History

Since 1964...

While formal Sea Scouting in Howth began in 1964, the local spirit of youth service on the water runs deeper. In 1914, Fianna Éireann (the Republican Boy Scouts) assisted with the unloading of arms from the Asgard, highlighting an early tradition of maritime youth involvement in the area.

The modern story starts with Mr. Arthur Allshire, who, after conversations with national Scout leaders (notably Cecil Jackson, then National Commissioner for Sea Scouts), helped establish a Sea Scout Troop in Howth.

Members of Fianna Éireann unloading Mauser rifles from the Asgard in Howth to be used in the 1916 rising. July 24th 1914.

The first meeting place—soon christened “The Quarterdeck”—was a warehouse on Harbour Road, generously provided rent-free by local builder William Lacey. Furniture at the earliest meetings was improvised from planks and oil drums. The troop adopted royal blue and white neckerchief colours inspired by the Beann Eadair GAA Club, and the first flag featured Ireland’s Eye as its focal point.

As the group grew, leaders such as John Whiston, Adrian Farrelly, and John & Elizabeth Belton joined, enabling formation of Cubs and later a Land Scout section.

Early fundraising was creative and communal—jumble sales, baby shows, and notably a star-studded cabaret at the Abbey Tavern, compered by Eamonn Andrews with Patrick O’Hagan (whose son and Howth Scout Sean O’Hagan later became Johnny Logan)—proceeds went towards the first rowing skiff.

With expanding numbers, “The Quarterdeck” eventually moved to a site near St. Mary’s Church, kindly afforded by Captain Gaisford St. Lawrence (Howth Castle) and welcomed by Canon Blennerhassett. A second-hand Nissen Hut (procured in Belfast) was re-assembled there, but after a fire (mercifully covered by insurance taken out just one week earlier), a more robust Barna building replaced it. Over time, repeated vandalism and break-ins and limited facilities pushed the group to seek a proper hall by the sea.

Sea Scout activities blended traditional Scouting with seamanship—canoeing, rowing, sailing, camping, hiking, hostelling, cooking, and environmental appreciation—and included ambitious annual camps both in Ireland (rivers Barrow, Boyne, Blackwater) and abroad (Holland, Germany). Floating camps (notably on the Barrow) became fond memories. Cubs, enjoyed monthly special activities, father-and-son weekend camps, and competitions in swimming, athletics, and “Keep Ireland Tidy” recognitions, while Sea Rangers (formed in 1980) broadened participation for older girls, including international trips and community service awards.

Highlights from the 1970s include attendance at the Fry Cup (1971), the joint Sea & Land Scout camp to Buckmore Park, Kent (1975), participation in Woodstock ’78 (International Jamboree, Inistioge)—affectionately dubbed “Mudstock” due to the weather—and a legend that Howth Scouts stuffed 38 people into a Fiat 127 to beat a world record, raising funds in the process.

From early bob-a-job, raffles, cake sales, and Wine & Savouries evenings to later Race Nights at the Howth Lodge, fundraising sustained equipment and facilities. By the mid-1980s, the group marshaled community support (including businesses and banks) towards a new hall budget, navigating grant hopes and withdrawals (Special Amenity Scheme; Youth Affairs section) and ultimately completing the project largely via voluntary fundraising and National Lottery funds.

After investigating multiple sites, the group secured Site No. 20, West Pier with OPW lease and planning permission from Dublin County Council. Architect Fergus A. Hogan & Associates designed a two-storey. The new hall was officially opened by Dr. Patrick J. Hillery, former President of Ireland, and was lauded for his quiet, effective public service and particular interest in Sea Scouting during his presidency. Messages arrived from the Taoiseach Charles J. Haughey, extending congratulations and endorsing the value of Scouting for youth. The Chief Scout (Ken H. Ramsey) wrote warmly about the social benefits of Scouting for young people and commended the Howth group’s achievement.

With the Quarterdeck finally beside the water and the DART, Sea Scouts deepened maritime training—rowing, sailing, canoeing—and integrated boat maintenance and repair.

From a warehouse with oil-drum furniture to a purpose-built Pier-side hall, Howth Sea Scouts has embodied resilience, seamanship, service, and community leadership. Generations of youth and volunteers forged a living tradition of learning by doing, on land and water—rowing, sailing, camping, hostelling, and helping others—with the Quarterdeck as the enduring heart.

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