a promontory which forms the northern entrance of the bay of Dublin, having a small village about seven miles north-east from that city in the province of Leinster. It gives title of earl to the family of St Lawrence, who were so called from a victory obtained by them over the Irish on St Lawrence's day 1177, their former name being Trifram; and this place has continued in possession of the family above 600 years. N. Lat. 53. 21. W. Long. 6. 22. The shores off this hill are rocky and precipitous, affording, however, a few harbours for small craft. It was formerly called Ben-hedar, i.e. "the birds promontory;" and celebrated for having Dun Cromithan, or the rath or royal palace of Cromithan erected on it, he having been chief or king of that district, and memorable for making several successful descents on the coast of Britain against the Romans in the time of Agricola. Howth, though now stript of trees, was formerly covered with venerable oaks, and was a seat of the Druids; one of their altars still remains in a sequestered valley on the east side of the hill. The mansion house is built in form of a castle, and was probably erected by Sir Armoricus Trifram. Near the house stands the family chapel, and on the western shore are the ruins of St Mary's church, with some ancient monuments of Lord Howth's ancestors. Due west of Howth house are the ruins of St Fenton's church.