Ireland · BOAT TRIPS IN DUBLIN

The 15 Boat Trips in Dublin That Earn Their Price

24 tours  ·  from $23

Good boat trips in Dublin fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

Dublin: River Liffey Sightseeing Cruise - Finding the pontoon beside the Sean O’Casey Footbridge
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Dublin: River Liffey Sightseeing Cruise

1.River Liffey Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 3,473 reviews · from $23Our pick

Cruise the River Liffey aboard an all-weather 48-passenger boat, passing the Ha’penny Bridge, Custom House, Jeanie Johnston, Docklands, and Dublin Port. Local guides such as Gerry, Jerry, Lucy, and Peter bring the city’s Viking, canal, and maritime stories to life.

“Informative and enjoyable - despite poor weather! The crew were both terrific, particularly the engaging ‘tour guide’ who was incredibly knowledgeable about Dublin’s history.”

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Dublin Sightseeing Cruise on River Liffey with Local Guide - Dublin Docklands and the new city center
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Dublin Sightseeing Cruise on River Liffey with Local Guide

2.Dublin Sightseeing Cruise on River Liffey with Local Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 927 reviews · 45 minutes (approx.) · from $27

Cruise the River Liffey in a comfortable pontoon boat with local guides such as Jerry and Terry. Hear Dublin stories as you pass the Jeanie Johnston, Samuel Beckett Bridge, Ha’penny Bridge, and Docklands. The 45-minute trip is a compact introduction to the city, with live commentary in English.

“This tour lasted a bit over 2 hrs but our guide Dave stopped along the way so even if you're not use to walking alot I would still recommend! He was VERY knowledgeable about the history of Dublin and its buildings. Lucky for us the weather was perfect! I would highly recommend!”

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Dublin: Howth Coastal Boat Tour - Ireland’s Eye and its rocky shoreline
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Dublin: Howth Coastal Boat Tour

3.Howth Coastal Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 644 reviews · from $28

From Howth’s West Pier, you’ll circle Ireland’s Eye in a small boat with an English-speaking skipper such as Harry, Kim, or Maggie. Expect cliffs, caves, seabirds, seals, and views of The Stack, with wildlife sightings shaped by season and weather.

“It was great fun and the weather was great, so it was smooth sailing throughout! Guide was great, would highly reccommend!”

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Dublin: Howth Cliffs and Lighthouse Cruise - Balscadden Bay and the First Coastal Views
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Dublin: Howth Cliffs and Lighthouse Cruise

4.Howth Cliffs and Lighthouse Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 441 reviews · from $28

Meet your English-speaking captain at the end of Howth’s West Pier for a 50-minute cruise past Balscadden Bay, Howth Lighthouse, the cliffs, and Ireland’s Eye. Expect live local commentary, seabirds, seals, and fresh sea air, with the route adjusted if waves are rough.

“We took the boat at the pier, and I found the trip quite lively and thrilling. Such a beautiful place.”

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Howth Cliffs and Ireland's Eye Ferry Boat Tour - Cruising under the Howth Cliffs
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Howth Cliffs and Ireland’s Eye Ferry Boat Tour

5.Howth Cliffs and Ireland’s Eye Ferry Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 365 reviews · 50 minutes to 1 hour (approx.) · from $24

Board the Puffin at Howth Harbour for a 50-minute to one-hour cruise past Baily Lighthouse, the Howth Cliffs, and Ireland’s Eye. Captain Mark and the crew provide commentary on wildlife, rock formations, local history, and the Kirwan murder. Expect an open-air ride, sea wind, and excellent photo angles.

“Nice experience, particularly if you get some good weather. Toilet on board, and minimal drinks/snack bar.”

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Boat Trip from Dublin City to Dun Laoghaire - Commentary can make or break the hour
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Boat Trip from Dublin City to Dun Laoghaire

6.Boat Trip from Dublin City to Dun Laoghaire

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 344 reviews · 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes (approx.) · from $33

Sail from Sir John Rogerson’s Quay to Dun Laoghaire in about an hour, passing Dublin Docklands, the Eastlink Bridge, Dublin Port, and Poolbeg Lighthouse. You’ll have indoor and outdoor seating, a snack bar, WiFi, and time to explore the East Pier before returning by DART.

“We really enjoyed the narrative part of the ride. We appreciate staff adjustments with our requests.”

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Dublin: Howth Coast and Ireland's Eye Boat Tour - Ireland’s Eye, a small island with a big view
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Dublin: Howth Coast and Ireland’s Eye Boat Tour

7.Howth Coast and Ireland’s Eye Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 301 reviews · from $27

Join the crew at Howth Harbour for a 45-minute cruise around Ireland’s Eye. Your captain points out seals, birds, the Martello Tower, church ruins, Howth Cliffs, and Balscadden Bay. Live commentary is offered in English, though some departures use a recorded audio loop. Landing is not included.

“It was a wonderful ride! We were kept safe and it was a great tour.”

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Howth Coastal Boat Tour (Ireland's Eye Ferries 50 mins trip) - Seeing Howth Cliffs from below
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Howth Coastal Boat Tour (Ireland’s Eye Ferries 50 mins trip)

8.Howth Coastal Boat Tour (Ireland’s Eye Ferries 50 mins trip)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 200 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $30Top rated

Meet your skipper at Howth’s West Pier for a small-group cruise around Ireland’s Eye and the cliff shoreline. Expect seals, seabirds, coastal views, local history, Irish music, and a boat that can feel lively in rough water. Harry, Maggie, Shane, and Lily are among the skippers who lead these trips.

