Statues - Hither & Thither

Site Search:

Howth - Binn Éadair
Fingal - Fine Gall

West Pier

George IV's footsteps

Description

Deep footprints cut in the granite of Howth's West Pier. On 12 August 1821 King George IV first set foot on Irish soil. He is chiefly remembered because he staggered off the boat in a highly inebriated state. He was supposed to be in Dun Laoghaire but he did manage to leave his footprints at the point where he stepped ashore on the West Pier in Howth when a local stonemason took advantage of the error.

In 1853 was written:

He {George IV] landed at the quay of Howth, where the prints of two footsteps have since been cut in the stone, to indicate where he first touched Irish ground.

Inscription(s)

KING GEORGE IV
12 Aug 1821
footsteps recorded by
robert campbell stonemason
16 paces in this direction
→

Sculptor

Robert Campbell, stonemason from Howth.

Sources & Information

Excellent Street Images, Famous Footprints in Howth - King George IV.
Come here to me!, Following in the footsteps of King George IV.
Catholic Telegraph, 5 March 1853 (British Newspaper Archive).

Locatie (N 53°23'33" - W 6°4'5") (Satellite view: Google Maps)

Item Code: ie416; Photograph: 24 June 2023
Of each statue we made photos from various angles and also detail photos of the various texts.
If you want to use photos, please contact us via the contact form (in Dutch, English or German).
© Website and photos: René & Peter van der Krogt

Your banner here? Click for information.