The Seafood season kicks off each year with the Dublin Bay Prawn Festival and they always set the bar high for the season. With a weekend filled with great food and fun, this has got to be one of our favourite festivals.

It’s on this year from the 17th- 19th March 2017 and we couldn’t be more excited!

Here’s seven reasons we can’t wait for this year’s Dublin Bay Prawn Festival.

1. The perfect location

You couldn’t pick a better spot for a festival – Howth is gorgeous! Just a short hop on the dart this picturesque peninsula is a breathe of fresh air from the bustling city. There’s so much to do from scenic strolls along the harbour, coastal adventures on the cliffs, soaking up the villages rich maritime history and of course feasting on the best seafood. We love any excuse for a visit!

2. The great atmosphere

With an action packed weekend of events planned there’s always a great atmosphere about the place. The village will be buzzing with excitement. There’s plenty for kids to do with the fun fair, entertainment and music. It’s always great to see people lined up on the walls tucking in and celebrating our great Irish seafood!

3. Prawn Punts

We loved these last year. These cute little tokens can be exchanged for tasty treats and scrumptious prawns at the food stalls. A novel little way to get into the festival spirit.

4. Lots of Live Music

There’s always a great line up of live music on the main stage and in the pubs around the village. Howth has some amazing music venues so you’ll find something you love. Don’t forget your dancing shoes and bust out those moves!

5. Loads of great Restaurants

Howth is Dublin’s own seafood capital. There are so many tasty and amazing seafood restaurants you’ll be spoiled for choice. The weekend will see the best of them take to the stalls in the main area but if you’re looking for a more civilized meal you can find a nice table inside and sit back and relax.

6. Cooking Demos for the curious

Want to learn how to cook amazing seafood at home? Well you’re in luck! Pull up a chair and visit one of the cooking demos and learn the top tricks and tips from the experts. You’ll be cooking a pro in no time!

7. The Prawns (Of course!)

Of course the highlight of the festival has to be the main attraction – the famous Dublin Bay Prawn! Whatever way you like them these prawns are something else! Make sure you have your fill before you go!

So you’re in Howth & you want delicious seafood??

You can’t go wrong visiting any of these places and you’ll be in seafood heaven with fantastic starters, mains and desserts.

1. Octopussy’s Seafood Tapas Bar

What: Seafood Tapas

Where: West pier, Howth

According to them: “Octopussy’s provides a slice of Mediterranean life for our locals and a taste of home for our visitors. We specialise in seafood tapas, with fresh fish and shellfish supplied daily.”

2. The Oar House

What: Fresh local fish

Where: 8 West Pier, Howth

What they say: “Renowned for its seafood, Howth has built up a large number of top class seafood restaurants over the past few years. In the Oar House local chef John Aungier joined forces with fishmonger Sean Doran to create this award winning restaurant.The Oar House is a haunt for the locals and a hugely popular ‘must see’ for visitors. Needless to say its fish offerings are wide and varied with an emphasis on what has been landed on the day.”

Ref: http://irelandsseafoodfestivals.com/