restaurants.

Some local taverns were founded centuries ago and there you can enjoy delicious plates based on fish or you can also enjoy in a break the original Irish Coffee with the inevitable accompaniment of traditional music and dances in some of the typical Irish Pubs that lively site offers.

In those places you will have the chance to taste one of the best Irish Fish & Chips of the entire country, excellent salmon served with the emblematic pint of Guinness beer.

The Top House right next to the Main Road is the right place to enjoy a cool stout, the ambient is very rustic, cosy, you can sit and read a book by Beckett, Wilde or Joyce and why not enjoying tastefully fish.

Very close is The Abbey Tavern, a classical Irish Pub with a dark wooden interior highlighted by the presence mirrors, it offers excellent, fish, grilled salmon, soups, a delicious lamb shank and music live.

Walking along the waterfront there is also the Water House located in the middle of the harbour promenade, that place is very lively offering a wide range of Irish and International beers.

Underneath the train station you can find The Bloody Stream very famous for its Fish and Chips, fresh seafood, grilled salmon, fish soups accompanied by a wide choice of lager and stout beers.

That centre is a great choice of holidays also to enjoy several outdoor activities, such as water sports, trekking but also cycling along that coast is simply fantastic, a great place also for those who love Golf thanks to the presence of a fabulous Club situated on a striking peninsula overlooking the sea and with spectacular views towards Dublin.

Howth is also a very active centre hosting events, important meetings, the village in addition is member of the Irish Chamber of Commerce and home of the Olympic Council of Ireland.

On 18th January 2005 was opened in the municipality Howth House representing the Olympic Council Headquarter of Ireland.

The building in addition houses a Museum, memorabilia of the late life of Lord Killanin.notorious 6th President of the International Olympic Committee and of the Olympic Council of Ireland.

That iconic character was also commemorated with a bust outside Olympic House, a monument which was sculpted by Paul Ferriter and unveiled by Jacques Rogge the 8th President of the International Olympic Committee on May 20th 2009.

The Olympic Council of Ireland was formed in 1922 focused to develop and protect the Olympic Movement on the island in accordance with the International Olympic Committee’s guiding document.

Ireland was given formal recognition as an independent nation in the Olympic Movement in occasion of the Games celebrated in Paris in 1924 just some years later of its Independence and it was in that edition that the country made its first appearance as not part of Great Britain.

An Irish athlete John Boland native of Dublin was the first Irish-born winner of an Olympic gold medal winning the Tennis Singles competition at Athens Olympic Games celebrated in 1896.

He also won a second Olympic gold medal with Fritz Traun in the double but he was credited as winning Gold for Great Britain but today recognised that he competed independently for the Irish Republic.

That bustling fishing village was able to bewitch also a long list of very famous figures who decided to fix their residence there such as U2 drummer Larry Mullen, Booker Prize-winning novelist John Banville, John Sheahan, exponent of The Dubliners, Dolores O'Riordan member of The Cranberries, the famed Composer Ciarán Farrell, Broadcasters Seán Moncrieff and Gay Byrne.

Many other artists often visit that resort such as U2 rock star Bono, Sinead O´Connor , Phil Lynott while the actor and director Stuart Townsend was born and raised in Howth.

Many other illustrious characters lived in that centre William Butler Yeats who spent some of his childhood in a small house above the cliffs on Balscadden while the tenor Patrick O'Hagan, the poet Máire Mhac lived for many years in that municipality just like the Canadian, journalist and novelist Scott Young, father of the singer Neil Young, the founder of the Dubliners Barney McKenna and the composer Bryan Boydell among others.

The Film Industry could resist to the fascination of that Irish village which was the location of successful movies as The Last of the High Kings by David Keating, a comedy-drama released in 1996 and Boy Eats Girl directed by Stephen Bradley, a horror-comedy dated 2005.

Howth represents in its kind a great attraction, it is very easy to fall in love with that place which in every season transmits something of special from spring to winter in that site located in a charming point and entrance to Dublin Bay.

I added below some links which could be useful with some suggestions as accommodations in the case you intend to plan a trip staying in that marvellous place.

That magnificent coastal town is like a welcoming house in which the visitor can breathe all around an everlasting bewitching atmosphere of a country which offers in corners like that all its splendid fascination of a place which perfectly greatly represents the spirit and marked identity of that incomparable land.

If you are planning a trip to that beautiful country visiting Dublin and other places in its surroundings do not miss a Howth, more than recommended for a stay, its history and the wonderful landscapes you will never forget because the magic Ireland is also in those places as that bustling fishing village which once visited you will immediately understand why.

Francesco Mari

Recommended accommodation in Howth

In the case you are planning a tailor made itinerary and you are not in Dublin you can spend a night there, maybe the last night of your tour before to go to Dublin Airport or a stay organising your planned route from Howth.

It is a brilliant idea spending your stay in that town with extra radius excursions or visits including Dublin which is very close and served by Dart with a journey which approximately endures 20 minutes. That is an option if you do not want to stay in Dublin City and perhaps you prefer a more peaceful place.