Dublin: Dublin Bay Cruise from Howth to Dun Laoghaire

See Dublin from the water. This 60 to 70 minute cruise gives you a fresh view of the coast, linking two of Dublin County’s best seaside towns while passing cliffs, islands, lighthouses, and harbours. I like the excellent coastal views and the simple one-way plan, which lets you explore Howth before sailing to Dun Laoghaire.

I also like the relaxed onboard setup, with a bar for coffee or wine and commentary from the crew. The main drawback is practical: space onboard can feel limited when the sea turns choppy, so you may spend part of the crossing inside.

Key points at a glance

• Howth is part of the experience: Take the DART to Howth first, then walk to the West Pier for departure.
• A scenic one-way crossing: The boat links Howth and Dun Laoghaire in about 60 to 70 minutes.
• Big coastal landmarks: Look for Ireland’s Eye, Lambay Island, Howth Head, Baily Lighthouse, Kish Lighthouse, Bull Island, and Dalkey Island.
• A pleasant onboard bar: You can buy coffee or a glass of wine, though drinks and snacks cost extra.
• Easy return by rail: A DART discount voucher is included, but your return trip is not part of the boat ticket.
• Best in calmer weather: The views are much easier to enjoy from outside when the bay is smooth.

Why this short cruise is worth your time

Dublin Bay is easy to admire from shore, but the view changes once you are on the water. From the boat, Howth Head becomes a broad coastal wall, the lighthouses sit clearly against the horizon, and the city’s seaside communities connect in a way that is hard to grasp from the train or road.

I like this cruise because it is not an all-day commitment. You get a proper coastal outing without giving up an entire day in Dublin. At roughly an hour, or up to 70 minutes depending on the sailing, it works well as part of a larger day in Howth or Dun Laoghaire.

The price is about $28 per person. That is not the cheapest way to move around Dublin Bay, since the DART is also available, but you are paying for the view and the experience rather than simple transport. If you already plan to visit Howth and Dun Laoghaire, the boat turns the journey between them into the main event.

The crossing is also useful for visitors who want a less formal activity. You do not need a long guided tour or a packed schedule. Show up at the pier, take a seat, order a drink if you wish, and watch the coastline change.

Starting at Howth’s West Pier

The cruise leaves from the West Pier in Howth, opposite Aqua Restaurant. That gives you a clear starting point, but you should allow time to reach the pier from the DART station and find the departure area without rushing.

Howth makes a good beginning because you can pair the sailing with time on land. The DART connects Dublin with Howth, and the activity specifically encourages you to take the train to Howth before departure. You can arrive early, walk along the harbour, or spend time around the village before boarding.

The West Pier is also a natural place to begin a bay crossing. Fishing boats, harbour activity, and the nearby headland set the scene before the ferry even leaves. I would not treat Howth as a place to simply arrive five minutes before sailing. Give yourself enough time to enjoy the setting and get oriented.

The meeting point is straightforward, but the information provided does not give a recommended arrival time. Check your confirmed departure details carefully, and allow extra time for the walk from the DART station.

Ireland’s Eye and Lambay Island to the north

Once the boat moves away from Howth, keep an eye toward the north for Ireland’s Eye and Lambay Island. These islands add scale to the opening part of the crossing, showing that Dublin Bay is not just a city waterfront. It is a broad stretch of coast with islands, headlands, working harbours, and open water.

Ireland’s Eye is especially useful as a point of reference while you watch Howth recede. The exact view will depend on the sailing route, weather, and your position onboard, so do not expect every landmark to appear equally clearly. Still, the islands give you something specific to look for rather than a general view of the sea.

The boat’s onboard commentary can help make sense of what you are seeing. The available information does not name the captain or guides, but one strong point of the experience is the friendly, funny approach reported about the captain. That matters on a short trip. A warm crew can make the difference between a quiet transfer and a memorable outing.

