Dublin: Dublin Bay Cruise from Howth to Dun Laoghaire

Dublin Bay looks different from the water. This one-way cruise carries you from Howth’s fishing harbour past Howth Head and its cliffs, then across the bay to Dun Laoghaire. Along the way, you get islands, lighthouses, wildlife views, and a fresh angle on the city’s coast.

I like two things in particular: the route turns a simple trip between two seaside towns into a proper outing, and the DART discount voucher makes the return journey straightforward. The onboard bar and commentary add a friendly touch, too. The main caution is space: when the sea gets choppy, you may need to sit inside rather than stay outdoors.

Key points

• One-way coastal route: Sail from Howth’s West Pier to Dun Laoghaire’s East Pier in about 60 to 70 minutes.
• Strong string of sights: See Ireland’s Eye, Lambay Island, Howth Head, Baily Lighthouse, Kish Lighthouse, Bull Island, and Dalkey Island.
• Easy public transport plan: Take the DART to Howth before sailing, then use the discount voucher for the return trip.
• Casual onboard service: Coffee, wine, drinks, snacks, and commentary are available, though food and drinks cost extra.
• Best for a flexible day: Pair the boat with lunch, a walk, or a drink in Dun Laoghaire after arrival.
• Weather matters: Outdoor views are best on a calm day, but limited space can send you indoors when the water is rough.

Why this Dublin Bay cruise is worth your time

This cruise works because it links two of Dublin County’s best-known coastal towns while giving you a full hour of sea views in between. You are not simply riding from one pier to another. You are watching the shoreline change from Howth’s rocky headland to the broad sweep of Dublin Bay, then closing in on Dun Laoghaire Harbour.

At $28 per person, the price is reasonable if you want more than a short harbour ride. The fare includes the one-way ferry ticket and a DART discount voucher for the return. You still pay for drinks and snacks onboard, but the trip can replace a separate sightseeing activity, especially if you already plan to visit both Howth and Dun Laoghaire.

I would not book it only as a transport shortcut. The DART is useful for getting around, but the boat is the scenic part of the day. Give yourself time to enjoy the views, listen to the commentary, and make plans for Dun Laoghaire after you arrive.

Starting at Howth’s West Pier

The boat leaves from the West Pier in Howth, opposite Aqua Restaurant. That location is useful because Howth is already a natural starting point for a coastal day. You can take the DART to Howth before the sailing, then make your way to the pier.

The meeting point is fairly specific, so do not treat Howth station as the departure point. Allow time to reach the West Pier and look for the boat. Comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes are sensible choices, since you may walk along the pier and spend time outside on deck.

Howth gives the trip a pleasant beginning. The boat pulls away from a working harbour setting before heading toward the open bay. I like this better than starting in the middle of Dublin because the coast is already part of the experience before you board.

The exact departure time depends on availability, so check the schedule before arranging lunch or another timed activity in Dun Laoghaire. The cruise lasts about 60 to 70 minutes, which is long enough to feel like a real boat trip without taking up an entire day.

Ireland’s Eye and Lambay Island to the north

Once underway, look north for Ireland’s Eye and Lambay Island. These islands help you understand the shape of Dublin Bay and the coast beyond Howth. They are not quick background details to ignore. They give the opening section of the cruise a sense of distance and scale.

Ireland’s Eye sits close to Howth, while Lambay Island is farther north. From the boat, the view is about position and atmosphere rather than a close visit. You will not be landing on either island during this activity, but seeing them from the water gives you a wider view than you get from the pier.

The crew provides onboard commentary, which adds useful context as the boat moves along. The available information does not name the commentators, so I would think of this as a friendly, general introduction rather than a specialist guided tour.

This part of the ride is also a good reason to keep your camera ready early. People often wait for the famous lighthouse views, but the islands make the first stretch more interesting. If you want an outdoor seat, claim one when you can, while keeping in mind that space may be limited.

