Dublin: Dublin Bay Cruise from Howth to Dun Laoghaire

Dublin Bay looks best from the water, and this one-way sailing gives you a fine cross-section of it in about an hour. I like the route because it links two appealing seaside towns while passing Howth Head and Baily Lighthouse, not just open water. I also like the relaxed feel on the St Bridget, where you can buy a coffee or glass of wine and listen to friendly commentary from the crew.

The main catch is simple: this is a one-way boat trip, and the return sailing is not included. If the sea turns choppy, outdoor space may feel tight, so bring comfortable clothes and be ready to spend part of the ride indoors.

Key points to know before you sail

• The route runs from Howth to Dun Laoghaire: You see Dublin Bay from north to south without retracing your steps by boat.
• The St Bridget takes 60 to 70 minutes: That is enough time for a proper outing without taking over your whole day.
• Ireland’s Eye, Lambay Island, and Howth Head set the scene: The northern part of the bay offers the most dramatic coastal views.
• Baily and Kish lighthouses add interest offshore: Keep your eyes out as the boat rounds Howth Head.
• A DART discount voucher is included: You can return by rail after spending time in Dun Laoghaire.
• The cruise costs about $28 per person: That is fair if you value the route and the transport link, though drinks and snacks cost extra.

Why this Dublin Bay cruise is worth your time

This is not a sightseeing cruise that circles the same patch of water and returns you to the dock. It is a practical coastal crossing with good views along the way. You start in Howth, a popular harbour town north of Dublin, and finish in Dun Laoghaire, the large harbour south of the city.

That makes the cruise useful as part of a day out. You can reach Howth by DART, take the boat across the bay, eat or walk around Dun Laoghaire, and then return by rail using the discount voucher. You get a scenic ride and a simple way to connect two seaside stops.

I particularly like the change in scenery during the crossing. Near Howth, the boat passes cliffs and headland. Later, the view opens across Dublin Bay toward Bull Island, Dalkey Island, and the harbour at Dun Laoghaire. It feels more like a short coastal journey than a packaged sightseeing loop.

The rating of 4.3 from 44 reviews fits the experience well. The strongest praise centres on the friendly captain, the good views, the relaxed bar service, and the fun of getting across the bay by boat. The main reservation is space. When the water is choppy, you may prefer the shelter of the cabin, and outdoor seating can feel limited.

Starting at Howth’s West Pier

The meeting point is on the West Pier in Howth, opposite Aqua Restaurant. This is a straightforward place to find once you reach the harbour, but allow yourself time to get there before boarding, especially if you are connecting from Dublin by DART.

Taking the DART to Howth is part of the appeal. The rail trip brings you directly into a seaside setting, and the boat then carries you to the other side of the bay. If you are planning a full day, Howth works well as your starting point rather than simply a place to wait for the boat.

Howth is known for its harbour and coastal setting, and the cruise lets you see the town from a different angle. As the St Bridget pulls away, look back toward the pier and the shoreline. The view changes quickly once the boat clears the harbour.

There is no need to pack a full picnic for the crossing. You can buy drinks on board, including coffee or wine, but snacks and beverages are not part of the $28 ticket. Bring a small amount of spending money if you want something during the journey.

Ireland’s Eye and Lambay Island to the north

Early in the route, the boat passes Ireland’s Eye and Lambay Island to the north. These islands give the first stretch of the cruise a clear sense of place. You are not simply looking at an endless horizon. The route has recognisable landmarks that help you understand the shape of Dublin Bay.

Ireland’s Eye sits close to Howth and is a particularly useful reference point as the boat moves away from shore. Lambay Island lies farther north. Depending on the weather and visibility, you might find the islands appear sharply against the water or fade into the distance.

This is a good point to stay outside if conditions are comfortable. The views are the reason to take the cruise, and the early part of the trip helps you get your bearings. If you want photographs, have your camera ready before the boat reaches the more open stretch of the bay.

The boat includes commentary, which adds context as the route unfolds. The exact amount of commentary can vary, but the crew’s friendly service is part of the experience. The captain has been praised for being funny and welcoming, so this is not a silent ferry crossing.

Passing Howth Cliffs and rounding Howth Head

The most dramatic section comes as the boat passes Howth Cliffs and rounds Howth Head. From the water, the headland has a different scale than it does from land. You see the rock face, the curve of the coast, and the headland extending into the bay.

Howth Head is one of the visual anchors of the trip. It marks the point where the boat turns from the northern side of Dublin Bay toward the open crossing to Dun Laoghaire. If you are choosing where to sit, an outdoor position gives you the best chance of seeing the cliffs clearly, but the cabin remains the sensible choice if the wind picks up.

This is also where the sea may feel more exposed. The cruise usually takes about 60 to 70 minutes, but conditions can affect how comfortable the ride feels. One useful piece of advice is to dress for the water, not just for the weather on the pier. Comfortable shoes and comfortable clothing are specifically recommended.

Do not expect a long stop at any landmark. The boat continues moving, so the appeal comes from watching the coast change as you pass it. If you want a land-based walk along the cliffs, plan that separately before or after the sailing.

Baily Lighthouse and Kish Lighthouse

Baily Lighthouse is one of the route’s memorable sights. It sits on Howth Head and has guided boats around this part of the coast for generations. Seeing it from the bay gives you a clear connection between the headland and the waters you are crossing.

The Kish Lighthouse is farther offshore and offers a different view. Unlike Baily, which relates closely to the headland, Kish helps mark the open water of Dublin Bay. The two lighthouses give the journey a useful visual rhythm, with one close to land and the other out across the bay.

Keep in mind that visibility matters. The cruise is worthwhile even if distant sights are less distinct, but bright, clear weather will give you more from the lighthouses and islands. The boat ride does not promise a particular weather condition, so it is best to think of the views as a bonus that changes with the day.

Bull Island and the open crossing

After rounding Howth Head, the boat passes the area around Bull Island, described as a wildlife sanctuary. From the water, you get a broad view across this part of Dublin Bay rather than a close-up visit to the sanctuary.

This section gives you a sense of the bay’s width. The route moves away from the tighter coastal views near Howth and across open water toward the southern shore. That change is one reason the one-way format works so well. You see more of Dublin Bay than you would on a short harbour cruise.

The bay crossing can also be the least comfortable part if the water is rough. One passenger found that limited space meant spending some of the journey inside when conditions became choppy. I would not treat that as a reason to avoid the cruise, but it is a good reminder to keep your plans flexible and dress warmly.

The indoor area is useful, yet the boat’s outdoor viewing areas are the main draw. On a calm day, you can move between the two and choose the best side for the view. On a windy day, you may spend more time inside and step out only when a landmark comes into view.

Dalkey Island and arrival at Dun Laoghaire

As the boat nears the southern side of the bay, Dalkey Island comes into view. The island adds another clear landmark before the boat enters Dun Laoghaire Harbour.

The arrival is a satisfying finish because the harbour itself is large and easy to recognise. The boat ends at the East Pier in Dun Laoghaire, placing you close to the town’s waterfront. This is where the cruise shifts from sightseeing to the next part of your day.

You can use Dun Laoghaire as a food stop, a place for a waterfront walk, or a base for continuing by DART. The cruise does not include a return boat ticket, but it does include a DART discount voucher for the return journey. That makes the route more useful than a simple out-and-back excursion.

The rail return also gives you control over your timing. You do not need to rush back onto a boat after arriving. Spend as long as you like in Dun Laoghaire, then use the train when you are ready, subject to the details of the voucher and the available rail service.

What the $28 price really gets you

At about $28 per person, this cruise sits above the price of a basic public transport crossing, but it offers much more than transport. You are paying for the boat route, the coastal views, onboard commentary, and the chance to connect Howth and Dun Laoghaire without returning through the city first.

The value is strongest if you already want to visit both towns. Instead of travelling by DART in both directions, you can turn one leg into a scenic trip across the bay. The DART discount voucher helps reduce the cost of getting back, though your drinks and snacks are extra.

If you are mainly seeking a long boat ride with lots of space, compare your expectations with the vessel’s size and the typical conditions on Dublin Bay. The cruise is compact and practical. It is not a luxury yacht outing, and there may not be enough outdoor room for everyone when the weather is poor.

The onboard bar service is a pleasant addition. A coffee makes sense in cool weather, while a glass of wine suits a slower afternoon crossing. Since neither drinks nor snacks are included, I would budget for them separately rather than assume the ticket covers refreshments.

Who will enjoy the St Bridget most

This cruise suits families, couples, friends, and solo visitors who want a straightforward activity with good scenery. It is suitable for all ages, including infants, so it can work when you want something gentler than a long coastal walk.

Families may like the short duration. Sixty to 70 minutes is long enough to feel like a proper outing, but short enough that you are not committing to an entire day on the water. The one-way route also adds a little variety for children, since the view keeps changing as you move from Howth to Dun Laoghaire.

It also works well for a group of friends. You can make the crossing part of a larger day, have drinks on board, and continue to food and drinks in Dun Laoghaire. The friendly service and commentary help keep the ride social rather than purely functional.

I would be more cautious if you are sensitive to motion or need guaranteed outdoor seating. The water may be choppy, and space can be limited. Comfortable clothes are a must, and comfortable shoes make sense for the piers and the walking you may do at either end.

Practical details that make the day easier

The boat departs from the West Pier, opposite Aqua Restaurant, and finishes at the East Pier in Dun Laoghaire. Check the available starting time when booking, since the exact departure time is not fixed in the general description.

The activity takes roughly one hour to 70 minutes. Build in extra time before departure so you can reach the pier without a frantic walk through the harbour. If you are using the DART to reach Howth, leave room for the train journey and for finding the boat.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes for the piers and any walking afterward
• Comfortable clothes suited to wind and changing conditions
• Money or a payment method for drinks and snacks
• A phone or camera for the islands, lighthouses, cliffs, and harbour

The booking terms are flexible. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. Keep in mind that these policies do not change the one-way nature of the cruise or include the return fare.

Should you book this Dublin Bay cruise?

Book it if you want to see Dublin Bay from the water and plan to visit both Howth and Dun Laoghaire. The route is scenic, the timing is manageable, and the DART discount makes the crossing fit neatly into a full day.

I especially recommend it for visitors who prefer a useful sightseeing trip over a short circular cruise. You get cliffs, islands, lighthouses, Bull Island, Dalkey Island, and Dun Laoghaire Harbour in one compact outing.

Skip it if you want a large amount of open-deck space, a round-trip boat journey, or a guaranteed smooth ride. For everyone else, the $28 fare is reasonable when you treat the cruise as both a Dublin Bay experience and one leg of your transport between two coastal towns.

FAQ

Where does the Dublin Bay cruise begin?

The cruise begins at the West Pier in Howth, opposite Aqua Restaurant.

Where does the cruise finish?

The boat arrives at the East Pier in Dun Laoghaire.

How long does the cruise take?

The sailing takes about 60 to 70 minutes.

Is the cruise one way or round trip?

It is a one-way sailing from Howth to Dun Laoghaire. A return boat trip is not included.

How can I return to Howth or Dublin?

You can return by DART rail. A DART discount voucher is included with the cruise ticket.

Are drinks and snacks included?

No. Drinks and snacks are not included, though you can buy a coffee or a glass of wine on board.

Is the cruise suitable for children and infants?

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

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes. You may also want money for drinks or snacks on the boat.

Can I cancel the booking?

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