The town of Howth has a strong part to play in Irish history as a wealth of legend has grown from one incident that occurred in the time of Elizabeth Ist of England. Around that time, a beautiful and fierce Irish pirate queen, called Grace O'Malley, was living in Mayo in the west of Ireland. She had been to visit the Queen of England and on her return, she landed at Howth harbour and made her way to Howth Castle for some refreshments and supplies. The servants at the castle wouldn't let her in as the family were having dinner.

She was so enraged by this disrespect that she kidnapped the son of Lord Howth and took him back to her castle in Clew Bay. Her ransom was the promise that never again would the gates of Howth Castle be locked and that an extra place be set at dinner each night for the head of the O'Malley clan. The gates are still open to this day, and an extra place is still set as it is believed terrible things will befall the family in Howth Castle if Graces wishes are not respected.