Named after an 11th century Norse King of Dublin who had close links with Howth, Aidan and Joan MacManus' striking harbourside establishment was stablished by leading chef Aidan MacManus as a fine dining restaurant in 1971.
It is now run by his son Declan and his wife Sue, who have made it the more casual - but equally distinctive - destination that it is today.
Fine dining may no longer be offered, but the popular contemporary Seafood Bar continues the family’s longstanding commitment to the best of seasonal, local produce and offers excellent, mainly seafood, dishes at very fair prices. Many of the dishes they are known for, including a wonderful shellfish bisque and their Meringue Sitric, feature on the new menus - and the famous house wine, Hugel Pinot Blanc from Alsace, still leads off the drinks list.
Accommodation:
Views over the harbour and Balscadden Bay are also shared by the smart nautically themed guest rooms - all named after Irish lighthouses. There are eight rooms, all with individually designed bathrooms - and a very nice breakfast menu is offered, including several fish dishes.
Short break offers are often available and, as well as the many activities in the area - which include sea swimming - Declan offers an Oyster Tasting and a hands-on Seafood Experience with a 3-course meal included.
Small, well behaved dogs may be permitted to stay, by prior arrangement.
