Dublin: Dublin Bay Cruise from Dun Laoghaire to Howth

Get out on the water for a fresh view of Dublin. This one-way cruise from Dun Laoghaire to Howth gives you coastal scenery, island views, harbor life, and a pleasant change from city streets. I especially like the chance to see Dublin Bay from the water and the easy option of returning by DART after the boat ride.

I also like that the trip works for different ages, costs about $32 per person, and takes roughly an hour. The main drawback is the weather. Wind and rain can make the upper deck uncomfortable, and the onboard commentary may be hard to hear from downstairs.

• Dun Laoghaire departure: Begin at the East Pier, just before the Bandstand.
• St Bridget ferry: Spend about 60 to 70 minutes on the water aboard the St Bridget.
• Coastal views: Watch for Dalkey Island, Ireland’s Eye, Lambay Island, the Dublin Mountains, Joyce’s Martello Tower, and Baily Lighthouse.
• Howth Harbor wildlife: Keep your eyes open for seals swimming near the harbor, with the possibility of other wildlife sightings.
• DART return option: A discounted DART voucher is included after the sailing, making the one-way trip easy to fit into a day out.
• Weather matters: Bring comfortable clothes and shoes, plus an extra layer for the exposed upper deck.

Starting Beside Dun Laoghaire’s East Pier

The cruise begins at the East Pier in Dun Laoghaire, just before the Bandstand. This is a pleasant place to start, with the sea immediately in front of you and the pier giving you room to take in the setting before boarding.

Dun Laoghaire is one of Dublin Bay’s best places for a waterside walk. The cruise lets you skip the long journey around the bay by road or rail and puts you directly onto the route. You are not simply looking at the coast from a distance. You are moving past it, with the shoreline, islands, boats, and headlands changing as the ferry heads toward Howth.

The boat is the St Bridget, and the trip is suitable for all ages. Children under three can join free, which helps families keep the cost under control. Comfortable shoes are sensible, although this is not a walking tour. You will want footwear that feels secure on a moving boat and clothes that can handle a cool breeze.

The exact sailing time depends on availability, so check the schedule before building the rest of your day around it. The trip is described as lasting about an hour, with the full crossing often taking 60 to 70 minutes.

What You See Across Dublin Bay

The main reason to book this ferry is the view. Dublin Bay is large enough to make the city feel far away, yet close enough for you to recognize important landmarks along the coast.

The Dublin Mountains provide a strong backdrop as the boat leaves Dun Laoghaire. From the water, the relationship between the city, the hills, and the coast becomes easier to understand. This is one of the few Dublin activities where the setting itself keeps changing every few minutes.

You may see Dalkey Island, a small island off the southern part of the bay, as well as Joyce’s Martello Tower. The tower connects the scenery with Dublin’s literary past without requiring a museum visit or a long explanation. It is simply there on the coast, part of the view as you pass.

Farther across the bay, look for Ireland’s Eye and Lambay Island. Ireland’s Eye sits near Howth and is especially useful as a marker of your destination. Lambay Island is farther away, so visibility and weather will affect how clearly you can see it.

The route also gives you views toward Baily Lighthouse, a familiar coastal landmark near Howth. Its position on the headland helps you see why Howth has long been tied to navigation and the sea.

The scenery is best enjoyed from outside, but the upper deck is exposed. On calm, sunny days, it is the place to be for photographs and open views. On a cold or wet day, the sheltered lower area is a practical fallback, though the audio commentary may be difficult to hear there.

Choosing the Best Seat on the St Bridget

You can move between the indoor and outdoor areas, so you do not have to commit to one spot for the whole crossing. I would begin outside if the weather is good, then move inside if the wind picks up.

The upper deck gives you the clearest views and the best chance to photograph Howth as it comes closer. It can also be bumpy. One passenger described the ride as a little rough, which is hardly surprising on an open-water crossing. If you are sensitive to motion, sitting lower and closer to the middle of the boat may feel steadier, though no specific seating arrangement is guaranteed.

The lower deck has windows and provides shelter from rain. That matters in Dublin, where a bright morning can change quickly. The tradeoff is that you may miss some of the onboard commentary and have a less open view of the coast.

The crew receives strong praise for being friendly and helpful. Eugene, in particular, is remembered for offering useful advice about places to eat in Howth, including the Brass Monkey for chowder. That sort of help is useful once you arrive because Howth has plenty of food choices, and a good recommendation can save you from wandering while hungry.

The staff also add a warm, relaxed feel to the trip. That is important on a short cruise, since the crew interaction can shape the whole experience. The sailing is not an elaborate guided tour, but the stories and myths shared onboard can give the passing landmarks more meaning.

Arriving at Howth Harbor

The ferry finishes at Howth’s West Pier, bringing you directly into one of Dublin’s best-known coastal villages. This is not a cruise that drops you at a remote terminal and leaves you to work out the rest. The harbor puts you close to restaurants, boats, and the walking routes for which Howth is known.

The arrival is one of the strongest parts of the trip. As Howth comes into view, the headland and harbor create a more dramatic scene than the southern side of the bay. You can watch the coastline approach from the upper deck, then step ashore and continue your day on foot.

Howth is known for its fishing tradition, seafood restaurants, and coastal walks. The ferry gives you a scenic arrival before you explore those attractions. You can make the crossing the main event, or use it as the first part of a longer day in Howth.

