St. Mary's Abbey Howth
Explore the atmospheric ruins of St. Mary's Abbey Howth, a historic site offering stunning panoramic views of Howth Harbour.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
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St. Mary's Abbey Howth
Best Time
Best for exploring ruins & views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the atmospheric ruins of St. Mary's Abbey Howth, a historic site offering stunning panoramic views of Howth Harbour.
"Beautiful abbey in stunning surroundings with fantastic sea views."
Gate Access Tip
The access gate to the abbey can be stiff; give it a good shove to open. 🚪
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Pathways are uneven, so sturdy footwear is recommended for exploring the grounds. :athletic_shoe:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 219 reviews
Type
Place of Worship
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Abbey Ruins
Howth, Co. Dublin
Explore the atmospheric ruins of a medieval abbey, offering a glimpse into Ireland's rich past.
Panoramic Harbour Views
Overlooking Howth Harbour
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of Howth Harbour and the surrounding coastline from the abbey grounds.
Peaceful Graveyard
Within the Abbey grounds
Wander among ancient gravestones, some even within the abbey walls, in a serene and contemplative setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to St. Mary's Abbey
Accessibility and Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Gate Access Tip
The access gate to the abbey can be stiff; give it a good shove to open. 🚪
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Pathways are uneven, so sturdy footwear is recommended for exploring the grounds. :athletic_shoe:
No Facilities Onsite
There are no toilets available at the abbey, so plan ahead. 🚽
Free Admission
Enjoy the historical site and stunning views without any entry fee. :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
Gate Access Tip
The access gate to the abbey can be stiff; give it a good shove to open. 🚪
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Pathways are uneven, so sturdy footwear is recommended for exploring the grounds. :athletic_shoe:
No Facilities Onsite
There are no toilets available at the abbey, so plan ahead. 🚽
Free Admission
Enjoy the historical site and stunning views without any entry fee. :moneywithwings:
Combine with Howth Exploration
Visit after exploring Howth village, restaurants, and the pier. 🎡
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise St. Mary's Abbey Howth for its stunning harbour views and atmospheric historical ruins, offering a peaceful escape. While the site is free and rich in history, some find access challenging due to a stiff gate and note the lack of amenities and accessibility for those with mobility issues.
"A crumbling abbey surrounded by gravestones, with some even inside. The views are stunning, with the whole harbour looking its most picturesque"
M J B
"A beautiful abbey in stunning surroundings with fantastic sea views. Parking is on the top road with nice steps leading down to the grounds, you can explore the grounds but on the day of my visit the access gate to the abbey was locked which makes it a great pity, only thing is I still loved it, cheers"
Michael Raj Groves
"I noticed these ruins poking out behind buildings, so I headed off to find them. The ruins are peaceful and have a liminal feeling to them. There are lovely views over the harbour.
The Abbey is not accessible to wheelchair users as there are steps down. The pathways are, also, uneven.
There is a gate at the top, which is quite hard to open. I thought it was locked at first, but it just requires a bit of a shove.
It is free to enter. There are no toilets."
Shelley C
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can easily reach St. Mary's Abbey Howth by taking a train from Dublin city center to Howth. The journey is scenic and offers a great escape from the city bustle. From the Howth train station, it's a pleasant walk to the abbey. Parking is available on the top road near the abbey.
Yes, parking is available on the top road near the abbey. From there, steps lead down to the abbey grounds.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to St. Mary's Abbey Howth is completely free. You can explore the ruins and enjoy the views without any cost.
St. Mary's Abbey Howth is generally accessible during daylight hours. However, the gate to the abbey itself might be closed, requiring a firm push to open.
Access to the abbey ruins can sometimes be restricted by a gate. It requires a bit of a shove to open, so don't be discouraged if it seems locked at first.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Unfortunately, St. Mary's Abbey Howth is not wheelchair accessible. The pathways are uneven, and there are steps leading down to the grounds.
You can explore the atmospheric ruins of the medieval abbey, wander through the peaceful graveyard with its ancient gravestones, and enjoy stunning panoramic views of Howth Harbour.
No, there are no toilet facilities available at St. Mary's Abbey Howth. Visitors are advised to use facilities before or after their visit.
St. Mary's Abbey was the first church built in Howth, founded by Sightrygg, king of Dublin around 1042. The current abbey largely dates back to the late 14th or early 15th century.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Howth village, located nearby, offers a variety of restaurants, bars, and cafes where you can enjoy a meal or a drink after visiting the abbey.
📸 📸 Photography
The abbey ruins themselves offer a dramatic backdrop, especially with the surrounding gravestones. The panoramic views of Howth Harbour from the abbey grounds are also incredibly picturesque.
Many artists find inspiration here, with its liminal atmosphere and crumbling beauty. The interplay of stone, sky, and sea provides unique photographic subjects. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit