Today, we travelled to Howth. It is a coastal city, mostly surrounded by water. It’s not quite an island. Howth is beautiful. Our goal for our journey was to hike along the cliffs along the east coast of the peninsula and eventually end up at the summit. The views were incredible, hard to take in and process. At the summit, we had lunch at a place called Gaffney’s Summit Inn. The seafood was fresh, and the service was exceptional. There’s nothing like reward for a bit of hard work. Our hike wasn’t easy. It seems that people from all over walk along the trail and dine at the pub. Even our server appeared to be from somewhere else in Europe. This little coastal town must attract and entertain tourists year-round. The scenery, views, and climate (at least as we experienced it today) create a welcoming atmosphere, constructing an interesting and diverse place. Howth is a place of destination. It attracts hikers, academics, lovers, and the like. As hunger began to set in, the Summit Inn became an even more attractive destination.

As we finished up lunch and headed down to sea-level, we saw beautiful houses and freshly manicured lawns and shrubbery. Eventually, we found the water’s edge and all sat staring out into the Irish Sea. When we first arrived to the cliffs, I noticed the sailboats harbored in the middle of town. Now, after a long walk and satisfying meal, I contemplate the uses of these boats and the lives of their captains. Howth is a place of occupation. We walked around where the boats were docked, passing piles of empty sea nets and crab cages. I wonder about the day’s catch. Did the day yield a successful bounty or did the fishers return empty-handed and disheartened? The budding greenery encroaching on the sailboats creates an interesting visual representation of the relationship between the natural and the human.