Howth’s best views belong to those who climb Shielmartin Hill. From here, Dublin Bay unfolds. Portmarnock and Sutton are clearly visible. Bull Island shines in the distance.
Shielmartin Hill stands 163 metres high. It’s a peak on Howth Head. People also call it Shelmartin.
Now let’s focus on the ancient cairn. See how the crest of the hill appears split? The northern part is our cairn. This is the Shielmartin Hill Cairn. Some have built modern, circular cairns on its southern edge.
Legend says this was Crimhthan Niadhnair’s burial site. Imagine a king resting here. He chose a spot with panoramic views.
Getting here requires a bit of effort. One path on the northeast is steep. It is also overgrown. So best avoid it. A safer route exists to the southeast. But it crosses the Howth Golf Course. The easiest path starts on the southwest. It begins at Carrickbrack Road. This leads directly to the top.
The hill is surrounded by Howth Golf Course. It sits to the west, north, and east. Private homes border the south.
Don’t confuse Shielmartin Hill with other peaks. Black Linn is nearby. It is at the Ben of Howth. It marks Howth peninsula’s highest point. Dun Hill, Muck Rock, and Carrickbrack are all close neighbours.
Archaeologists believe Howth was significant. It was a settlement site long ago. The prehistoric burial cairns prove this. Shielmartin is one of four summits with these cairns. Dunhill, Kilrock, and Carrickbrack also have them.
Aideen’s Grave is another ancient monument here. It is a portal tomb or dolmen. Locals say Aideen died of a broken heart. Her husband Oscar died in battle.
Imagine warriors defending Dungriffin Promontory Fort. It is now the Baily Lighthouse site. The fort protected the headland with earthen walls. They were safe on three sides because of the sea.
Vikings raided Howth in 821 AD. They plundered the area. They captured many women. The name Howth comes from Norse. “Hoved” means headland.
Later, Norman knights arrived. Sir Almeric Tristram led them. He won the lands of Howth. He was granted the land by King Henry II.
Think about the mail service in 1818. Howth became Dublin’s mail station. King George IV landed here in 1821. His footprints were carved into the quay.
The views from Shielmartin Hill show layers of history. Burial sites are here. There are Viking raids and Norman battles. Every stone whispers tales of the past. The Shielmartin Hill Cairn stands as a silent witness. It has seen centuries unfold beneath it.