Seafood Galore

In the opposite direction on the Dart line is Howth. A little coastal town nestled into a small hill. The marina is homes to hundreds of boats of all shapes and sizes; grand sailboats, motorized fishing boats, small single person sailboats, boats that I am not sure how they are even still afloat and inflatable rafts. A larger cruise ship dock on the other side of the sea wall as we arrive. People streaming out to enjoy the sunshine, seafood and the sights.

Our group walks along the seawall out to the lighthouse as our luncheon destination of our picnic lunch. Sealions play in the wake of the boats, gliding though the water with ease. The south side of the seawall is essentially breezeless and we can enjoy our lunch without the taste of seasalt and sand integrating itself into our sandwiches.

After getting slagged so much over our PB&J sandwiches for being “SO American” we instead packed various meats and cheeses to go into our baguettes. It is quite warm sitting against the rocks, that closing your eyes and just enjoying the sounds of the sea are enough to lull one almost to sleep, but a nap is not on our agenda today.

We walk back into town to grab some fish and chip, because where better to get good fish, than at the coast. We go into the local fish market and we start planning our seafood feast for 12. Clams, sea snails (which sadly never made it into our bag), prawns and live crab are on the menu. We head to Bruno’s, mobiles in hand, calling all to join us. Bruno is the main chef and we all pitch in to help. I dropped in a few of those feisty live crabs into the boiling water, and we all taught each other about cooking various seafood recipes. Even the strange crab pâté that looked absolutely disgusting, was just divine. That recipe I cannot share, but if I am ever with you when you cook a live crab, I can show you how it is done because if I describe it, you will never try it and think I am crazy. Three hours later, at about 11:00 at night, we all sit down for a proper Portuguese dinner and proceed to eat until we cannot eat anymore. Some of us have to share plates and have to wash between courses, but the wait is well worth it.

After the food is gone, we enjoy the last of the wine and have some good craic. Dermot and I spoke some Irish, and I even sang a few Irish songs. For those that know me, I am not a public singer. The shower, in the car, in the privacy of my own home of course, but not in front of others, and apparently I had a captive audience. As the night starts winding down, we head for home, since we still have a long walk and our feet are sore from the days excursion.

First cheap thing we have found in Ireland so far has been the fresh seafood. Huge, excellent, fresh meal with hors’douvres, wine, main course and salad all for only 12 Euro a person once we all pitched into the pot. Not bad, considering that has been our best meal to date since arriving. I look forward to the next feast as an excuse to go back to Howth!