Along Howth Cliffs and around Howth Head

The most dramatic stretch comes as the boat passes Howth Cliffs and rounds Howth Head. From the water, you get a different angle than from a cliff walk. Instead of looking outward from land, you look back toward the rock face and see how the headland shapes the bay.

This part is best enjoyed outside if conditions allow. Stand or sit where you have a clear view, but keep in mind that outdoor space may be limited. One practical complaint about the trip is that rougher water can send people indoors, and there may not be enough room outside for everyone to spread out.

That is not a reason to skip the cruise, but it is a reason to set sensible expectations. This is a boat crossing, not a large sightseeing ship with unlimited deck space. If the day is windy or the water is rough, you may need to choose comfort over a perfect photograph.

The cliffs also provide a useful contrast with Dun Laoghaire later in the journey. You begin with a rugged headland and finish among the orderly piers and harbour walls of a major seaside port.

Baily Lighthouse and Kish Lighthouse

The route gives you views of Baily Lighthouse and Kish Lighthouse, two of the most recognizable markers in Dublin Bay. Lighthouse sightings are one of the pleasures of a coastal cruise because they turn the journey into a search for small, distinctive points on the horizon.

Baily Lighthouse sits on Howth Head, making it part of the headland scene. Kish Lighthouse is farther out in the bay and gives you a sense of the waters beyond the immediate shoreline. The distance and visibility will affect how clearly each appears, so bring patience rather than expecting close-up views.

The cruise is at its best when you treat the sights as a sequence. First come the islands and cliffs, then the headland and lighthouse, then the wider bay and the southern shore. The route keeps changing, which helps the 60 to 70 minutes pass without feeling repetitive.

A camera or phone is useful, but I would not spend the whole trip looking at a screen. Some landmarks may only line up for a short time, and the wider view is often more rewarding than a single picture.

Bull Island and the crossing toward the south shore

As the boat moves across the bay, Bull Island comes into view. The island is known for its wildlife sanctuary, and it adds another natural feature to the route before the boat heads toward the southern side of Dublin Bay.

This section feels more open than the early passage beside Howth. You may have a wider view of the water, with fewer close coastal features to frame the scene. That makes the weather more important. On a clear day, the broad crossing can be calm and pleasant. In choppy conditions, it is the part where you may most appreciate having an indoor area.

The boat has a bar, so you can buy coffee or a glass of wine during the trip. Snacks and drinks are not included in the ticket. I like this option because it gives the crossing a relaxed, social feel, but you should not assume refreshments are part of the $28 price.

Onboard commentary is another useful touch. It gives the trip more purpose than a silent ferry ride and can point out features that are easy to miss. The tone appears to be friendly and informal rather than a formal lecture, which suits the short duration.

Dalkey Island and arrival at Dun Laoghaire

Near the southern side of the bay, Dalkey Island comes into view. Then the boat heads into Dun Laoghaire Harbour, where the scenery shifts from open water and rocky shore to piers, harbour walls, and a more built-up waterfront.

Dun Laoghaire is a good finish because you arrive somewhere with plenty to do after the crossing. The activity information specifically points to food and drinks in Dun Laoghaire before taking the DART back. That makes the cruise easy to turn into a full afternoon or evening plan.

The boat finishes at the East Pier in Dun Laoghaire. This is important: the sailing is one-way, and the return trip is not included in the ferry ticket. You receive a DART discount voucher for the return journey, so you can travel back by rail rather than retracing the bay by boat.

The combination works well. You get a scenic trip in one direction and a straightforward train ride in the other. It also means you can spend your time in Dun Laoghaire without worrying about arranging a separate private transfer.

Seating, weather, and the onboard experience

The best position onboard will depend on the day. On calm water, you will probably want access to the outside viewing area for the cliffs, islands, and lighthouses. On a windy or choppy crossing, an indoor seat may be more comfortable, particularly for children or anyone prone to seasickness.

