Dublin: Dublin Bay Cruise from Dun Laoghaire to Howth

The best views of Dublin arrive by boat. This one-hour cruise links Dun Laoghaire and Howth while showing you islands, lighthouses, Martello towers, and the Dublin Mountains from the water. I like the unusual route, since it turns a simple trip to Howth into a sightseeing outing, and I like the chance to spot seals near the harbor. The main drawback is the weather: wind, rain, and a bumpy sea can make the upper deck uncomfortable, while the audio guide may be hard to hear downstairs.

The St Bridget makes the crossing easy for families, couples, older visitors, and anyone who wants a break from city streets. I also like that you can return by DART with a discounted voucher, though you need to confirm you receive it. Bring a jacket even on a sunny day, and treat the hour aboard as a scenic transfer rather than a full guided tour.

Key points to know before boarding

• The East Pier departure gives you a fresh view of Dublin Bay: Meet just before the Bandstand at Dun Laoghaire.
• The St Bridget reaches Howth in about 60 to 70 minutes: The route is one-way, with a return ferry available as an extra option.
• The views keep changing: Look for Dalkey Island, Ireland’s Eye, Lambay Island, the Baily Lighthouse, Joyce’s Martello Tower, the Dublin Mountains, and Bull Island.
• Howth Harbor may provide the best wildlife moment: Seals often swim near the boats, and one sailing even produced a dolphin sighting.
• The upper deck is best for photographs: It can also be cold, windy, and wet, so keep the covered lower deck in mind.
• The DART makes the trip practical: A discounted train voucher is included after the sailing, useful for returning to Dun Laoghaire.

Why this Dublin Bay cruise is worth your time

Dublin Bay is easy to admire from the shore, but a boat changes the scale of everything. From the St Bridget, the city becomes a broad sweep of water, hills, headlands, and working harbors. You are not simply looking at Howth as a day trip destination. You are approaching it from the sea, which gives the journey a real sense of place.

The trip costs $32 per person. That is not the cheapest way to move between Dun Laoghaire and Howth, especially since the DART is available, but the comparison is slightly unfair. The train gets you there efficiently. This cruise gives you a scenic hour, fresh air, changing views, and the possibility of seeing seals or dolphins. If you already plan to visit Howth, the boat can make the transfer part of the day rather than a piece of transport you rush through.

The rating of 4.5 from 139 reviews fits the experience well. The strongest points are the friendly staff, attractive coastal views, smooth sailing on a calm day, and the novelty of seeing Dublin from the bay. The weaker points are also clear: the ride may be rough in poor weather, and the onboard commentary is not always easy to hear from the lower deck.

Starting at Dun Laoghaire’s East Pier

Your starting point is on the East Pier in Dun Laoghaire, just before the Bandstand. This is a pleasant place to begin, with the harbor and open bay setting the mood before you even board.

The departure area matters because you should allow enough time to find the correct pier. Dun Laoghaire has more than one pier, and this cruise begins on the east side. Keep your booking details handy and look for the St Bridget rather than assuming every boat activity leaves from the same spot.

The boat is suitable for all ages, and children under three can join free. That makes the outing useful for families who want something scenic but not too demanding. The one-hour duration is also manageable for children who might lose interest on a longer cruise.

Wear comfortable shoes and practical clothes. You may walk around the boat, move between decks, or spend time outside taking photographs. The water can feel much cooler than the shore, so a jacket is sensible even when Dun Laoghaire feels mild.

The St Bridget and the first views across the bay

Once the St Bridget leaves Dun Laoghaire, the main pleasure is watching familiar coastal sights take on a different shape. The boat offers views that are not possible from a road or train window, and the changing angle is the real attraction.

The Dublin Mountains provide a strong backdrop inland. From the water, you can see how the city sits between the hills and the coast. This is one of the reasons I would choose the cruise over simply taking the DART in both directions. The train is useful, but it keeps the bay mostly at a distance.

The route also includes views toward Dalkey Island and Joyce’s Martello Tower. These landmarks connect the scenery to Dublin’s coastal story without turning the ride into a museum visit. You get short pieces of commentary and a series of sights rather than a long lecture.

The boat has more than one deck, and the upper deck is the place to go for clear photographs and the full coastal view. On a bright, calm day, this is where the trip feels most rewarding. The bay may be dotted with sailing boats, and Howth becomes more impressive as you approach.

The lower deck gives you shelter when the weather turns. One family described beginning the crossing in wind and light rain, then moving upstairs after the sun appeared. That is a good way to use the boat: start under cover if needed, then head outside when the conditions improve.

Islands, lighthouse views, and Bull Island

Several named sights give the cruise useful structure. Ireland’s Eye appears near Howth, while Lambay Island sits farther out in the bay. Dalkey Island belongs to the southern side of the route, helping you connect the wide sweep of Dublin’s coast as the St Bridget travels north.

The Baily Lighthouse is another highlight. Its position on the Howth headland makes it especially photogenic from the water. You are seeing it from an angle that many land-based visitors miss, with the sea in the foreground and the headland rising behind it.

Bull Island also comes into view. It is a wildlife reserve, so the sight is not only about scenery. The bay supports birdlife and marine life, and the cruise gives you a chance to notice the area as a living coastal environment rather than just a pretty backdrop.

Do not expect every sight to be equally visible on every departure. Weather, light, and your position on the boat will affect what you can make out. The value comes from the full sequence: harbor, open water, islands, headlands, and Howth’s working waterfront.

