A boat ride over Dublin Bay beats most sightseeing.

This Howth to Dun Laoghaire cruise turns the coastline into the main event, with sweeping views of Howth Cliffs, Howth Head, and the key landmarks that line the bay. You also pass Ireland’s Eye and Lambay Island to the north, then glide toward Dun Laoghaire Harbour.

I like that the experience is simple and scenic: you get a coffee or a glass of wine option on board (drinks aren’t included), plus a crew that keeps things light and informative. I also love that it’s built around real viewpoints—lighthouses, islands, and the wildlife area of Bull Island—so the photo stops feel earned, not forced.

One thing to consider: if the water turns a bit choppy, seating can get tight, and you may spend time inside the vessel instead of on deck the whole way. Still, the route keeps the sights moving at an easy pace.

Key highlights you’ll feel on the water

• St Bridget cruise time around 60–70 minutes, paced for easy viewing
• Howth Cliffs and Howth Head from the water, with the headland rounding payoff
• Irelands Eye and Lambay Island on the northern stretch
• Baily and Kish Lighthouses as clear, memorable waypoints
• Bull Island passing—great for anyone who likes coastal ecology
• Dalkey Island appearing as you cross, then docking into Dun Laoghaire Harbour

A scenic shortcut along Dublin Bay’s best shoreline

Dublin Bay is big, and driving around it can feel like a lot of zig-zagging. This cruise gives you the opposite: you travel in a straight line and let the coast come to you. From the start you’re looking outward, not at bus windows—so even a short 60–70 minutes feels like more than a “taster.”

What makes this route work is that it balances dramatic coastline and landmark navigation. You’ll see Howth Head and the lighthouses that mark the bay, then you move into a zone that feels wilder—Bull Island and the offshore islands to the north. It’s an easy way to understand the geography of the area without needing a car or extra planning.

West Pier to East Pier: the straightforward route

Your cruise starts from the West Pier in Howth, right opposite Aqua Restaurant. You’ll board the St Bridget there, and you sail one-way to the East Pier in Dun Laoghaire. After you finish, the activity ends back at the meeting point, so you’re not stuck with unclear wandering.

Because it’s one-way, you should plan your return ahead of time. The good news is you get a DART discount voucher for your return journey, which makes it easier to connect back to the rail network and get home without backtracking by taxi.

If you’re the kind of person who likes clean logistics—arrive, board, enjoy, depart—this works. It’s a simple plan that fits well into a day in Dublin where you still want time for a meal afterward.

Howth Head and the cliffs: your first real wow moment

The first stretch is all about getting your bearings fast. You’ll pass Howth Cliffs and then round Howth Head, which is the natural “turning point” of the route. From the water, the cliffs feel taller and more textured than what you usually see from shore.

This is also where you start to understand how the bay is protected by the surrounding landforms. The headland changes the angle of light and view. So even if the weather is just okay, the scenery still looks interesting because the coastline keeps shifting in front of you.

I like that the early portion keeps the pacing smooth. You’re not waiting around for views to happen later. The best angles start early, then they build.

Ireland’s Eye and Lambay Island: offshore landmarks with personality

As you head north, Ireland’s Eye and Lambay Island come into view. These islands add a different feel to the cruise. Instead of just coastline, you’re now watching the bay open up toward something more remote and coastal-feeling.

They’re also perfect for that “I didn’t expect this” moment. You can spot them as distinct shapes, and you don’t need binoculars to appreciate the scale. If you’re into wildlife watching, the overall route gives you more of that angle, not just architecture and harbor buildings.

One small practical tip: bring your phone, yes, but also get a quick first look without filming. The islands are easiest to read when you let your eyes settle on the horizon first.

Baily and Kish Lighthouses: easy-to-spot navigation icons

Later in the cruise, the Baily and Kish Lighthouses appear as iconic waypoints. Lighthouses have a way of turning a drive-by view into something memorable, and this route treats them like milestones.

What I like here is how the cruise uses these markers to keep your sense of progress. You’re not just “on a boat.” You’re moving through a line of recognizable coastal features, so the trip feels purposeful—even for people who don’t know the bay map.

If you’re traveling with kids, this is also a win. Lighthouses make instant sense. They’re the kind of visual landmark that gets questions like what they’re for, who maintains them, and why they’re there.

Bull Island and Dalkey Island: the scenery shifts from harbor to wild edges

One of the strongest scenic portions comes when you pass the wildlife area of Bull Island. Even if you don’t have time to explore the island on foot, seeing it from the water changes the way you think about this part of Dublin. The coastline feels less like city frontage and more like a living stretch of shoreline.