The available space is a real consideration. One account of the trip describes having to spend part of the journey inside because the sea was a little choppy and outdoor room was limited. I would treat that as useful advice, not a deal breaker.

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, as recommended. You may move around to find a better view, and the temperature on the water can feel different from the temperature on land. The cruise is suitable for all ages, including families and infants, but parents should still plan for wind, movement, and the possibility of remaining indoors for parts of the crossing.

The captain and onboard service receive especially strong praise. The captain is described as friendly and funny, while the bar service and commentary add to the easygoing mood. That human touch is important here because the trip is short. You are not buying a long program filled with scheduled stops. You are buying a simple crossing made better by a pleasant crew.

Is $28 good value?

At $28 per person, I see the cruise as good value when you want the journey itself to be part of your Dublin day. You get a ferry ticket, a coastal route packed with recognizable sights, onboard commentary, and a DART discount voucher for returning by rail.

The value is weaker if your only goal is to get from Howth to Dun Laoghaire as cheaply as possible. The DART offers a practical alternative, and the boat does not include food, drinks, or the return trip. You also need to account for your transport to Howth before departure.

I would compare the cost with your plans rather than with the price of a standard train ride. If you are already visiting both seaside towns, the boat adds a memorable view for a reasonable extra cost. If you have no interest in coastal scenery or are trying to minimize spending, the train may make more sense.

The reserve-now-and-pay-later option and free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure add flexibility. These policies are useful if your Dublin schedule depends on weather or changing plans, but you should still check the available sailing time before booking.

Who should book this Dublin Bay cruise?

I would recommend the cruise to:

• Families wanting a simple activity that suits different ages
• Couples looking for a relaxed outing with harbour and coastal views
• Friends who want to combine a boat trip with food and drinks in Dun Laoghaire
• Visitors already planning a morning or afternoon in Howth
• Local residents looking for a pleasant change from the usual DART journey
• Anyone who enjoys lighthouses, islands, cliffs, and open-water views

I would think twice if you dislike boats, need a guaranteed large outdoor viewing area, or are booking only for transport. Rough water can reduce the comfort of the crossing, and the one-way format means you must plan your return.

Practical plan for making the most of it

Take the DART to Howth and give yourself time around the harbour before heading to the West Pier. The departure point is opposite Aqua Restaurant, so use that as your reference when locating the boat.

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Keep your phone or camera ready for Ireland’s Eye, Lambay Island, Baily Lighthouse, Kish Lighthouse, Bull Island, and Dalkey Island, but do not forget to watch the full coastline as it changes.

If you want a drink, budget separately because refreshments are not included. A coffee can suit a daytime crossing, while a glass of wine may fit an afternoon or evening outing.

At Dun Laoghaire, plan time for food or drinks before using the DART discount voucher for your return. Since the ferry is one-way, this rail journey is part of your practical planning, not an optional extra.

Should you book it?

Book the Dublin Bay Cruise if you want a scenic link between Howth and Dun Laoghaire rather than a basic train ride. The route offers a lot in a short time: cliffs, islands, lighthouses, Bull Island, Dalkey Island, and the arrival into Dun Laoghaire Harbour.

I especially like the friendly onboard atmosphere, the useful commentary, and the chance to build a full day around two seaside towns. Just check the weather, allow for limited outdoor space, and remember that the return DART journey is separate. For about $28, it is a worthwhile choice when the bay view matters as much as getting there.

FAQ

How long does the Dublin Bay Cruise take?

The cruise takes about 60 to 70 minutes. Check the available departure times when booking.

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 cruise one-way?

Yes. The sailing runs from Howth to Dun Laoghaire, and the return trip is not included.

How can I return to Howth after the cruise?

You can return by DART rail. A DART discount voucher is included for the return journey.

What sights can I see from the boat?

The route passes Ireland’s Eye, Lambay Island, Howth Head, Howth Cliffs, 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 coffee or a glass of wine onboard.

Is the cruise suitable for families and infants?

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