Dublin: Dublin Bay Cruise from Howth to Dun Laoghaire

This is a satisfying Dublin Bay trip when you want big coastal views without losing half your day to planning. You ride the St Bridget from Howth toward Dun Laoghaire, and the route is packed with landmarks: Howth Head, Baily and Kish Lighthouses, and a close pass by the islands north of Howth.

Two things I really like about this cruise are the story-by-sea-style commentary and the way it mixes photo stops with real scenery. You also get a DART discount voucher for your return ride, which makes the whole outing feel more like a locals-friendly transit day than a one-off tourist boat. One drawback to keep in mind: if the sea turns a bit choppy, you might spend more time inside than you expect because outdoor space can feel limited.

Key things worth knowing before you go

• Howth West Pier start point: Departures are from the West Pier in Howth, just opposite Aqua Restaurant.
• Island sightings close to shore: You pass by Irelands Eye and Lambay Island to the north.
• Lighthouse views as a theme: Baily and Kish Lighthouses are on the route, plus you round Howth Head.
• Bull Island wildlife sanctuary pass: You sail past Bull Island as you cross the bay.
• Easy ending at Dun Laoghaire Harbour: The cruise finishes at the East Pier, where you can continue on foot or head back by DART.

Why the Howth to Dun Laoghaire cruise is such a smart Dublin Bay option

If you only have a day in Dublin and you want “Ireland-from-the-water” more than “museum time,” this cruise hits a sweet spot. It’s short enough that it doesn’t eat your whole schedule, but long enough for the bay to reveal itself in layers: cliffs and headlands, then offshore islands, then the harbour approach.

I like that this trip is built around one clear line of motion. You start in Howth, sail past the dramatic coast, then cross the bay toward Dun Laoghaire Harbour. There’s no pressure to hop between multiple activities. You just settle in and let the scenery move past you.

The price is also pretty friendly for what you get. At about $28 per person for a 60 to 70 minute cruise, you’re paying for time on the water plus the sightseeing corridor of Dublin Bay. And because it’s linked to the DART with a return voucher, it can work out as good value versus stacking taxis or multiple separate tickets.

What the St Bridget experience feels like onboard

The boat is the St Bridget, and the tone is relaxed. You’ll have a coffee or glass of wine during the sailing, which is a nice touch for a trip that is otherwise mainly about views and fresh sea air.

Service is also part of the package. The cruise includes on-board commentary, and that matters more than people think. Without commentary, you’d still see lighthouses and islands, but you might not know what you’re looking at. With commentary, the route feels like a guided story of the bay, not just a moving postcard.

Now, about comfort. On calmer days, you can enjoy more time outside. But one review highlight was that when conditions got a little choppy, space inside became more important. So I’d plan for the fact that you are on a working bay, not a screened-in sightseeing pond. Bring a layer and be flexible about where you spend your time.

How the day starts: West Pier in Howth and the Howth boarding moment

You meet at the West Pier in Howth, right opposite Aqua Restaurant. That’s a helpful landmark, especially if you arrive a few minutes early and want to find the right spot fast.

This is also where you’ll think about your timing. The cruise duration is listed as 1 hour to 70 minutes, with departure times that vary by availability. So do yourself a favor and pick the time that fits your day rather than assuming every hour works.

One smart planning detail: you can take the DART to Howth before you sail. That turns the whole experience into a smooth, rail-to-boat flow. You get to start your day already in motion, and you skip the “how do I get to the pier?” scramble.

The north route: Irelands Eye and Lambay Island sightings

Once you pull away, the cruise settles into its northern highlight loop. You pass by Irelands Eye and Lambay Island to the north. Seeing islands from the bay feels different than seeing them from shore. The scale is clearer, and you get that sense of open water stretching north and outward.

Why this is worth your attention: islands near a city coast often feel mythic because they sit just far enough away to look wild. From the boat, you get that contrast, Dublin Bay in the background, then the islands as their own separate world.

Also, this part of the trip is usually where you’ll do a lot of your best early photos. The light tends to look clean when you’re still close to the coast, and the horizon is open. If you like photography, it’s worth paying attention to where the ship’s heading lines up with the islands so you don’t miss the best angles.

Passing Howth Cliffs and rounding Howth Head

After the early island views, the cruise moves into the classic Howth scenery. You sail past Howth Cliffs, then round Howth Head.

This is the part of the bay that feels most dramatic because of the coastline shape. Cliffs compress the view, and headlands give you a turn in perspective. That turning moment is one reason cruises like this work well even when you’ve seen the town of Howth before. The sea view gives the coast its proper weight.

If you’re traveling with kids or anyone who gets restless in long rides, this section is also a good “attention grabber.” It’s visual within seconds, no learning curve. You see it, you react, you take the photo, you keep going.

Baily and Kish Lighthouses: the iconic markers of Dublin Bay

One of the most specific and memorable parts of this cruise is the lighthouse run. You’ll view Baily Lighthouse and Kish Lighthouse on the way.

Lighthouses aren’t just decorative here. They function as visual navigation points that make sense when you imagine boats crossing the bay. From the water, you can understand why these markers were needed and why they became part of the local maritime identity.

This is also where onboard commentary can make your trip feel more complete. If the captain or crew points out how the bayside navigation works, the lighthouses stop being random tall objects and become anchors in the story of the route.

