Dublin: Dublin Bay Cruise from Howth to Dun Laoghaire

Dublin Bay looks different from the water. This one-way cruise from Howth to Dun Laoghaire links two of the city’s best coastal towns while giving you views of islands, cliffs, lighthouses, and harbour walls that are easy to miss from shore. I like the route because it works as both a sightseeing trip and a practical way to cross the bay.

I especially like the chance to take the DART to Howth before sailing, then finish near Dun Laoghaire’s food and drink spots. The friendly captain, onboard commentary, and bar add to the easygoing feel. The main drawback is space: on a choppy day, you may need to spend part of the cruise inside.

Key points to know before booking

• Howth to Dun Laoghaire in one direction: This is a sailing across Dublin Bay, not a round trip. Plan your return by DART.
• Ireland’s Eye and Lambay Island: The northern side of the route gives you views toward both islands.
• Lighthouses and cliffs: Look for Howth Head, Baily Lighthouse, and Kish Lighthouse as the boat rounds the coast.
• A useful DART combination: Take the rail line to Howth, sail across the bay, then use the discount voucher for your return journey.
• A relaxed onboard setting: The St Bridget has a bar serving coffee and wine, though drinks and snacks cost extra.
• Good for families and mixed-age groups: The cruise is suitable for all ages, including infants, and lasts about 60 to 70 minutes.

Why this Dublin Bay crossing is worth your time

The best thing about this cruise is the route itself. You are not simply circling one harbour or looking at the same skyline from a different angle. You move from the fishing village atmosphere of Howth, around the north side of Dublin Bay, and across open water toward Dun Laoghaire.

That change of setting gives the trip a useful rhythm. Early in the sailing, the focus is on Howth Head, steep coastal edges, and the islands north of the bay. Later, the view opens toward Bull Island and Dalkey Island before the boat enters Dun Laoghaire Harbour.

At $28 per person, the cruise is not the cheapest way to get between the two towns. But it includes a 60 to 70 minute coastal sightseeing experience, not just transportation. If you already plan to visit Howth and Dun Laoghaire, the price can make sense because it combines a scenic activity with a cross-bay journey.

I would not book it solely as a ferry replacement if you are in a hurry. The DART is the practical transport choice. Book this when you want the views, the slower pace, and the fun of arriving in Dun Laoghaire by water.

Starting at Howth’s West Pier

The boat leaves from West Pier in Howth, opposite Aqua Restaurant. That makes the start fairly easy to locate, but give yourself enough time to reach the pier and get oriented before boarding.

Howth is a natural place to begin. You can arrive by DART, spend time around the harbour, and then make your way to the departure point. The activity information specifically suggests taking the DART to Howth before the sailing, which is a smart plan if you are staying elsewhere in Dublin.

The pier setting also helps you get into the mood for the trip. You are close to the water from the start, and the route quickly shifts from the immediate harbour to the broader coastline.

Wear comfortable shoes and clothes. That advice is simple but useful on a boat, where you may move between indoor and outdoor areas. Bring an extra layer if you are sensitive to wind, though no special equipment is required.

Aboard the St Bridget for 60 to 70 minutes

The cruise takes place aboard the St Bridget and lasts about one hour to 70 minutes. That is long enough to see a good stretch of the bay without turning into an all-day outing.

There is onboard commentary, along with bar service. You can buy coffee or a glass of wine while watching the coastline pass, but drinks and snacks are not included in the ticket price. I like this arrangement for a short trip because you can keep the outing simple or add a small treat without committing to a full meal.

Space may be the key comfort issue. One sailing can feel easy and open, while another may require you to spend some of the journey inside, especially when the sea is choppy. If being outdoors for the entire crossing is important to you, keep that limitation in mind.

The captain and onboard service received particular praise for being friendly and funny. The commentary adds useful context, while the relaxed tone keeps the crossing from feeling stiff or formal. You get a sightseeing ride with some local character, not a silent transfer between piers.

Ireland’s Eye and Lambay Island to the north

As the boat moves away from Howth, look toward Ireland’s Eye and Lambay Island. These islands sit to the north of the route and add scale to the view.

Ireland’s Eye is especially connected with the Howth coastline. From the boat, you see it as part of the wider coastal setting rather than as a separate shore excursion. The view helps explain Howth’s position at the edge of Dublin Bay, where the land reaches into the sea and the islands sit just beyond it.

Lambay Island is farther out and may be more distant from the boat. Still, its presence gives you a sense of the broader waters around Dublin. The cruise is valuable here because you can take in several reference points at once, something that is harder to do from a single viewpoint on land.

Do not expect every landmark to look close or dramatic. The appeal is the changing view and the chance to understand how the bay fits together. On a clear day, these northern views should be among the early highlights of the crossing.

Passing Howth Cliffs and rounding Howth Head

The boat then passes the Howth Cliffs before rounding Howth Head. This is one of the most scenic sections of the trip, because the shoreline becomes more rugged and the town feels farther away.

From the water, Howth Head gives you a different angle on the cliffs. You see the coastal forms from below and beside them, rather than looking down from a walking path. That perspective is one of the main reasons to choose the boat instead of simply spending the entire day on land.

Rounding the headland also marks a change in the cruise. The trip moves from the north-facing coast into the main sweep of Dublin Bay. If you are taking photographs, this is a good time to keep your camera ready, but do not spend the entire crossing staring at a screen. The views change quickly as the boat turns.

The cliffs are weather-dependent, as you would expect on Ireland’s east coast. Cloud, wind, and a rolling sea can alter how much time you want to spend outside. The indoor space is useful, but it can feel crowded if many passengers leave the open deck at once.

Baily and Kish Lighthouses

Two lighthouses give the route a strong nautical identity: Baily Lighthouse near Howth Head and Kish Lighthouse farther out in the bay.

Baily Lighthouse is the more closely connected landmark as the boat rounds Howth. Its position on the headland makes it a natural focal point, and the cruise gives you a water-level view of the coast around it.

Kish Lighthouse sits farther offshore and marks a different kind of Dublin Bay setting. It is not part of the land itself, so spotting it depends on visibility and where you are looking. The onboard commentary can help identify it as the boat passes.

These lighthouses are more than photo stops. They show how the bay has been shaped for boats, navigation, and coastal travel. You get a glimpse of the working sea as well as the scenic one.

Bull Island and the open crossing

After Howth Head and the lighthouses, the boat passes the wildlife sanctuary of Bull Island. The island and its surrounding waters create a lower, more open contrast with the cliffs around Howth.

This is where the cruise begins to feel like a true crossing of Dublin Bay. The shoreline spreads out, and the boat has a wider stretch of water to cover before reaching the southern side.

You may find this section quieter than the cliff passage. That is not a weakness. It gives you time to enjoy the bay itself, listen to the commentary, or sit with a coffee. The open water also makes sea conditions more noticeable, so passengers who are prone to motion sickness should be prepared for a boat ride rather than a land-based attraction.

The trip’s 4.3 rating from 44 reviews fits the experience well: it is a pleasant, distinctive outing with strong scenery, but comfort can vary with crowding and the weather. That is a fair tradeoff for a coastal cruise.

Dalkey Island and the arrival at Dun Laoghaire

As the boat crosses toward the south side of the bay, Dalkey Island comes into view. This gives the final part of the trip a new focal point before the boat enters Dun Laoghaire Harbour.

Dalkey Island helps you mark the approach to the southern coast. The views now shift from Howth’s cliffs and offshore navigation points toward the more sheltered harbour setting at Dun Laoghaire.

The cruise finishes at East Pier in Dun Laoghaire. From there, you can continue your day around the harbour or look for food and drinks in the town. One useful advantage of arriving here is that you do not have to treat the boat ride as your whole activity. It can lead naturally into an afternoon or evening in Dun Laoghaire.

The trip is one way. Your return cruise is not included. A DART discount voucher is provided for the return journey, so plan on rail travel back rather than assuming the boat will take you to Howth again.

Using the DART to make a full day of it

The easiest way to frame this outing is as a DART and boat combination. Take the DART to Howth, explore or eat near the harbour if you have time, board at West Pier, then arrive at Dun Laoghaire and return by rail later.

This setup suits you if you enjoy building a day around two coastal towns. It also removes the need to arrange a private transfer between Howth and Dun Laoghaire.

The supplied fare information describes the DART voucher as a discount for the return journey. It does not say that the return train is free, so factor in the remaining rail cost when working out your budget.

There is one detail worth checking when booking. The route information gives East Pier as the finish, while the meeting details also say the activity ends back at the meeting point. Since the actual sailing is described as Howth to Dun Laoghaire, confirm the precise end instructions before departure, especially if you have a tight rail connection.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this outing to anyone who wants a short scenic activity rather than a full-day boat trip. The one-hour length works well between other Dublin plans, and the route gives you several distinct sights without requiring a long commitment.

Families can consider it too. The cruise is suitable for all ages, including infants. Bring comfortable clothing, keep an eye on the sea conditions, and be ready for the possibility that younger children may prefer the indoor area if the water becomes choppy.

It also suits couples and groups of friends. The onboard bar, coffee, wine, and commentary give the trip a social feel, and Dun Laoghaire provides a natural place to continue the day.

I would be more cautious if you need guaranteed outdoor seating, dislike boats in rougher water, or have only a strict transport schedule. Space can be limited, and the cruise is a leisure experience first.

The practical value at $28

The $28 fare buys more than a view from a ferry window. You get a route past Howth Cliffs, Howth Head, Ireland’s Eye, Lambay Island, Baily Lighthouse, Kish Lighthouse, Bull Island, Dalkey Island, and Dun Laoghaire Harbour.

That is a strong list for a 60 to 70 minute trip. The value improves if you were already planning to visit both Howth and Dun Laoghaire, since the cruise connects them while adding a memorable stretch on the water.

The fare does not include drinks or snacks, and the return journey is not included. You should also allow for the remaining cost of the DART after using the discount voucher. So the true budget is the ticket, anything you buy onboard, and your rail return.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the reserve-now, pay-later option make it easier to fit into a changing Dublin schedule. Still, the practical value depends on your weather expectations and interest in the route. If rain and wind would spoil the experience for you, keep your plans flexible.

Should you book the Howth to Dun Laoghaire cruise?

Book it if you want to see Dublin Bay from the water, enjoy a gentle coastal crossing, and use the DART to connect two seaside towns. The route has enough variety to keep a one-hour trip interesting, and the friendly captain, commentary, and onboard bar make it more than a basic transfer.

Skip it if you need a fast, low-cost way to get around or if you want a guaranteed outdoor seat in calm water. For everyone else, this is a good-value addition to a Dublin day, especially when the weather is kind and you leave enough time for the return DART journey.

FAQ

How long does the Dublin Bay cruise take?

The sailing takes approximately 60 to 70 minutes.

Where does the cruise depart from?

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

Where does the cruise finish?

The route is described as finishing at East Pier in Dun Laoghaire.

Is this a round-trip cruise?

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

How can I return to Howth or Dublin after the cruise?

Passengers 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 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 coffee and wine are available to buy onboard.

Is the cruise suitable for children and infants?

Yes. The activity is suitable for all ages, including families and infants.

Can I cancel my booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.