Chris McMorrow Artist
Paintings & Art Prints
Perched on the north side of Dublin Bay, Howth is one of the city’s most distinctive coastal areas — a place where history, landscape and everyday life come together in a uniquely visual way. From its working harbour to its dramatic cliffs, Howth has long been a source of inspiration for artists, writers and visitors alike. The trails and walks along the cliffs take in the most amazing views of Dublin Bay.
Howth’s history stretches back centuries as a small fishing village, later becoming an important harbour and trading point for Dublin. The village grew around its natural harbour, with fishing remaining central to its identity.
In the 19th century, Howth became more accessible with the arrival of the railway, transforming it into a popular destination for day trips from the city. Its mix of sea air, rugged coastline and village character made it a favourite retreat — something that still holds true today. Sadly the tram that used to run up to the summit was discontinued in the late 1950s. It would have been a fantastic tourist attraction today.
What makes Howth so compelling is the contrast between its elements — the stillness of the harbour against the movement of the sea, the texture of the old buildings alongside open coastal views. The view looking down on Baily Lighthouse is so picturesque.
The light in Howth changes constantly, reflecting off the water and shifting across the harbour walls and boats. From quiet early mornings to busy afternoons, there’s always a sense of life and movement, but never at the pace of the city.
As an artist, I’m drawn to Howth for its atmosphere as much as its scenery. The harbour, the boats, the changing light — all of it offers something slightly different each time.
Since I was a young teenager I visited there often, first for fishing off the pier — I never caught anything — and then for strolls along both pier walls. It was a no-brainer that I would sketch and paint the area once I started following my artistic dreams.
Rather than capturing a single moment exactly, I’m interested in the overall feeling of the place — the colour, the rhythm, and the sense of being there. That’s what I aim to bring into each painting.
Many of my Dublin prints are inspired by coastal locations like Howth, where the character of the place comes through in the details — reflections on the water, the tones of the buildings, and the subtle shifts in light throughout the day.
👉 You can explore my collection of Dublin prints here
👉 Or view coastal-inspired prints including Howth scenes
Howth is one of those places that stays with you — whether it’s a walk along the harbour, pausing among the moored trawlers to catch a glimpse of the seals, a view from the cliffs, the aromas from the restaurants and fish and chip shops, or simply the atmosphere and bustle of the village itself.
Through painting, I try to capture something of that experience — not just how it looks, but how it feels.
Alongside the scenes shown above, I’ve also painted other views as Howth art prints, including:
