Howth Cliffs and Ireland’s Eye Ferry Boat Tour

Howth’s cliffs look different from the water. Instead of climbing the coastal path, you cruise below the rock faces, past Baily Lighthouse and around Ireland’s Eye, with Dublin Bay opening out behind you. It is a brisk, simple boat trip that puts the peninsula’s best natural sights in one frame.

I like the fresh viewpoint and the chance to see seals, seabirds, and perhaps a porpoise or dolphin. I also like the compact scale: the boat holds no more than 11 people, so you are not lost in a big sightseeing vessel.

The main consideration is comfort and commentary. The Puffin has no indoor area, and the sea can be cold and choppy. The recorded narration has also been hard to hear on some departures, so do not book this expecting a polished, fully guided cruise.

Key points to know before boarding

• Baily Lighthouse begins the story: You pass the lighthouse as you leave Howth Harbour, with information about its history.
• Ireland’s Eye is the wildlife centerpiece: The boat circles this protected island, home to seals and many birds.
• Captain Mark knows these waters: His family has fished and run tours here for generations.
• The boat stays small: With a maximum of 11 people, the ride feels more intimate than a standard harbor ferry.
• Expect open-air conditions: Bring a warm jacket, even on a sunny day. Wind at sea can make Howth feel much colder.
• You do not land on Ireland’s Eye: This is a sightseeing cruise around the island, not a walking trip ashore.

Why see Howth’s cliffs from the sea?

The Howth Cliff Walk is the classic way to see this peninsula. It gives you broad views over Dublin Bay and a good stretch of fresh air, but it also calls for time, walking shoes, and a bit of energy. This cruise takes the easier route. You sit aboard a small boat while the cliffs rise beside you.

From sea level, the rock formations become the main event. You see the parts of the coast that are hidden from the harbor and gain a better sense of how the peninsula meets the bay. The Baily Lighthouse adds a bright, historic marker to the cliffs, while Ireland’s Eye gives the trip a second focus beyond Howth itself.

I would not treat this as a replacement for the cliff walk if you have a full day in Howth. Think of it as a different angle, and a good choice if you want the scenery without a strenuous outing. It also works well as a short addition to a half-day in the seaside town.

Leaving Howth Harbour beside Baily Lighthouse

The meeting point is at Howth Cliff Cruises and Ireland’s Eye Ferries on the west pier, at 16 W Pier, Howth Demesne. The tour returns to this same spot, making it easy to combine with time around the harbor.

The boat begins near the Baily Lighthouse, and the opening commentary gives you some background on the lighthouse before the boat heads along the coast. As you leave the harbor, you can look back toward Howth and out across Dublin Bay. This first stretch is useful because it sets the scene: you are not simply taking a ride around a harbor, but heading toward the open coast.

The small vessel, called the Puffin, is described as Howth’s newest and fastest ferry. It is designed for sightseeing rather than luxury. Seating is limited, and the boat is open to the weather. On some trips, wet benches have been an issue after rain, so arrive prepared to make the most of the available space.

Cruising beneath the Cliffs of Howth

The cruise follows the cliffs from the water, giving you views that walkers cannot get from the path. The boat pauses for photo opportunities, and you can look toward the rock faces, Baily Lighthouse, and the wider bay.

The cliffs are most impressive when viewed from a little distance. You see their full height and shape instead of only the path directly in front of you. The water also gives you a cleaner view of the coastline, with fewer fences, signs, and walking groups in the frame.

The ride can be lively. Wind and larger waves are part of the setting, not a fault in the route. One family found the boat quite choppy but felt safe with the captain, while other passengers described the open-water ride as exciting. If you are prone to seasickness, this is worth thinking about before booking.

The boat has a toilet, and there may be a small selection of drinks and snacks. Do not expect the facilities of a large ferry. The strongest reason to come is the scenery, not onboard comfort.

Ireland’s Eye, seals, birds, and the Martello Tower

The cruise then goes around Ireland’s Eye, a small island off Howth. The island is a nature reserve and part of the Dublin Bay Biosphere, so the focus shifts from cliffs and lighthouse views to birds, seals, and coastal nature.

The boat takes you around the island rather than dropping you off. You will see the Martello Tower and the island’s rocky edges, along with areas used by birds and seals. The route brings you close enough for a proper look, though wildlife is never guaranteed. One person saw only a single seal, while others were lucky enough to spot porpoises or dolphins.

That uncertainty is part of the appeal, but it is important to keep your expectations sensible. This is not a dedicated marine-life search, and the boat may remain some distance from birds on the cliffs. Bring binoculars if you have them, though the distance and movement of the boat can still make birdwatching difficult.

The commentary covers the island’s natural features, its past, and the well-known Kirwan murder. That unusual local story gives the ride more character than a simple scenic circuit. You also hear about the area’s fishing traditions, rock formations, weather, and local wildlife.

