On 19th August last a group of 21 Active Age for All members were transported in style to Howth Castle in a Leonards coach. On arrival at the castle, we were greeted by our guide Daniel with whom we explored the castle and gardens hearing about the family history and the architectural evolution from a Norman keep to the grand mansion that it is today.

The castle’s origins date back to 1235 when the St Lawrence family built the original keep, and the property has remained in the same family until recently. Happily, the new owners plan to preserve the castle and grounds and to remain open to the public.

The most famous story relating to the castle involves the renowned pirate queen of the west of Ireland Granuaile (Grace O’Malley) who in 1576 sought hospitality at the castle and was refused. Much angered by this breach of the Irish tradition of hospitality she abducted the Earls grandson and only released him on condition that the castle gates always remain open and that a place be set at the table for unexpected guests, a practice that continues to this day.

After a fascinating couple of hours touring the castle and grounds, we all took the short walk to the village of Howth where we all found some lunch and even time for a short ramble in the harbour before the bus back to Donabate. A special thank you to Daniel whose knowledge and obvious enthusiasm for the subject of the castles history made for a very enjoyable trip.