Passing Howth Cliffs and rounding Howth Head

The most dramatic section near the start is the passage by Howth Cliffs and Howth Head. Seeing the cliffs from the water changes their scale. From land, you look out over the bay. From the boat, you watch the headland rise beside you as the vessel rounds it.

Howth Head is one of the strongest visual moments on the route because the shoreline becomes more rugged before opening toward the wider bay. You can see the relationship between the cliffs, the harbour, and the sea in a way that is hard to grasp from one viewpoint on land.

This is where weather has the biggest effect on comfort. On a calm day, being outside should give you the clearest views and the best sense of movement. If the sea is choppy, the boat can feel less steady, and available outdoor space may not be enough for everyone. The vessel has indoor seating, but windows and crowding can make the views less open.

For that reason, bring a jacket even if the day feels mild at Howth. The trip is suitable for all ages, families, and infants, but parents should plan for changing conditions and limited room on deck.

Baily Lighthouse and Kish Lighthouse

After rounding Howth Head, the route brings Baily Lighthouse and Kish Lighthouse into view. These are two of the cruise’s most recognizable sights, and the changing angle from the boat makes them more memorable than a quick glimpse from shore.

Baily Lighthouse is associated with Howth Head, so it fits naturally into the transition from the cliffs to the open bay. Kish Lighthouse is farther out in Dublin Bay and gives the middle of the journey a stronger offshore feel. The two lighthouses help mark the route as the boat leaves the shelter of Howth and heads across the bay.

The commentary is useful here because a lighthouse can look simple from a distance. Its location and purpose give the view more meaning. Still, this is not a lighthouse tour with a landing or interior visit. You are seeing the structures from the water, so binoculars may help if you already carry them, though they are not listed as required equipment.

The cruise’s appeal comes from this steady sequence of views. You are not stopping at every sight, but the boat keeps presenting a new one as the shoreline shifts.

Bull Island and the open crossing

The boat then passes the area of Bull Island, known for its wildlife sanctuary, before crossing Dublin Bay. This section feels more open than the Howth approach. The coastline stretches out, and you get a broader sense of the bay rather than a close view of cliffs or harbour buildings.

The wildlife sanctuary is viewed from the cruise. Do not expect a dedicated wildlife excursion or guaranteed animal sightings. The value is in seeing this protected coastal area as part of the bay’s larger setting.

The crossing also gives you time to settle into the boat. You can have a coffee or glass of wine, listen to the commentary, or simply watch the water. Drinks and snacks are not included in the ticket, so budget separately if you want something from the onboard bar.

One practical point matters here: the best outdoor experience depends on the weather. The boat has indoor space, and one of the useful comments about the trip is that choppy water can push passengers inside because deck space is limited. I would choose a calmer day if your main reason for booking is photography or uninterrupted views.

Dalkey Island and arrival at Dun Laoghaire

As the boat crosses toward the south side of the bay, Dalkey Island comes into view. This creates a pleasing change in the scenery. The northern part of the route is tied to Howth Head and its lighthouses, while the approach to Dun Laoghaire brings in the smaller island and the harbour entrance.

The final approach is one of the most enjoyable parts because you watch Dun Laoghaire grow closer from offshore. The East Pier and harbour provide a clear finish to the journey. The boat arrives at Dun Laoghaire, where the cruise ends.

This is a one-way sailing, not a round trip. That detail shapes the whole day. You can have lunch or drinks in Dun Laoghaire after arrival, then return by DART using the discount voucher supplied with the ticket. One especially practical use of the cruise is to combine a morning in Howth with an afternoon in Dun Laoghaire without retracing your route by boat.

The activity information says the experience ends back at the meeting point, but the route details identify the finish as the East Pier in Dun Laoghaire. Plan around the clear route: departure from Howth, arrival at Dun Laoghaire, then return separately by rail.

Onboard comfort, drinks, and commentary

The St Bridget is the boat used for the cruise. You can buy drinks and snacks onboard, with coffee or wine specifically mentioned as options. Nothing edible or drinkable is included in the $28 fare, so bring that into your budget.

