AQUA

Howth, County Dublin

Aqua Restaurant, Howth opened on December 31st 1999, since that first day of service the mission of the restaurant has been to provide the highest quality seafood dishes to patrons both Nationally and Internationally. Aqua Restaurant is located at the very end of Howth’s West Pier in a building with a long and apt history. In its former life the building belonged to Howth Sailing Club, which was formed in 1895. The building, as it stands today, did not exist then, so the club rented rooms in the harbour offices (owned by ‘Bord of Works’) and the few small rooms were accessed by an outside wooden stairway.

In 1934, with the adoption of engines in boats, Howth Motor Yacht Club was formed and began operating from rooms in the same building. Fast forward to 1968 and membership of both clubs had grown to the point where the surroundings were cramped, to say the least. Coinciding with the amalgamation of the two clubs into ‘Howth Yacht Club’, the decision was taken to extend the premises into the building you see today and works were completed in 1969.

In 1986, Howth Yacht Club had again outgrown their premises and it was time to move on. Following their departure the building was used for various purposes including fish offices, but by late in the 20th century the building had become dilapidated and in need of intense renovation.

The owners of Aqua restaurant, keen sailors themselves, would often sail past and reminisce about the building. It was during one of these ‘sail pasts’ that a plan was hatched to open a restaurant and restore the building to its former glory. Refurbishments began in 1998 and on millennium night 2000, with a firework lit backdrop, Aqua restaurant served its first meal to a gathering of family and friends. The atmosphere has never changed, a meal in Aqua is an opportunity to gather to celebrate with family and friends all that is good in dining and select company.

Aqua’s main assets are the view, the food and the service. The views are truly legendary and mentioned often in reviews of the overall restaurant! From our dining area you can enjoy panoramic views across Howth sound to the island of Ireland’s Eye, a magical island both visually and historically. From the bar and east facing windows the full splendour of the harbour, the marina, and the working fishing pier can be enjoyed.

Aqua even has its own pod of seals, which live around the pier and have become a tourist attraction in their own right, drawing large crowds during the summer months. Aqua truly is one of the few restaurants in Ireland which can boast such a spectacular environment in which to dine.

As well as the stunning views, Aqua restaurant incorporates a number of internal features, with a contemporary central bar, contrasting nicely with the cosiness of the traditional open fire, deep window-seats and black-framed charcoal drawings by local artists. The chic restaurant area with comfortable high back chairs and clever lighting all contribute to a relaxed dining experience and we even have lighting beneath the pier for extra atmosphere!