Dublin: Dublin Bay Cruise from Dun Laoghaire to Howth

The best reason to take this cruise is simple: it lets you see Dublin Bay from the water, where Dalkey Island, Ireland’s Eye, Lambay Island, and the Baily Lighthouse line up in one scenic journey. The trip runs from Dun Laoghaire to Howth, turning two popular coastal stops into one easy outing.

I like the practical one-way route and the chance to watch for seals around Howth Harbor. I also like the friendly crew, especially Eugene, who has helped passengers with local food tips. The main drawback is weather: the upper deck gives the best views, but wind and rain can make it uncomfortable, while the audio guide may be hard to hear from downstairs.

Key points to know

• The St Bridget connects two coastal towns: Start at Dun Laoghaire and arrive at Howth, with the DART available for the return.
• The cruise lasts about 60 to 70 minutes: Plan around an hour on the water, depending on the sailing schedule.
• The views change throughout the crossing: You’ll see the Dublin Mountains, Dalkey Island, Bull Island, Ireland’s Eye, Lambay Island, Joyce’s Martello Tower, and the Baily Lighthouse.
• Howth Harbor is the wildlife highlight: Keep watch for seals swimming near the boats.
• The upper deck is best for scenery: Bring warm clothing, since the bay can feel cold even on a pleasant day.
• The $32 price covers a one-way sailing: A discounted DART trip is included, while a return ferry can be arranged when boarding.

Why this Dublin Bay crossing is worth your time

Dublin has plenty of ways to reach Howth, but most of them keep you on land. This cruise gives you a different view of the capital, with the shoreline, islands, harbor entrances, and headlands opening up as you move across the bay.

That matters because the journey is not just transport. It is a scenic link between Dun Laoghaire, with its long piers and seaside setting, and Howth, a fishing village known for seafood and coastal walks. You get the pleasure of the crossing without needing to plan a separate boat outing.

The route is also a good fit if you have already seen central Dublin and want a change of pace. The bay offers open water, sailing boats, rocky points, working harbor views, and distant mountain scenery. On a clear day, the views can be striking from start to finish.

The cruise is not a long guided sightseeing tour with a packed schedule. It is a short, relaxed trip in which the setting does most of the work. That makes it easy to add to a day in either Dun Laoghaire or Howth.

Starting at Dun Laoghaire’s East Pier

Your departure point is on the East Pier in Dun Laoghaire, just before the Bandstand. Dun Laoghaire is already a pleasant place to visit, so you can arrive early and spend time near the water before boarding.

The pier gives you an immediate sense of the bay’s scale. From shore, you can see why the boat is useful: the coast and islands look close together on a map, but the water offers a far more open view than a road or rail journey.

The boat used for the sailing is the St Bridget. The trip is suitable for all ages, and children under three can join free. Comfortable shoes make sense, especially if you plan to move between indoor and outdoor areas or spend time on the pier.

The route information gives the East Pier as the starting point and Howth’s West Pier as the finish. The activity notes also refer to the meeting point, so check the current boarding instructions carefully when you book. The most important practical point is that this is sold as a one-way ferry trip from Dun Laoghaire to Howth.

What you see between the two harbors

Once the St Bridget leaves Dun Laoghaire, the bay begins to feel much larger than it does from shore. You can look back toward the Dublin Mountains, then turn toward the islands and headlands scattered around the coast.

Among the named sights are Dalkey Island and Joyce’s Martello Tower. These give the crossing a strong sense of place, tying the open-water trip to the coastline’s distinctive landmarks. The exact view depends on your position on the boat and the weather, so it is worth moving around rather than staying in one spot.

Ireland’s Eye and Lambay Island add more distant points to watch for as the boat heads toward Howth. Bull Island, a world wildlife reserve, is another major feature of the bay. You may not get a close look at every sight, but the value is in seeing how the coast fits together from the water.

The Baily Lighthouse is one of the route’s most memorable markers. From the boat, you see it as part of the headland rather than as an isolated attraction. That wider view is one reason this cruise offers something you cannot get from the DART alone.

You may also see plenty of sailing boats on the bay. On calm, sunny days, the crossing can feel smooth and easy. On other days, the boat may be bumpy, especially if you sit outside or near an exposed part of the deck. This is a real boat trip, not a glassy indoor ride, so pack with changing conditions in mind.

Choosing the best place to sit

The upper deck is the best place for photographs and uninterrupted views. You can take in the coastline from several angles, and you will have a better chance of spotting islands, boats, and wildlife.

The tradeoff is exposure. Even when Dun Laoghaire feels mild, the wind on Dublin Bay can be sharp. A jacket is useful, and comfortable clothes will make the crossing more pleasant.

The lower deck provides shelter when the weather turns wet or windy. It is a sensible fallback, particularly for families, older passengers, or anyone who prefers to stay warm. Windows still offer views, but you may miss some of the wider scenery.

The onboard audio guide is intended to explain what you are seeing, along with local stories and myths. It may be difficult to hear clearly from downstairs, especially when the boat is busy or the weather keeps people indoors. If the commentary matters to you, sit upstairs or as close to the audio source as possible.

This is one of those trips where the best plan is flexible: start outside for the views, then move inside if the wind picks up. You do not need to treat one seat as permanent.

Arriving at Howth Harbor

The approach to Howth is the payoff. The peninsula becomes more detailed as the boat nears the harbor, with the headland, lighthouse, boats, and waterfront coming into view.

Keep watch near Howth Harbor for seals. They swim near the harbor and may appear close enough for photographs, though wildlife is never guaranteed to pose on schedule. A seal sighting can be a quick moment, so have your camera ready before arrival.

Howth itself gives you plenty to do after the boat trip. The village is known for traditional fishing activity, fish restaurants, and walking routes along the coast. The cruise does not include a guided visit around Howth, so you are free to choose your own pace once you arrive.

You might make the crossing part of a longer Howth outing, stopping for seafood before a walk. Or you could simply enjoy the harbor and then take the train back. The sailing works well because it leaves the rest of your day open.

The finish is listed at West Pier. Since the operational details also refer to the meeting point, confirm the precise arrival instructions before setting out. In practical terms, you should plan for the boat to bring you into Howth Harbor rather than returning you to Dun Laoghaire.

Returning by DART or ferry

The $32 ticket includes the one-way sailing and a voucher for a discounted DART trip after the cruise. This makes the experience particularly useful as a transport plan rather than a round-trip sightseeing loop.

The DART lets you return by rail after spending time in Howth. Several passengers have used this arrangement to make a full day of the outing, traveling by boat in one direction and train in the other. It saves you from retracing the entire cruise route and gives you two different views of Dublin’s coast.

The discount is useful, but keep the voucher in hand and make sure it is applied. One passenger reported not receiving the DART discount, so it is sensible to ask the staff about it before leaving the boat.

A return ferry is not included, but you can book that option when boarding. That may suit you if you want the water experience in both directions. The return sailing will, of course, repeat much of the route, so the DART is the more varied choice.

How the $32 price measures up

At $32 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get from Dun Laoghaire to Howth. The value comes from combining transport with a scenic hour on the bay.

If you already plan to visit both coastal towns, the one-way format is helpful. You get a memorable crossing, then a discounted DART return, instead of paying for a separate round-trip cruise and arranging transport afterward.

The price also includes access to views that are impossible to reproduce from the train. You can see the city, mountains, islands, harbor, lighthouse, and coastline as one connected scene. For a first visit to Dublin, that perspective can add something meaningful to your coastal sightseeing.

The value drops if you only want a quick trip to Howth and do not care about the boat ride. The crossing is the main attraction, so you should book it because you want time on the water, not simply because it is a way to reach the village.

Weather, comfort, and the small drawbacks

Weather is the biggest factor in your enjoyment. A sunny, calm day can make the bay look beautiful and the ride feel very smooth. Wind and light rain do not necessarily ruin the trip, since the lower deck offers shelter, but they can limit your time outdoors.

The boat may rock or bump. One passenger described the ride as a little bumpy, which is normal for a working coastal crossing. If you are sensitive to motion, stay seated indoors and avoid spending the entire trip at the rail.

The crew receives strong praise for being friendly and helpful. Staff interaction seems to be part of the appeal, rather than just a practical boarding process. Eugene, in particular, has been helpful with local suggestions, including a recommendation for chowder at The Brass Monkey in Howth.

Dogs are also welcome according to the experience feedback, with one passenger bringing a dog named Murphy. The formal information does not provide a detailed pet policy, so confirm current rules before bringing an animal.

The audio commentary is a useful addition, but it is not perfect from every seat. Treat it as a bonus rather than the sole reason to take the trip. The scenery remains the main attraction.

Who should book the St Bridget cruise

I would recommend this trip to anyone who wants to see Dublin Bay without committing to a full day on a tour bus. Families can enjoy the boat, children under three travel free, and the Howth arrival gives you room to choose your own activities.

It also suits couples and friends who want a scenic route to lunch in Howth. The crossing adds a little adventure to an otherwise straightforward coastal day.

Local residents can enjoy it too. You do not need to be a first-time visitor to appreciate the bay from the water. The trip is an easy way to change your view of familiar places.

You may want to skip it if the forecast is poor and you dislike boats, or if you need a fully narrated tour with clear commentary throughout. The lower deck can be sheltered but may not offer the same view or sound quality as the upper deck.

Final decision: book it for the crossing, not just the destination

Book the Dublin Bay Cruise if you want a scenic, low-effort way to connect Dun Laoghaire and Howth. The islands, lighthouse, mountains, harbor, and possible seal sightings give the hour plenty to watch for, while the DART voucher makes the return journey straightforward.

I would choose a calm-weather day, bring a warm jacket, and head upstairs early for the best views. Keep the lower deck in reserve, listen for the local stories, and ask about the DART discount before you leave.

At $32, the trip is best judged as a sightseeing experience plus one-way transport. For that combination, it offers good value and a pleasant change from the usual Dublin city tour.

FAQ

Where does the Dublin Bay Cruise start?

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

Where does the cruise finish?

The route information lists the finish at West Pier in Howth. Check the current boarding details for the exact arrival instructions.

How long is the boat trip?

The sailing takes about 60 to 70 minutes. The activity is generally described as lasting about one hour.

What boat operates the cruise?

The sailing operates aboard the St Bridget.

Is the cruise one way or round trip?

The included ticket is for a one-way ferry trip from Dun Laoghaire to Howth. A return ferry can be booked when boarding.

Is transport back to Dun Laoghaire included?

A voucher for a discounted DART trip after the sailing is included. The return ferry is not included in the standard ticket.

Can children join the cruise?

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

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes. A jacket is especially useful because it can feel cold and windy on the water.

Can I cancel or pay later?

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