Katie Bernard is a student at the University of Mississippi. She is an ISA Featured Photo Blogger and is currently studying abroad with ISA in Dublin, Ireland.
Sometimes the hustle and bustle of a fast moving city like Dublin can be a little overwhelming. The noises of honking taxis, street musicians, and loud roars from a pub during a World Cup match can engulf you in the craziness of the city. When I was exploring Dublin my first few days, I felt like I was running all over Ireland’s capital; not to mention, the cars driving on the opposite side of the road threw me for a loop multiple times while I was trying to cross the street. I love city life and always have, but sometimes it’s nice to take a break from it. Lucky for me, there is a quaint fishing village just a quick thirty minute train ride away from Dublin.
The Irish village of Howth is right on the coast of the Celtic Sea, just north of Dublin. There is a homey vibe to the village that I could feel as soon as I arrived at the station. I got there just a little after 9:00am and decided to start my hike to the summit of the cliffs since not much in the village was open yet. I began by walking through the town, and when I came to the cliffs it became a little more of a challenging hike.
The views were incredible; it was like nothing I had ever seen before. I would stop every now and then on my trek to just take it all in. This was my real life- I was in Ireland and I got to call this country ‘home’ for a month.
After finishing my hike, I ate lunch at a small restaurant on the pier. I had fish and chips, of course! I then shopped for a bit before heading back to Dublin.
My escape from the hustle and bustle of Dublin was perfect. I can honestly say that I left a little piece of my heart in Howth. If you have time while visiting Ireland, I strongly recommend taking a day to explore and hike in Howth! You will not regret it!
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