Then, as you cross the bay, Dalkey Island comes into view. This adds a second layer of “island geometry” to the journey. It helps break up the view from a single shoreline into multiple coastal zones, with islands acting like punctuation marks between larger landmarks.

For photos, this section often gives the most variety: you get layered views—harbor structures in the distance, islands mid-frame, and coastline edges changing as the boat angle shifts.

Arriving at Dun Laoghaire Harbour: East Pier and what to do next

The cruise ends with you entering Dun Laoghaire Harbour at the East Pier. Harbour arrival is where the mood tends to shift from open-bay views to urban waterfront energy. It’s a satisfying finish because you see the coastline settle into built surroundings.

Dun Laoghaire is also a handy place to continue your day. You can grab a meal, walk along the waterfront, or simply enjoy the contrast after a view-filled hour on the water. If you planned right, it works perfectly as the in-between activity on a Dublin itinerary—far enough from central sights to feel like a change, not so far that it eats your whole day.

Price and timing: why about $28 feels fair

The listed price is $28 per person, and for a 60–70 minute boat ride, that’s in the “you’re paying for time on the water” category. You’re not just buying transport; you’re paying for a viewpoint that’s hard to replicate cheaply.

Here’s what adds value:

• You get meaningful sights in a short window: Howth cliffs/head, the lighthouses, offshore islands, and Bull Island.
• It’s easy to fit into a day, so you’re not spending hours planning around schedules.
• You also receive a DART discount voucher for your return journey, which helps offset the one-way nature of the cruise.

Is it the cheapest way to see Dublin Bay? Probably not. But it can be one of the best ways to see it without renting a car or doing a full-day tour. If your goal is good coastal views with minimal friction, the price-to-time ratio works.

What to bring for comfort on a 60–70 minute cruise

This is an easy outing for most ages. Still, treat comfort like part of the itinerary. Bring comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes, and plan for the fact that you’ll be on a moving vessel.

Also think about choppy conditions. One of the practical downsides that shows up in real life: if the sea gets a bit rough, space inside can feel limited, so you may want to choose clothing that keeps you comfortable either way—deck time or indoor time.

On board, you can get a coffee or a glass of wine, but drinks aren’t included. If you want something specific, keep expectations realistic and plan on paying for it separately.

Who this cruise suits best (and who might want a different plan)

This cruise is a strong match for:

• People who want a short activity with big payoff
• Families looking for a simple, scenic day without complicated transfers
• Anyone who likes coastal landmarks—lighthouses, islands, harbor approaches
• Dublin visitors who want a view that feels local and not just city-based

It may be less ideal if you’re hoping for a long onboard journey, a long guided walk, or lots of time for independent exploring. This is about the water route, not a deep stop-and-stroll day.

And if you’re the type who hates motion at all, consider that the cruise is still on open water across Dublin Bay—even if it’s quick.

Should you book the Howth to Dun Laoghaire cruise?

Yes, if you want a smooth, scenic hour on Dublin Bay with clear landmarks and minimal hassle. The route hits multiple highlights in one go—Howth Cliffs and Head, Ireland’s Eye and Lambay Island, Baily and Kish Lighthouses, then Bull Island and Dalkey Island before you dock into Dun Laoghaire.

Book this when you want value from time: about $28 buys you a viewpoint that would take much more effort to recreate. Skip it if you need a round-trip boat ride included in the ticket price, or if you’re very sensitive to choppy-water seating changes.

FAQ

How long is the Dublin Bay cruise from Howth to Dun Laoghaire?

The cruise takes about 1 hour to 70 minutes, depending on the sailing time.

Where does the cruise start?

It starts at the West Pier in Howth, just opposite Aqua Restaurant.

Where does the cruise end?

It ends at the East Pier in Dun Laoghaire. The activity finishes back at the meeting point.

Is the cruise round-trip or one-way?

It’s a one-way sailing from Howth to Dun Laoghaire. A return trip by DART is available using the discount voucher.

What’s included in the ticket price?

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

Are drinks or snacks included?

No. Drinks or snacks on board are not included.

What sights will you pass along the way?

You’ll pass Howth Cliffs and Howth Head, Ireland’s Eye and Lambay Island to the north, Baily and Kish Lighthouses, Bull Island, Dalkey Island, and you enter Dun Laoghaire Harbour.

What should I bring and wear?

Bring comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.