Howth Harbor and the chance to see seals

Howth is not just the end point. It is one of Dublin’s most enjoyable coastal villages, known for its fishing harbor, seafood restaurants, and walking routes. Arriving by boat places you directly into that setting, with the harbor activity in front of you.

Keep watching the water as the boat approaches. Seals are often seen swimming near Howth Harbor, and they can appear close enough for a good photograph if you have your camera ready. A seal sighting is never guaranteed, but it is one of the most appealing parts of the route.

Marine life can be unpredictable. One sailing produced a dolphin sighting, while another included a Portuguese man-of-war jellyfish. You should treat these as lucky extras, not promised features. The cruise is worthwhile without them, but they can turn a pleasant crossing into a memorable one.

The arrival also gives you a practical start for exploring Howth. You can find a fish restaurant, walk along the harbor, or set off on one of the area’s coastal paths. The supplied information does not set aside time for a guided walk or meal, so plan those activities yourself after you get off the boat.

Upper deck views versus lower deck comfort

I would choose the upper deck when the weather is calm. It gives you the clearest views and makes it easier to take photographs without windows in the way. The open-air position also helps you feel the scale of Dublin Bay.

The tradeoff is exposure. Wind can be strong, and even a smooth crossing can feel cold. Light rain is enough to send you downstairs, so comfortable clothes and a jacket are more useful than dressing for the weather on land.

The covered lower deck is a sensible fallback. You can look out through the windows while staying dry, though visibility and sound are not as good. The onboard audio guide has been difficult for some people to hear downstairs. If the commentary matters to you, try to sit upstairs or near the source of the audio when conditions permit.

The sea may not always be perfectly smooth. One report described the ride as a little bumpy, which is normal for a small coastal crossing. If you are sensitive to motion, choose a seat where you feel comfortable and keep your focus on the horizon. The crew is described as friendly and helpful, adding to the relaxed feel of the trip.

Staff, stories, and the feel onboard

The staff receive some of the warmest praise. Their pleasant manner helps the cruise feel informal rather than stiff. Eugene, in particular, was remembered for helping passengers and recommending The Brass Monkey in Howth for chowder. That kind of local suggestion can be useful when you arrive hungry and want an easy meal.

The onboard stories and myths add character to the scenery. The commentary is not the main reason to book, but it gives context to the islands, towers, and coastline. I would listen when you can, while keeping in mind that the sound may be less clear below deck.

The experience also has a friendly, easygoing side. Dogs have been welcomed onboard, with one passenger bringing a dog named Murphy who became a favorite among the people aboard. If you plan to bring a dog, confirm the current rules before booking, since the available information only records that a dog was taken on one sailing.

Returning from Howth by DART

The ferry is a one-way trip from Dun Laoghaire to Howth. A return ferry can be booked when boarding, but that is an extra choice rather than part of the basic fare.

For many people, the better plan is to take the DART back after spending time in Howth. A voucher for a discounted DART trip is included after the sailing, which makes the whole day easier to arrange. One group used the train from Howth to return to Dun Laoghaire after enjoying the boat trip.

Check that you receive the voucher and understand how it works. A separate note from one passenger said the discount was not provided, so this is worth confirming before you leave the pier. If the voucher is available as intended, it improves the value of the $32 fare.

The boat and train combination also avoids making the day repetitive. You get the bay from the water in one direction and a different view of the coast by rail on the return. If you prefer a return ferry, ask about availability when you board rather than assuming a second crossing will be running at your preferred time.

Who will enjoy the cruise most

I would recommend this trip to anyone who wants to see Dublin beyond its central streets. It works especially well for:

• Families looking for a short outing suitable for children
• Couples who want a scenic coastal hour
• Visitors already planning to eat or walk in Howth
• Photographers who enjoy islands, lighthouses, boats, and harbor views
• Local residents looking for a simple day out
• Anyone who prefers a memorable transfer to an ordinary train journey

It is less suitable if you need guaranteed sunshine, perfectly quiet commentary, or a fully guided day in Howth. The cruise gives you a route and a setting, but the village visit afterward is your own time.

The trip also depends heavily on conditions. On a calm, bright day, the views can be striking from start to finish. In rain and wind, the covered deck keeps the outing possible, but the experience loses some of its outdoor pleasure.

Practical details that affect your decision

The listed duration is one hour, while the crossing itself is described as about 60 to 70 minutes. Allow a little flexibility rather than scheduling another activity immediately after arrival.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. These options help if Dublin weather looks uncertain or your schedule is still changing.

The cruise begins at the East Pier in Dun Laoghaire and finishes at the West Pier in Howth. The activity information also refers to the end at the meeting point, so confirm the exact arrival instructions when you book. The key practical point is that this is presented as a one-way sailing, not a round-trip ferry ticket.

Should you book the Dublin Bay cruise?

Book it if you want the journey to Howth to be part of your Dublin experience. For $32, you pay more than a standard train ride, but you gain an hour of open-water views, named coastal sights, a chance to see seals, and a pleasant change of pace.

Choose a clear day if you can, sit upstairs when the weather allows, and keep the lower deck as your shelter plan. Bring a jacket, listen for the commentary, and confirm the DART discount before leaving. If you do those things, the St Bridget offers a scenic and good-value way to connect two of Dublin’s best coastal spots.

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. The sailing is described as a one-way trip.

How long does the cruise take?

The voyage lasts about 60 to 70 minutes. The activity duration is listed as approximately one hour.

Is a return ferry included?

No. The basic fare includes a one-way ferry trip. A return ferry may be available to book when boarding.

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, comfortable clothes, and a jacket suitable for cool or wet weather. The upper deck can be windy, while the lower deck provides shelter.