One Family’s Home for over 800 Years Howth Castle is the private residence of the Gaisford-St Lawrence family. The house is not normally open to the public, but the family recognises that there is an understandable interest in it and its contents. We believe that the fact that the house has been home to the same family for so long is what makes it unique. Unlike many other houses of its size in Ireland, it is not a museum or a hotel but a home which we enjoy sharing with others. It has its origins in medieval times. In 1177 Almeric, the first Lord of Howth, came to Ireland with John de Courcy. Legend has it that on 10th August, the feastday of St Lawrence, at Evora Bridge, close to the Church of Ireland church he won a victory which secured him possession of the Howth peninsula. In gratitude for this, he is said to have taken the name of St Lawrence. His descendants still own and live in the castle. Visiting Howth Castle While Howth Castle remains a family home, we enjoy showing the house and its contents. Educational groups, recognised bodies or groups and associations with an interest in seeing the castle and its contents are given guided tours if at all possible. Normally the tour is given by a member of the family. All must make appointments well in advance. Tours are tailored to the requirements of the group. Cookery Courses or demonstrations at Howth Castle Cookery School in the old castle kitchen can be attended as part of a tour by prior arrangement. Organisers of any groups interested in a tour should contact us through this website. We welcome schools and organisations that help educate young people at a much-reduced rate. We can look after people with reduced mobility but need some advance warning to make it easier for them to gain access. Gardens The castle gardens are worth a visit and there are some excellent free walks; they’re noted for their rhododendrons (which bloom in May and June), for their azaleas and for the long, 10m-high beech hedge planted in 1710. There is also a ruined square tower, Aideen's Grave, a Neolithic tomb and the Deer Park hotel and golf course. Howth Castle Cookery School Ireland’s most uniquely situated cookery school; Howth Castle Cookery School is based in the beautifully restored Georgian kitchens in the Castle, hence the name. Howth Castle Cookery School was opened by sisters-in-law Christine and Edwina St Lawrence in 2008 to share their passion and knowledge about food and carry on the...