Dublin: Dublin Bay Cruise from Dun Laoghaire to Howth

Dublin Bay opens up beautifully from the water, especially on the run from Dun Laoghaire to Howth. From the deck of the St Bridget, you see the capital’s coast, islands, lighthouse, and mountains in one broad sweep, then arrive beside Howth’s harbor seals and seafood restaurants.

I like the trip’s simple point-to-point format, and I like that it gives you a genuine view of Dublin that roads and trains cannot provide. The main catch is the weather: wind and rain can make the upper deck uncomfortable, while the audio guide may be hard to hear downstairs.

Key things to know before sailing

• The boat crosses Dublin Bay in about 60 to 70 minutes, making this an easy half-day addition rather than a major time commitment.
• The best views are from the upper deck, but bring a jacket because the bay can feel cold even on a sunny day.
• Howth is more than the endpoint: you can walk, eat at a fish restaurant, watch the seals, and later return by DART.
• The route passes major sights including Dalkey Island, Ireland’s Eye, Lambay Island, Bull Island, Joyce’s Martello Tower, and Baily Lighthouse.
• Children under three travel free, and the trip suits all ages.
• The $32 fare covers a one-way boat ride, with a discounted DART voucher for the return rather than a full return ferry.

Why this Dublin Bay crossing is worth your time

This is one of those Dublin outings where the journey is the main event. You are not simply being moved from one suburb to another. The boat places you in the middle of the bay, with Dublin’s coastline on one side and open water ahead.

I especially like the contrast between the two ports. Dun Laoghaire feels broad, orderly, and grand, with its long piers and open waterfront. Howth feels smaller and more tied to fishing, harbor life, walking trails, and seafood. The cruise links two different sides of Dublin County in a single hour.

The route also gives you a useful sense of the bay’s shape. From land, the separate coastal towns can seem disconnected. From the boat, you can see how Dalkey, Dun Laoghaire, Dublin’s north side, Bull Island, and Howth fit together.

This is not a formal sightseeing tour packed with timed stops. You remain aboard while the scenery changes around you. That makes it a good choice when you want a relaxed outing, a break from museums, or an easier way to reach Howth without simply taking the train.

Setting out from Dun Laoghaire’s East Pier

The meeting point is on East Pier, just before the Bandstand. Allow a little time to find the boarding point and get settled before departure. The pier is exposed, so you will feel the wind before you even reach the boat.

The St Bridget is the vessel used for this cruise. Once aboard, you can choose between the upper deck and covered seating below. I would head upstairs if the weather is dry and reasonably calm. You will get the clearest views, better photo angles, and a stronger sense of movement across the bay.

The lower area matters on a wet or blustery day. You can still look out through the windows, and one rainy trip became much more enjoyable once the passengers moved under cover. The downside is that the onboard commentary may be difficult to hear downstairs. If the weather is poor, you may need to choose between staying warm and following the stories.

Wear comfortable shoes and practical clothes. This is a casual boat ride, but the deck can be windy and the floor may feel wet. A jacket is useful even when the forecast looks promising.

The open-water view of Dublin Bay

As the boat leaves Dun Laoghaire, the view widens quickly. The piers recede, the Dublin Mountains form a backdrop, and the city takes on a different scale. From the water, you notice how much of the capital faces the bay.

The cruise highlights several sights along the route. Dalkey Island and Ireland’s Eye are particularly useful reference points because they make the bay feel larger and more varied than it appears from shore. Lambay Island lies farther out, while Bull Island and its wildlife reserve help show the broad northern edge of Dublin Bay.

You may also see Joyce’s Martello Tower and Baily Lighthouse. These are not just decorative coastal markers. They help you read the shoreline as the boat moves north, and the lighthouse makes a fine photograph when conditions are clear.

The onboard stories and myths add some context to the view. They are not the main reason to book, but they give you something to listen for between photographs. The sound system can be difficult to hear from the lower deck, so sit above if the commentary matters to you.

The bay is not always smooth. On calm days, the crossing can feel gentle and easy, with sailing boats scattered across the water. In wind, the boat may roll and the ride can become bumpy. That is normal for a boat crossing, but anyone prone to seasickness should plan accordingly.

What you can see near Howth

The approach to Howth is one of the strongest parts of the trip. The coastline becomes more immediate, and the harbor gives the ride a clear destination rather than a simple return to the starting point.

Howth is known for its fishing tradition, seafood restaurants, and coastal walks. The ferry leaves you close to the harbor, so you can continue with a meal, a stroll, or time beside the water. The cruise itself does not include a guided walk around Howth, so plan your own time after arrival.

Keep an eye on the harbor as you come in. Seals are often seen swimming nearby, and they can appear close enough for photographs. Wildlife is never guaranteed, but seal sightings are one of the most appealing details of the arrival. Dolphins have also been spotted during the crossing, and an unusual Portuguese man-of-war jellyfish has been seen on the water. Treat those as lucky extras, not promised features.

The harbor is also the point where the cruise shifts from sightseeing to planning the rest of your day. You can stay in Howth and explore, or use the DART for the return journey. The discounted DART voucher is a useful part of the package because it turns the boat trip into a one-way coastal route instead of forcing you to arrange a separate ferry back.

How the return journey works

The boat ride is one way, from Dun Laoghaire to Howth. The return ferry is not included in the $32 price, though an option to arrange it may be available when boarding. The more practical plan for many people is to return by DART using the discounted voucher provided after sailing.

That combination gives you two different views of the area. The boat lets you see the bay from offshore, while the train brings you back overland. It also means you can spend several hours in Howth without worrying about matching a return boat departure.

The discount is helpful, but it does not make the ticket a complete return transfer. Add the cost of your return transport when comparing this outing with simply taking the DART in both directions. I still think the boat adds enough value for visitors who want scenery rather than just transportation.

Is the $32 fare good value?

At $32 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Howth. The value comes from the experience, not from speed or transport savings. You get a full bay crossing, open-water views, access to sights that are hard to appreciate from land, and a discounted return option.

For a first Dublin visit, the cruise is particularly useful because it combines several themes in one outing: the city, the coast, islands, wildlife, maritime history, and Howth’s food scene. You can also fit it around a broader Dublin schedule because the crossing lasts roughly an hour.

The value is strongest on a clear or partly sunny day. Good weather lets you spend time outside and see the coastline at its best. In heavy rain, the experience becomes more limited, especially if you prefer the upper deck and the audio commentary is hard to hear below.

I would not book this solely as a dependable transport shortcut. I would book it because you want to make the journey part of the day.

Staff, comfort, and the small details

The staff are a real strength. The crew are described as friendly and helpful, and a staff member named Eugene has been especially good at helping passengers and suggesting places to eat in Howth. A recommendation for chowder at The Brass Monkey proved useful for one passenger, so you may want to keep that restaurant in mind once you arrive.

The boat has enough room to move around and take photographs from different decks. That matters because the best view changes during the crossing. You may want to watch the coast from one side, then turn toward the open bay or the islands.

The trip is suitable for all ages, and children under three can join free. It also works for families with older children, who may enjoy the boat movement and the chance to look for seals. Dogs have been brought aboard successfully, although the supplied information does not set out a formal pet policy, so confirm that before booking with an animal.

The main comfort issue is sound. The onboard audio guide can be hard to hear, particularly downstairs. You should not rely on the commentary alone to understand every sight. If you want the clearest experience, sit on the upper deck, stay near the viewing areas, and listen when the crew are speaking directly.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to visitors who want a scenic break from central Dublin and to locals looking for an enjoyable way to reach Howth. It suits couples, families, older children, and anyone who prefers seeing the coast without committing to a long walking tour.

It is also a good choice if you have already seen Dublin’s main city sights. The bay gives you a different view of the capital, and the ride adds variety to a city trip filled with museums, churches, and indoor attractions.

You should think twice if you dislike boats, get seasick easily, or need a fully weatherproof activity. The crossing can be bumpy, and much of its appeal depends on being able to look outside. You should also check the day’s sailing time carefully, since the experience lasts about an hour but departure times vary.

Practical booking advice

Book with the weather in mind, but do not assume a cloudy forecast means a wasted trip. One sailing began with wind and light rain before the sun came through, allowing passengers to move upstairs and enjoy the approach to Howth.

The activity allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That flexibility is useful for an outdoor outing, since the bay is far more enjoyable when conditions are calm and dry.

Start at East Pier, just before the Bandstand, and finish at West Pier in Howth. Bring comfortable shoes, warm layers, and a phone or camera. If you plan to eat or walk in Howth, leave yourself more time than the sailing alone requires.

Should you book the Dun Laoghaire to Howth cruise?

Yes, if you want a scenic Dublin experience rather than the fastest route between two coastal towns. The St Bridget gives you an enjoyable hour on the bay, with views of islands, lighthouses, mountains, Bull Island, and the changing Dublin shoreline. The seals near Howth are a welcome bonus.

Book it on a day when you can spend time outside, and plan to return by DART after exploring Howth. The $32 price is fair for a one-way sightseeing cruise, though less attractive if you only need transport. For an easy, family-friendly coastal outing with a little adventure and plenty of fresh air, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

Where does the Dublin Bay cruise start?

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

Where does the cruise finish?

The boat finishes at West Pier in Howth.

How long does the cruise take?

The crossing takes about 60 to 70 minutes.

Is the trip one way or return?

The fare includes a one-way ferry trip from Dun Laoghaire to Howth. A return ferry may be arranged when boarding, and a voucher for a discounted DART trip is included after sailing.

How much does the cruise cost?

The listed price is $32 per person.

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 clothing. A jacket is also a smart choice because it can feel cold and windy on the water.

Can I cancel my booking?

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