Howth (HOE-TH) , Norah's Crayon Wall Mural

I have to first say - there is some debate about how to say the name of this area and it very much differs depending on where you're from in Ireland (and even Dublin). It is spelled H-O-W-T-H. Some say: HOE-TTT (with a hard T). And others say HOE-Thhh (with the "Th" sound). We were told by friends here that you have to pledge your allegiance to one or the other. =) We have chosen the latter because it seems more genuine given that it sounds more like the phonetic spelling. If we were to say "HOE-TT", we'd feel a little inauthentic. =) So, that's our position on the debate.

The fishing village of Howth is probably about a 20 minute drive from us (in a car) but because we take the train it is about 50 minutes to 1 hour. (because you stop at evvvery stop which are each about 2 miles apart)

This is the first thing we saw when we walked into the Harbour in Howth. There were people standing on the edge of the Harbour looking over and sure 'nuff - here was this sweet heart. This is a Harbour seal but notice how very different it is from the Harbor (even a different spelling) =) seals in Seattle. This one has almost an elephant seal face. I'll have to look them up and find out more.

We had seen pictures of them in Howth but I had no idea they'd be so close. They wait here as the boats come in for fish-scraps and we think the tourists must also feed them given that this one is waiting about 5 feet below us.

Anyone who comes to visit: We'll take you to this place in Howth for fish and chips. WOW! Fish and chips in Ireland are NOT like fish and chips in the States. In the US, it's like a rectangle a fish with two pieces of soggy wonder bread mushed to the outsides and then deep fried. THIS.... this is more like a heavenly crispy shell, flash-fried around an ACTUAL piece of ACTUAL fish. And then they serve it with Mushy Peas (which even come in a can in the grocery store we found out today). I believe these are made out of Marrowfat peas (?) and it's really just peas mushed up and it's very good.

Looking from the restaurants/fish markets on the pier up toward the town of Howth.

This guy is unloading fish. So magical. =) I romanticize manual labor.

I'd like to frame this bad boy.

And here's from the opposite side (near town) looking back at the restaurants/fish markets on the pier.

Out toward the Ireland's Eye (island) where they have ruins of a church and another Mortello Tower. You can take boats out there in the summer but only then.

The Abbey from the main road. Here's a little info on the Abbey:
*  The first church built in Howth was on the site of Howth Abbey, in Howth village.  It was founded by Sightrygg, King of Dublin around 1042.  Around 1235, the old church was amalgamated with the church on Ireland's Eye and a new church was built - founded by Luke, Archbishop of Dublin on land granted by Sir Almeric St. Lawrence. Little remains of either of these churches and most of the present abbey dates back to the late 14th century or early 15th century.  The church was a collegiate church - served by a collegium of three or more priests.  A private house to the south-east of the church was the priests' house.  Parishioners worshipped in the abbey until about 1630. (this is from the website of the present church: http://howth.dublin.anglican.org/index.php?id=4)

I took this just to show that there are these odd palm trees here. We have these at our apartment building too. Not sure what species but they're all over the place.

Wayne took this great shot looking back toward where we live. On the right you can see that small island off the coast (very small). That's Dalkey Island off the town of Dalkey (where we went last week). Dalkey is 3 train stops south of us (in Dun Laoghaire). So from this hilltop, we could see the Dun Laoghaire (Dun Leary) Harbour.

Staircase up to see the abbey. At least we hoped it would take us there. We tried to get in but all the gates to the abbey were locked.

Here's looking over a wall (and another locked gate) into the Abbey and surrounding graveyard. There are very new flowers on lots of the graves so people must visit often.

I thought this was interesting - several plots for the O'Rourke family.

And looking back out toward the Ireland's Eye. Hopefully we can take a little boat out there this summer. It's uninhabited but there must be some incredible pictures to be taken. From Howth, on a very clear day, you can see all the way to Northern Ireland. (which is very far)

It was verrry cold for our little bear, but as usual, she was a real trooper.

Better shot out to Ireland's Eye with a fisherman coming back in.

"A 2 bedroom with a lot of charm and potential" (would read my real estate sign for this gem)

The gate outside the Abbey.

The Howth (Hoe-th) Harbour at dusk.

FIRST DUBLIN SNOW! This may be the only snow we see here as it's very rare but I thought it was worth documenting.

Norah has become very sophisticated in Europe and likes to use a knife and a fork. She really had me hold both the knife and fork and show her how to cut each carrot and potato and then she'd eat the small pieces (while still holding both knife and fork).

Oh and this is Norah's secret wall mural in crayon. Whooopsies. (Mommy wasn't watching Norah for a bit apparently) As I put on Facebook, here's the progression of her thoughts.
Me: "Norah can you come here? What's this?"
Norah: "Um, I don't know what you're talking about"

"Oh THAT? If I turn my head this way I think I see what you mean"

"Oh THAT. Yes, I did that"

"I used the crayons like this" (she really did act out how she did it putting the crayon up to the wall but about 2 centimeters away so she wasn't actually drawing)

I just thought this sign was cool from the train to Howth. We were stopped somewhere and this was painted on the side of the building. "THE BIG ISSUES: A HAND UP, NOT A HAND OUT" (and then the lower part was washed out) Bloody socialists.... ;)