The onboard service is part of the relaxed character of the trip. You are not expected to treat the sailing like a formal tour. A drink, a seat, and some commentary make the crossing easy to enjoy, particularly if you are with friends or family.

The captain and crew are another positive part of the experience. The service is described as friendly, with a captain who brought humour to the trip. No captain’s name is provided, so I cannot give you a name to look for, but the tone appears informal rather than stiff.

Space is the main comfort issue. One trip can feel more crowded when the sea is a little rough, since passengers may need to move indoors. That does not ruin the ride, but it changes the experience from an open-air coastal cruise to a more enclosed ferry journey.

Planning the day around the DART

The easiest plan is to use rail at both ends. Take the DART to Howth before the sailing, board at the West Pier, then return from Dun Laoghaire by DART after the cruise. The ticket includes a discount voucher for that return journey.

This arrangement gives you flexibility. You can spend time in Howth before boarding, then finish in Dun Laoghaire with food or drinks. It also means you do not need to arrange a taxi or private transfer back to your starting point.

Check the sailing time before you set your day in stone. The cruise is listed as lasting from one hour to 70 minutes, and starting times vary. Add walking time to and from the piers, plus time for the DART return, if you have evening plans.

The activity allows cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful when Dublin weather is uncertain, though they do not remove the need to dress for the coast.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this cruise to anyone who wants a scenic link between Howth and Dun Laoghaire. It suits families, couples, groups of friends, and solo visitors who prefer a simple activity with clear sights and little planning.

It is also a good choice for people who have already seen Dublin’s central sights and want a coastal change of pace. The trip does not require a full day, and the DART connection keeps the wider plan manageable.

You may want to skip it if you dislike boats, feel uncomfortable in choppy water, or need guaranteed outdoor seating. It is also not the right choice if you are looking for a long guided tour with stops on the islands or lighthouses. This is a moving sightseeing cruise, not a land excursion.

The value is strongest when you use the route as part of a full day. At $28, it costs more than a basic rail journey, but you are paying for the bay views, the coastal route, the boat setting, and the convenience of connecting two seaside towns.

Should you book the Dublin Bay cruise?

Book it if you want to see Dublin Bay from a new angle and can accept a little weather risk. The route packs a lot into 60 to 70 minutes: Ireland’s Eye, Lambay Island, Howth Cliffs, Howth Head, Baily Lighthouse, Kish Lighthouse, Bull Island, Dalkey Island, and Dun Laoghaire Harbour.

I especially like it as a one-way day plan. Start in Howth, cruise south, eat or stroll in Dun Laoghaire, then use the DART voucher to return. Choose comfortable clothing, arrive at the West Pier opposite Aqua Restaurant, and keep expectations realistic about outdoor space.

At $28 per person, it is a fair buy for a scenic coastal experience rather than just a ferry ride. If the forecast is calm and you enjoy seeing a place from the water, I would book it. If the weather looks rough, consider how much the views matter to you before committing.

FAQ

How long is the Dublin Bay cruise from Howth to Dun Laoghaire?

The sailing takes about 60 to 70 minutes. Check availability for the exact departure time.

Where does the cruise depart from?

Departure is from the West Pier in Howth, opposite Aqua Restaurant.

Where does the cruise finish?

The boat arrives at the East Pier in Dun Laoghaire.

Is the sailing a round trip?

No. It is a one-way sailing from Howth to Dun Laoghaire. A return trip is not included.

How can I return to Howth after the cruise?

You can return by DART rail. The ticket includes a discount voucher for the return journey.

What sights can I see from the boat?

The route passes Ireland’s Eye, Lambay Island, Howth Cliffs, Howth Head, Baily Lighthouse, Kish Lighthouse, Bull Island, Dalkey Island, and Dun Laoghaire Harbour.

Are drinks and snacks included?

No. Drinks and snacks are not included, but you can buy refreshments onboard. Coffee and wine are mentioned as available options.

Is the cruise suitable for families and infants?

Yes. The activity is suitable for all ages, families, and infants. Comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes are recommended.