On Sunday, 23rd August, Howth Castle welcomed Almost Anywhere for a very special summer gathering in the beautiful surroundings of the estate.
Around 70 guests arrived at Howth Castle for an afternoon that brought together wonderful food, beautiful wines, good company and, rather obligingly, some glorious Irish summer sunshine.
With the sun shining, the Sidney Garden provided the perfect backdrop for the occasion. Tucked beside the historic castle, the garden came into its own as guests gathered outdoors, creating a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere for a long summer lunch.
At the heart of the afternoon was a beautiful seasonal menu created by Tom Hayes of Almost Anywhere, whose roaming dining experiences are centred around seasonal ingredients, local produce and thoughtful hospitality.
Guests enjoyed a menu inspired by the very best of late summer:
Courgette & their flowers with champagne sauce
Wood Bakes aubergine & Cnoc Liatrioma
Irish Tomato panzanella
Flatbreads from the fire
The main course celebrated Howth's wonderful coastal location with a bouillabaisse of local fish, accompanied by new potatoes and green salad.
Wine was very much part of the experience too. A carefully considered selection was served throughout the afternoon, chosen to complement the fresh, seasonal style of Tom's cooking. Crisp, refreshing wines worked beautifully alongside the garden vegetables and panzanella, before moving into wines with a little more texture and depth to accompany the rich flavours of the local fish bouillabaisse.
Rather than simply accompanying the meal, the wines became part of the rhythm of the afternoon – glasses poured, plates passed around the table and conversations continuing as guests lingered in the sunshine. It was relaxed, generous dining at its best.
Dessert brought another taste of summer with summer Rice Pudding and Blueberries, rounding off a menu that celebrated seasonality, local ingredients and uncomplicated but beautifully considered food.
It was exactly the kind of event that suits Howth Castle – relaxed and atmospheric, with beautiful food and wine served against the backdrop of a castle and gardens that have been welcoming guests for centuries.
From intimate gatherings and long-table lunches to larger private events, the castle and its grounds offer a host of possibilities. Historic rooms, secluded gardens and outdoor spaces allow each occasion to take on a character entirely of its own.
And when the Irish weather delivers a day like this one, there are few better places to spend a long summer afternoon.
Thank you to Almost Anywhere, Tom Hayes and everyone involved in bringing such a memorable gathering to Howth Castle. We look forward to hosting many more of these wonderful events in the future.
Posted on 26 Aug 2026.