Keep watch around the harbor for seals. They are one of the most appealing details of the trip, especially for children, and they may be visible swimming near the boats. Sightings are wildlife sightings, so they cannot be guaranteed, but the harbor is the place to look.

Other wildlife can appear as well. One sailing produced a dolphin sighting and another included a Portuguese man o’ war jellyfish. These are unexpected bonuses rather than promised features, but they show how much the water itself contributes to the outing.

Taking the DART Back to Dun Laoghaire

This is a one-way ferry trip, not a round-trip cruise. A discounted DART voucher is included after sailing, allowing you to return from Howth to Dun Laoghaire by rail.

That arrangement makes practical sense. You get the scenic journey on the way out and use public transportation for the return. It also means you can spend several hours in Howth without needing to book another boat at a fixed time.

A return ferry may be available to book when boarding, but it is not included in the listed price. If you want to return by boat, ask about that option before setting off. Otherwise, plan on using the DART and confirm how the discount voucher is handled, since one passenger reported not receiving it.

The DART option is particularly useful for a group. You can enjoy lunch, walk along the coast, or simply stay in Howth as long as you like, then make your way back when convenient. The ferry therefore works less like a tightly managed sightseeing circuit and more like a scenic connection between two coastal areas.

Is $32 Good Value?

At about $32 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get between Dun Laoghaire and Howth. The price makes sense if you want the journey itself to be part of your Dublin experience.

You are paying for a scenic crossing, open-water views, informal commentary, and the chance to spot seals near Howth. You also receive a voucher for a discounted DART trip afterward. If you only need transport, the train may be the simpler choice. If you want to see Dublin Bay from a new angle, the ferry gives you something the train cannot.

The value improves on a sunny or calm day, when you can spend time outside and make full use of the views. It is still a worthwhile outing in light rain because the lower deck provides shelter, but poor weather limits the best part of the experience.

For families, free travel for children under three helps. Older children may enjoy the boat, the islands, and the chance to look for seals. The trip is also appealing to local residents who want an easy day out without leaving the Dublin area.

Weather, Comfort, and Practical Tips

Bring a jacket even if the forecast looks mild. The water can feel cold, and the upper deck is exposed to wind. Comfortable clothes and shoes are specifically recommended, and I would take that advice seriously rather than dressing only for the temperature on land.

If rain begins, move downstairs and use the windows. You will still see the coast, but the audio guide may be difficult to follow. If hearing the commentary matters to you, try to sit on the upper deck when conditions allow.

The boat can move with the swell, so expect some motion. Most of the time this adds to the sense of being at sea, but anyone prone to seasickness should plan accordingly. The sailing is generally described as smooth and safe, but water conditions are never entirely predictable.

Allow time at the start to find the East Pier meeting point. The departure is just before the Bandstand. At the end, the activity finishes at the West Pier in Howth, so you should know in advance how you intend to continue your day.

The cruise is family-friendly, and a dog was brought aboard and became a favorite with other passengers. The information provided does not set out a formal pet policy, so if you plan to bring a dog, confirm the current rules before booking.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most?

This trip suits you if you want a short, scenic break from central Dublin and prefer an experience that does not require a full day. It works well for couples, families, older visitors, and anyone who enjoys coastal scenery without committing to a strenuous walk.

It is also a good choice if you plan to visit Howth anyway. The ferry turns the journey into part of the day rather than treating transportation as dead time. You can arrive by sea, look for seals, eat seafood, and then return by DART.

Photographers should aim for a clear day and sit outside. Children may enjoy the boat itself, the islands, and the wildlife possibilities. Local residents can use it as a relaxed day out, while first-time visitors get a view of Dublin that roads and trains cannot provide.

I would be less enthusiastic if you dislike open water, need constant access to clear commentary, or are visiting during poor weather with no interest in sitting indoors. The cruise is only about an hour, so it does not offer a long guided explanation of every landmark. Its strength is the setting, not an intensive history lesson.

Should You Book the Dun Laoghaire to Howth Ferry?

Book it if you want a calm, easy way to see Dublin Bay and plan to spend time in Howth. The friendly crew, changing coastal views, optional outdoor seating, and chance of seeing seals make the trip feel like more than a simple transfer.

Choose a clear day when possible, bring a warm layer, and treat the DART return as part of the plan. At $32, the ferry is best value when you want the journey to be an experience. If you only need to reach Howth, take the train. If you want Dublin’s coast to be the main attraction, the St Bridget offers a memorable route across the bay.

FAQ

Where does the Dublin Bay Cruise begin?

The cruise begins at the East Pier in Dun Laoghaire, just before the Bandstand.

Where does the boat arrive?

The boat arrives at the West Pier in Howth.

How long does the cruise take?

The sailing lasts about 60 to 70 minutes. The activity information also describes it as a one-hour experience.

Is the trip one-way or round-trip?

The listed fare includes a one-way ferry trip from Dun Laoghaire to Howth. A return ferry may be available to book when boarding.

Is transportation back to Dun Laoghaire included?

A voucher for a discounted DART trip after sailing is included. The DART can take you back from Howth, while a return ferry is not included in the listed fare.

What landmarks can you see from the boat?

Possible sights include the Dublin Mountains, Ireland’s Eye, Lambay Island, Dalkey Island, Joyce’s Martello Tower, Baily Lighthouse, and Bull Island.

Can children join the cruise?

Yes. The trip is suitable for all ages, and children under three can join free.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes. A jacket or extra warm layer is also sensible because it can feel cold on the water.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you book without paying immediately.