Commentary varies from trip to trip

The tour is sold with live commentary, and the stated plan includes information from the captain about bird life, rock formations, and sea mammals. Captain Mark comes from a family with generations of fishing and touring experience in these waters, which adds a strong local connection to the trip.

In practice, the amount and clarity of commentary can vary. Some departures have included friendly, useful information from the guide or captain. On others, the audio recording has cut in and out or been difficult to understand through the speaker. A few people also found that the captain did not offer a welcome or explain the route before leaving the harbor.

I would see the commentary as a bonus rather than the main reason to book. The scenery works even when the narration is brief, but clear information would make the hour more rewarding. If you care deeply about local history or natural interpretation, this may feel lighter than a formal guided tour.

The Irish accent may also take a little concentration, especially with wind and engine noise. Sit where you can hear the speaker if possible, and keep your attention on the views as well as the words.

What the $24.20 price buys you

At $24.20 per person, this is a reasonably priced way to get onto the water near Dublin. You receive a roughly 50-minute to one-hour circuit, a small boat, views of the Howth Cliffs and Ireland’s Eye, and the possibility of seeing coastal wildlife.

The value depends on what you want from the outing. If you want an easy scenic trip with no long walk, the price is fair. You are paying for access to the water and a perspective that is difficult to get from shore. It also makes sense as a short activity during a day in Howth, especially if you have already spent time around the harbor.

The value is weaker if you expect a luxury vessel, a guaranteed full hour, or a constant personal presentation from the captain. Some trips have lasted closer to 30 to 45 minutes, or around 40 minutes, which is shorter than the advertised estimate. That has left some people feeling the cost was too high for the time onboard.

I would book it for the route and views, not for comfort or a detailed lecture. On a bright day with calm water, the experience offers good value. On a cold, rough day with weak audio and a short run, it may feel much less satisfying.

Getting there and planning your Howth outing

The pier is close to public transportation, and Howth DART station makes the tour straightforward to reach from Dublin. The cruise begins and ends at the same meeting point, so you can leave your plans flexible afterward.

Howth itself is well suited to a half-day visit. You can combine the boat ride with time around the harbor, a meal, or the cliff paths. Fish and chips followed by ice cream is a particularly fitting way to finish a coastal outing.

Book about a week or more ahead if your schedule is fixed. The trip is often booked around nine days in advance, though some people have found same-day space. The small capacity of 11 people means popular times can fill more quickly than you might expect.

Build your plan around the weather. The cruise requires suitable conditions, and a poor-weather cancellation leads to either another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. Inside that window, refunds and changes are not accepted.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most?

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want:

• A short, family-friendly activity near Dublin
• A coastal view without walking the full Howth cliffs
• A small boat rather than a large sightseeing vessel
• A chance to photograph Baily Lighthouse, Ireland’s Eye, and the Martello Tower
• A relaxed wildlife outing where seals and seabirds are possible, but not promised
• An easy addition to a half-day in Howth

It works well for children, including very young children, and service animals are allowed. Most people can take part, though anyone uncomfortable with wind, spray, or choppy water should think twice.

I would choose another activity if you need guaranteed shelter, high-end seating, a long cruise, or a highly structured guide presentation. The open boat is part of the charm for some people and the biggest drawback for others.

My call: book it for the water-level views

I would book the Howth Cliffs and Ireland’s Eye Ferry Boat Tour if the forecast is decent and you want to see the coast from a fresh angle. The scenery is the strongest part, especially around Ireland’s Eye, where the island, tower, birds, and seals create more variety than a simple harbor ride.

Go with a warm jacket, realistic wildlife expectations, and patience for uneven commentary. If you want a polished cruise with guaranteed narration and a full hour every time, this may disappoint. If you want a simple open-air trip on Dublin Bay, with dramatic cliffs and a small chance of memorable wildlife sightings, it is a worthwhile addition to your Howth day.

FAQ

How long does the Howth Cliffs and Ireland’s Eye cruise last?

The advertised duration is approximately 50 minutes to one hour. Some departures have been reported as shorter, lasting around 30 to 45 minutes or about 40 minutes.

Where does the boat tour start and finish?

The tour starts at Howth Cliff Cruises and Ireland’s Eye Ferries at 16 W Pier, Howth Demesne, Dublin. It ends back at the same meeting point.

Does the tour land on Ireland’s Eye?

No. This is a sightseeing cruise around Ireland’s Eye. You remain on the boat while viewing the island, Martello Tower, wildlife, and coastal features.

Is commentary provided during the cruise?

Commentary is intended to cover the lighthouse, wildlife, rock formations, sea mammals, island history, and the Kirwan murder. It may include recorded audio and live information, though the clarity and amount of commentary can vary.

How many people can join the boat?

The tour has a maximum group size of 11 travelers.

What happens if the weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.