Among the many areas of Dublin, Howth currently boasts some of the most delicious seafood in Ireland. From its humble roots as a small tourist spot for fishing, it has now evolved into a lively location flocked with residents and foreigners. Without ado, here are Howth’s most recommended places to enjoy seafood.
O’Connell’s
O’Connell’s is situated in a perfect location in Howth; from it you can majestically view the Lambay Island and East Pier from afar. The vibrant tavern has some of Dublin’s most delectable seafood. Its best-sellers are the grilled Dublin Bay scampi and the fritto misto, which is a heavy plate of battered sole, prawns, calamari, whitebait, and haddock. They are beautifully garnished upon serving, and are complemented with lemon, salt, and butter. As for the catch of the day, it is conditioned on the catch by the fishermen themselves on that same day.
The Brass Monkey
Located in the West Pier of Howth, The Brass Monkey features itself along with an array of other seafood joints in a once-bustling pier. With its establishment themed in a European accent, it features a quaint tavern and eating area. Its specialty? Its highly acclaimed chowder. Its other offerings include smoked haddock, pan-seared scallops, and a triad of smoked salmon deliciously served with Guinness bread.
Aqua
Situated at the very end of the West Pier, Aqua can claim itself as having one of the most picturesque overlooking views in Howth. From there, one can majestically view Ireland’s Eye and the Howth Sound. No wonder, the National Hospitality Awards consistently acclaim it as the best seafood joint. Now located in a place once occupied by the Howth Yacht Club, Aqua has reinvigorated the place by including an on-stage pianist and a fireplace. This setting is perfect for family dinners, large gatherings, and momentous events. Aside from its regular supply in the seas, it also gathers its other ingredients from the nearby Howth Hill.
Deep
Deep has been a great joint to enjoy delicious seafood since it opened its doors in 2004. Such was its success that in 6 years, it won the best seafood joint award from Paolo Tullio. A regular participant at the Dublin Bay Prawn Festival, Deep’s best food come in platters filled with various seafood. One should taste its battered calamari as a start. Deep also offers a comfortable setting where the restaurant attendants may have a chat with the guests at times. It also has a special offer – an early bird menu (except Sundays) where one can avail 2 courses for a much lower cost.
Octopussy’s Seafood Tapas
Also located on the West Pier, Octopussy’s is renowned for its food that may take you to a Mediterranean setting. From its full name, its best delicacy are seafood tapas, with its ingredients coming from the daily catch by the fishermen of the Dorans on the Pier, a next-door fishing market that has already stood for half a century. Aside from the tapas, they also offer small mouth-watering servings of Irish sea hake à la Rossa, prawns, Roaringwater Bay organic rope mussels, and Pil Pil.
Beshoff Bros
The Beshoffs are already widely known across Dublin; since the early 20th century, they serve one of the best fish and chips in the whole country. It was originally owned by Ivan Beshoff, a mutineer of the Potemkin in 1905 who then came to Ireland to settle down. Aside from Howth along the West Pier, it has other joints around Dublin such as in Clontarf and Malahide. Beshoff Bros complement sumptuous eating with a calm and friendly atmosphere where the guests can bask under the sun and enjoy the coastal view while stuffing down their food. Aside from the famous fish and chips, Beshoff Bros also offers crab claws with spices, chowder, and Clarenbridge oysters.
King Sitric
King Sitric derived its name from its namesake, Dublin’s king during the 11th century. A well-known guesthouse and eating joint, it offers a vibrant setting and large lobsters for guests to enjoy. It is also situated in a perfect spot where one can enjoy an awesome sunset view while eating seafood. It is highly recommended to try their Balscadden Bay crab claws with garlic butter.
Wrights Findlater Howth
Named after Alex Findlater, a famous whiskey aficionado in the 19th century, this restaurant joint has still maintained the classic Findlater heritage despite being acquired nowadays by the Wrights. Standing three storeys high, this tavern also has awesome outside views and a sumptuous menu, the most recommended being the seafood risotto. Its restaurant on the first floor was named after a 1914 yacht that was used in Howth gun-running.