About our Club

Founded in 1895 as Howth Sailing Club, our Club began as a pure sailing club before later merging with Howth Motor Yacht Club to form today’s Howth Yacht Club. Nestled on Ireland’s east coast, the Club is beautifully situated behind the north arm of Dublin Bay, sheltered between the dramatic cliffs of Howth Head and the island bird sanctuary of Ireland’s Eye.

Our clubhouse and surrounding grounds and marina support a vibrant membership of 2,300 sailors and boating enthusiasts — making Howth Yacht Club the largest and one of the most active sailing clubs in Ireland and the UK. Members past and present include Presidents, Prime Ministers, internationally renowned sailors, diplomats, and leading figures from Irish business and political life.
 

Sailing and Events

Howth Yacht Club organises a busy programme of sailing events, training courses, and regattas throughout the year. The Club hosts active keelboat and dinghy racing fleets and is recognised internationally as a world-class sailing venue, regularly staging World, European, National, and Regional Championships.
 
The Club is also proud to be the home of the world’s oldest one-design racing keelboat class, the Howth 17 Footer. Designed by Walter Herbert Boyd in 1897, the first five boats arrived in Howth in 1898 — and remarkably, they still race competitively every season from April to November alongside newer additions to the fleet.
 

Marina and Facilities

The Club boasts a 250-berth marina directly in front of the clubhouse, along with 60 swinging moorings within the harbour for engine-less keelboats. Visiting boats are always welcome, and marina berths are available year-round. Onsite cranes, as well as local sailmakers ensure excellent support for both racing and cruising yachts.
 
The clubhouse features extensive facilities including varied hospitality options across indoor and outdoor bar and lounge areas, clulbhouse dining and private function rooms and an extensive calendar of social events.
 

Additional Member Benefits

Membership at Howth Yacht Club opens the door to a unique year-round lifestyle on and off the water.  Membership also gives access to exclusive privileges at a variety of premier clubs with our Worldwide Reciprocal Agreements along with local member discounts with the HYC Partnership Programme.
 

Howth - The Perfect Location

Located in the heart of Howth village, a picturesque and bustling coastal destination, the Club benefits from excellent public transport links to Dublin city centre via train and bus, and is just 20 minutes from Dublin Airport.
 
Visitors can enjoy Howth’s breathtaking scenery, cliff walks, island boat trips, and abundant wildlife. With its blend of maritime heritage, natural beauty, and modern amenities, Howth Yacht Club is not only a premier sailing venue — it’s the perfect base for sailors and visitors alike to experience the best of Dublin’s coastline. Find out more about Howth here.
 

Local Accommodation

Howth and the surrounding area offer a wide range of accommodation options, from charming guesthouses and welcoming B&Bs to comfortable hotels and flexible self-catering stays. Whether you’re planning a short visit for a sailing event or a longer break, you’ll find quality accommodation and a genuinely warm welcome waiting for you. 
 

Join Our Community - contact the membership team on +353 1 8322141 | membership@hyc.ie