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Dublin Live
Dublin Live
National
Robbie Kane & Kim oLeary

Visitors to Howth can walk in the famous footprints of King George IV

While most people are familiar with the seaside town of Howth's major tourist attraction, it is also known for its recording of King George IV's footprints.

And Dublin Live recently went down to West Pier in Howth to check out the famous footprints.

In 1821, the British king visited Howth on his 59th birthday, and while he was visiting the town he was approached by local stone mason Robert Campbell.

Read more: Revolut Ireland: Customers warned some cards will stop working very soon

The skilled stone mason recorded the king's footprints at West Pier to commemorate the visit.

At the time George IV was King of Great Britain, Ireland and Hanover between 1820 and 1830.

He was the son of Mad King George III, and he visited Howth on August 17, 1821 just weeks after his coronation on July 19, 1821.

The plaque showing the way to King George IV's footprints at West Pier in Howth (Robbie Kane)
King George IV's footprints recorded by stone mason Robert Campbell (Robbie Kane)

The king stayed in Dublin for a few weeks before he departed from Dun Laoghaire, then called Dunleary, but was then renamed Kingstown in the king's honour.

It is also understood that he also met with Daniel O'Connell leader of Ireland's Roman Catholic majority before he departed, who presented the king with a laurel crown.

Read more: Throwback photos of Queen Elizabeth II's historic visit to Dublin

Read more: Things to do in Howth: The best bits from Dublin's most exciting seaside village

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