“Was a lovely ride even on a cloudy and a bit rainy day. Great guide! I don’t like that I have to add 100 characters”

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Dublin: Sunset Cruise in Howth - Ireland’s Eye and the Main 50-Minute Cruise
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Dublin: Sunset Cruise in Howth

9.Sunset Cruise in Howth

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 149 reviews · from $30

Set out from Howth’s West Pier for a one-hour English-language cruise around Dublin Bay. Your captain, sometimes Ollie or George, shares local history, seabird facts, and stories of Ireland’s Eye while you watch for seals and sunset views.

“Excellent sunset cruise that included puffins, walruses and a rainbow. Passengers were allowed to drive the boat too!”

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Dublin: Grand Canal Cruise with Dinner - What the two-hour route is really like
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Dublin: Grand Canal Cruise with Dinner

10.Grand Canal Cruise with Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 143 reviews · from $79

Spend two quiet hours aboard an electric canal barge on Dublin’s Grand Canal. Enjoy a freshly prepared three-course dinner, one glass of house wine or bottle of beer, and views from the deck as the crew operates historic timber lock gates. The cruise begins and ends on Mespil Road.

“Staff on board were excellent and very attentive. Food was top class. We will return.”

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Dublin: Dublin Bay Cruise from Dun Laoghaire to Howth - The first views: Dublin Mountains and Dalkey Island
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Dublin: Dublin Bay Cruise from Dun Laoghaire to Howth

11.Dublin Bay Cruise from Dun Laoghaire to Howth

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 139 reviews · from $32

Sail aboard the St Bridget from Dun Laoghaire’s East Pier to Howth in about 60 to 70 minutes. Look for Ireland’s Eye, Dalkey Island, the Baily Lighthouse, Bull Island, and seals near Howth Harbor. Crew members, including Eugene, add friendly help and local tips.

“Lovely smooth sailing very safe and very friendly staff, will go again”

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Dublin Bay: Cruise from the City Centre to Dun Laoghaire - Poolbeg Lighthouse and the open bay
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Dublin Bay: Cruise from the City Centre to Dun Laoghaire

12.Dublin Bay: Cruise from the City Centre to Dun Laoghaire

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 139 reviews · from $32

Sail for about an hour from Sir John Rogerson’s Quay through Dublin’s docklands and across Dublin Bay to Dun Laoghaire. You’ll pass the East Link Bridge, Poolbeg Lighthouse, Bull Island and Joyce’s Martello Tower, with live commentary and indoor or outdoor seating.

“My partner and i enjoyed the cruise immensely. Would recommend it. Hope to do it nxt year.”

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From Dublin: Cliffs of Moher, Boat Tour & Aillwee Cave - Aillwee Cave: Ireland from below
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From Dublin: Cliffs of Moher, Boat Tour & Aillwee Cave

13.Cliffs of Moher, Boat Tour & Aillwee Cave

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 102 reviews · from $142

Travel from Dublin with an English-speaking guide such as Phil, Colin, Rory, or Jonathan. Visit Aillwee Cave, stop for lunch in Doolin, cruise beneath the Cliffs of Moher, and walk above the cliffs. The day lasts 13 hours, with transport, admissions, Wi-Fi, and the boat included.

“Excellent, it’s a great way to see some incredible views and and understand a little bit of history if Ireland, the guide Jonathan was great, knows a lot of history and important information regarding the country, thank you so much.”

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Dublin: Cruise Excursion Hop-On Hop-Off Tour & Rail Ticket - How the hop-on hop-off bus works in Dublin
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Dublin: Cruise Excursion Hop-On Hop-Off Tour & Rail Ticket

14.Cruise Excursion Hop-On Hop-Off Tour & Rail Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 101 reviews · from $36

Start at Dun Laoghaire port, collect your rail tickets, and ride to Pearse Station, opposite hop-on hop-off Stop 8. Live guides, multilingual audio, and one-day access cover Trinity College, Dublin Castle, Guinness, Phoenix Park, and more.

“Transportation from cruise port went well. Did not use hop on hop off bus in the city - just walked around central area.”

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Dublin Cruise Ship Shore Excursion|Hop-on Hop-off & Rail Transfer - Merrion Square, Oscar Wilde, and the National Museum
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Dublin Cruise Ship Shore Excursion|Hop-on Hop-off & Rail Transfer

15.Dublin Cruise Ship Shore Excursion|Hop-on Hop-off & Rail Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 90 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.) · from $46

Travel from Dun Laoghaire to central Dublin by DART train, then use a 24-hour DoDublin bus ticket to reach Trinity College, Guinness, Dublin Castle, Kilmainham, and more. Live guides such as Gary, Gareth, Mary, and Mark add local color, while a map and Little Museum visit help you plan your short stay.

“Dart train was easy to get to and found HOHO bus was right across the street. Only issue was with the buses, which is true of all so no knock on the tour company, was as the day wore on the seating became harder to find, especially the upper deck as many never got off. Otherwise, a great way to see the overview of the city.”

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New in Boat Trips in Dublin

★ 4.6Galway + Cliffs of Moher Boat Cruise in SpanishFrom $11210 reviews
★ 4.1Howth Cliffs and Ireland’s Eye Boat CruiseFrom $2612 reviews
★ 5.0History and Wildlife Boat Tour with Live CommentaryFrom $5614 reviews

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