The castle from a 1902 halftone print
House & Family History: Howth is famous for the Legend of Grace O'Malley, the pirate queen. Grace was returning from a visit to Queen Elizabeth I when her ship stopped at the harbor of Howth to pick up supplies. Grace found her way to the castle and requested a rest and a meal; she was refused admittance. In a rage, she kidnapped the infant heir of Lord Howth and returned with him to Rockfleet Castle in Co. Mayo. Lord Howth's son was eventually returned to him, but only with the understanding that the gates of Howth Castle would always be open a mealtimes, and that a place always be set for the head of the O'Malley clan; this custom is carried forth to the present day.
Architect: Edwin Landseer Lutyens
Date: 1911Architect: Unknown (designed by an unknown architect)
Date: 1738Architect: Richard Morrison
Designed: Designed Entrance Gates, improved Southwest Wing.Country Life: XL, 14 plan, 1914. LXVIII, 286, 316 plan, 1930.
Title: Great Irish Houses and Castles
Author: O'Brien, Jacqueline; Guinness, Desmond
Year Published: 1992
Publisher: New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc.
ISBN: 0810933659
Book Type: Hardback
House Listed: Unknown
Park Listed: Unknown
Current Seat / Home of: Gaisford-St. Lawrence family; here for 800 years.
Past Seat / Home of: Thomas St. Lawrence, 1st Earl of Howth, 18th century.
Current Ownership Type: Individual / Family Trust
Primary Current Ownership Use: Private Home