Bull Island, then crossing the bay toward Dalkey Island

Next up is the Bull Island pass, described as a wildlife sanctuary. After that, you cross the bay and Dalkey Island comes into view before you enter the harbour at Dun Laoghaire.

Bull Island is one of those places that feels best from a distance. You’re not on a guided walk. You’re watching shoreline shapes, birdy habitat, and the way the bay changes from open water toward shelter. It gives your eyes something to track even if you’re not actively taking photos.

As for Dalkey Island, seeing it before you reach the harbour adds structure to the ending. You get a sense that the trip is building toward something, not just cruising in circles. When you start seeing the island, you can feel the approach to Dublin’s coastline closer to home.

Arriving at Dun Laoghaire Harbour and the East Pier finish

The cruise ends by entering Dun Laoghaire Harbour, finishing at the East Pier. That means you get a clear end point, which helps you plan the next step.

This is where you’ll decide how you want to spend the rest of your day. You can keep exploring on foot around the harbour area, or you can use public transport. Either way, the key benefit is that you’re not stranded. The route naturally hands you back to the city.

And don’t overlook the DART angle. The experience includes a DART discount voucher for your return journey. So you can treat the boat as the scenic outbound leg and the train as the easy way back.

Coffee, wine, and the onboard setup when the sea gets choppy

The cruise experience includes coffee or a glass of wine during the sailing. That’s a small comfort upgrade, especially if your day starts with rail travel and walking. It gives you something to do besides just watching the shoreline go by.

But plan for real sea conditions. One highlight you can take seriously is that when it got a little choppy, limited space meant some passengers ended up inside part of the time. So, if you’re the type who gets restless when you cannot see out the window, wear a layer, and consider timing on a day with calmer weather.

Also, keep expectations straight about food. Drinks and snacks are not listed as included beyond the coffee or wine. So if you want extra beverages, have a little budget ready.

Price and value: is $28 worth it for this Dublin Bay route?

At $28 per person, this cruise sits in the “worth it for the views” category. The big value driver isn’t just the price tag. It’s the fact that you’re paying for a compact, high-scenery route that hits multiple recognizable sights in one go.

You also get value from the structure. This is a one-way sailing from Howth to Dun Laoghaire, and the included DART discount voucher helps with the return plan. For me, that matters because it turns “boat sightseeing” into “a full loop day.” Even if you never used that voucher before, the idea is smart.

When should you skip it? If you absolutely hate boats or if you know your schedule is tight enough that you would rather use that hour for something else, then maybe not. But if you want a low-effort, scenic break that fits into a Dublin day, this price is easier to justify.

Who this cruise suits, and who might find it less ideal

This cruise is family-friendly and suitable for all ages, including infants. That’s a strong point if you’re traveling with a range of ages and you want one activity that everyone can enjoy without advanced hiking skills.

It also fits locals. The DART connection plus the short duration means you can do this as a quick bay outing, not a whole-day expedition.

What might be less ideal? If your idea of a perfect trip is a fully enclosed, guaranteed-comfort ride with unlimited space, the sea condition note is worth taking seriously. You are outside a lot of the time, so dressing for the water is part of the deal.

Practical tips so your day runs smoothly

A few details will make a noticeable difference:

• Arrive at West Pier with time to spare. The meeting point is specific, opposite Aqua Restaurant, but giving yourself a buffer helps you start relaxed.
• Wear comfortable shoes and clothes. You’re on and off the boat, and you’ll be moving around the pier.
• Bring a layer for wind. Even when the day looks calm, a bay breeze can change fast.
• Plan your return around DART. The return is not part of the sailing, but the included discount voucher helps you connect your day.

If you want the best chance at a good view throughout, sit where you have sightlines to the route ahead. Lighthouses and island moments happen quickly, and you’ll want to be ready.

Should you book the Dublin Bay Cruise from Howth to Dun Laoghaire?

Yes, if you want a short, scenic Dublin Bay experience with clear route highlights and a simple connection back into the city. The route is built around recognizable landmarks, and the onboard commentary plus the coffee or wine component make the time feel guided, not just spent.

I’d especially recommend it if you are:

• short on time but still want a proper water view,
• traveling with family members who need an easy outing,
• into transit-friendly days where DART plays a role.

I’d think twice if you’re likely to feel uncomfortable on boats or if you strongly prefer long, flexible time on board where everyone is guaranteed space outside. If weather is rough, you might not get the same open-air comfort you hoped for.

FAQ

How long is the cruise from Howth to Dun Laoghaire?

The cruise takes about 1 hour to 70 minutes. Starting times vary, so you should check availability.

Where do I meet the boat in Howth?

You depart from the West Pier in Howth, just opposite Aqua Restaurant.

Is this cruise a round trip?

No. It is a one-way sailing from Howth to Dun Laoghaire. The return trip is not included, but you can return by DART rail.

What is included with the ticket price?

Your ticket includes the ferry ticket from Howth to Dun Laoghaire and a DART discount voucher for your return journey.

Are drinks or snacks included?

Drinks or snacks are not listed as included on board. The experience mentions having a coffee or a glass of wine during the cruise, but you should plan on paying for additional drinks.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I bring for the sailing?

Bring comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes.