One of the longest continuously inhabited private homes in Europe

Howth Castle has its origins in medieval times when Almeric, came to Ireland with John de Courcy in 1177. Legend has it that Almeric won a victory on the feast day of St Lawrence which secured him possession of Howth and in gratitude, he took the name of the saint. The St Lawrence Family remained here and so is one of the longest continuously inhabited private homes in Europe. A popular legend about the castle occurred in 1576 when The ‘Pirate Queen’ Grainne O’Malley stopped off to pay a courtesy visit to the 8th Baron of Howth. When she approached, she was informed that the family was at dinner and the castle gates were shut against her. In retaliation, she abducted their grandson, the 10th Baron, and his heir. She eventually released him upon a promise ‘to keep the gates open to unexpected visitors and to set an extra place at every meal’. This agreement is still honored by the descendants of the Baron. The castle has been frequented by many famous people including the famous satirist Johnathan Swift.

Thanks to the Irish Passport and Gais-Lawrence Family for interesting video