SEPTEMBER 2020: The Abbey Tavern is a world famous Traditional Irish Pub, Restaurant and Entertainment Venue with a unique 16th century location in the picturesque village of Howth. With its original stone walls, flagged floors, blazing turf fires and friendly staff, a truly warm welcome awaits you in one of Ireland’s most iconic venues.
Like all businesses in the hospitality sector, the Abbey Tavern has been greatly affected by the global pandemic. Notwithstanding being closed for over 3.5 months, this together with their tourist business being absolutely decimated, the owners of the Abbey Tavern had to turn their thoughts to survival during the lockdown.
Proprietor Richard Tobin’s great grandfather, Frank, purchased the Tavern in 1944 and his daughter, Minnie, took it over 12 years later. The snug that was called “Minnie’s Bar” in her honour has since been adapted to a delicatessen and wine shop following the outbreak of Covid-19.
The beautiful delicatessen at the Abbey Tavern offers a wide range of delicious goodies for all to enjoy. From freshly baked bread, to their hand-picked artisan food products, you will not be disappointed. The Shelves are stocked high with produce from the best Ireland has to offer including, Sheridan’s Cheese, Gubbeen Farmhouse Products from Cork, Crossogue Preserves from Tipperary, Janet’s Just Delicious handmade foods from Wicklow & for the sweet tooth Skellig’s chocolate from Kerry.
Commenting on the changes, Richard said, “The Abbey Tavern is a traditional Irish Pub and Restaurant and tourism accounted for 50% of our turnover. It was a case of adapt or die for the reopening after lockdown and thanks to the ongoing support of our wonderful customers and our exceptional team we should survive. We are delighted at how the delicatessen has turned out & love working with so many fabulous suppliers again”.
Baked and served daily, customers can buy their in-house Abbey Tavern bread, croissants, and scones. Stop by and pick up an Irish brewed coffee from J.J. Darboven Eighty9 & enjoy with their handcrafted cakes and patisseries from Le Pâtissier in Dublin, perfect to have on the go, or to enjoy for a picnic or afternoon stroll on the beautiful Howth Peninsula. There is also hot & cold food available to go.
This little gem really is a one stop shop. Staff will even help you choose that perfect bottle from their great selection of wines, covering all budgets – Old World and New World including vegan and organic wines and fine wines. They also have a great selection of local craft beers including Hope craft beer which is produced less than 6 km away.
Whether you are on the lookout for a date night location, a casual lunch, or dinner with the family, The Abbey Tavern, known for their emphasis on warmth of service and customer experience, has you covered. It is also the perfect venue for hosting that event that you may have had to reschedule and is a particularly ideal venue for a unique and intimate wedding with a difference.
The Abbey Tavern promises guests a safe, distinctive, and authentic dining experience, you can relax and enjoy one of their craft beers or a glass of wine from a beautiful range of new and old-world wines to suit every palate. The Abbey Tavern is consistently the No1 restaurant in Howth on Trip Advisor.
Delicatessen
Open 7 days a week
Opening hours are 8.30am to 5pm, wine is available to purchase until 9pm.
Tavern
Open 5 days a week | Wednesday to Thursday -16.00pm-22.00pm
Friday 12.30pm-22.30pm |Saturday-Sunday 09.00am-22.30pm
From your closest DART station, take any Northbound train destined for Howth. The Abbey Tavern is a pleasant 4-minute walk from Howth Dart station.
Book| E: info@abbeytavern.ie | T: (01) 839 0307
28 Abbey Street, Howth, Co. Dublin
A range of “Food to go/Dine at home” which includes:
• Abbey Tavern Chowder
• Beef and Guinness Casserole with creamy mashed potato
• Fresh Salmon salad
• Chicken Caesar salad
• Roast squash and lentil vegan curry and rice
• Corned beef and cabbage
• Homemade lasagne
They stock local craft beers including Hope craft beer which is produced less than 6 km away.
ABOUT THE ABBEY TAVERN
The Abbey Tavern has been in the ownership of the same family since 1944 when Frank Scott bought the business. In 1956 his daughter Minnie Scott-Lennon inherited The Abbey Tavern. The Abbey Tavern Singers were formed in 1962 when Minnie decided that musicians and balladeers performing in a relaxed sing-along manner would be popular. Within a short time, the newly formed Singers were drawing capacity crowds into The Abbey Tavern. In 1963 The Abbey Taverns Famous Traditional Irish Show was launched. The success and popularity of the business continued to grow, and soon The Abbey Tavern established itself as an iconic venue for Traditional Irish Entertainment. Minnie retired and her son James took over the successful running of the business. Today the Abbey Tavern is under the stewardship of a fourth generation of the family. Richard Tobin & Lorraine Gunne purchased the Abbey Tavern in 2014.
The Abbey Tavern has played host to Royalty, Superstars of the Stage, the Silver Screen and the Music World, Captains of Industry and Famous Statesmen and Women from many countries – all of whom came to sample The Abbey Taverns genuine Irish hospitality and experience their famous Traditional Irish Night. Princess Grace and Prince Rainier of Monaco, Ted Kennedy, Katherine Hepburn, John Wayne, Kate Beckinsdale, Neil Diamond, Garth Brooks, Pierce Brosnan and the stars of “Jackass” are amongst the multitude of famous names who have included The Abbey Tavern on their itinerary of “where to visit” when in Dublin.