Ireland's Eye and Howth Coastal Boat Tour from Dublin

Circle an island sanctuary and hear its stories from the water

This 50-minute boat tour from Howth explores Ireland's Eye, a nature reserve in Dublin Bay, with expert captain commentary on the island's history, wildlife and the famous Kirwan murder. The tour circles the island to view the Martello Tower, nesting birds including puffins and guillemots, seals, and Howth Cliffs, with plenty of photo stops. Easily reached by DART or bus from Dublin City Centre. The boat is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour around Ireland's Eye and Howth

• Meet at pontoon in Howth Harbour
• Boat trip passing Howth Lighthouse
• View Balscadden Bay and Howth Cliffs
• Circle Ireland's Eye with commentary
• See The Stack and nesting birds
• View Martello Tower on island
• Return to Howth Harbour with views

The experience

You arrive at the pontoon in Howth and board with the crew, who check you in and guide you out of the harbour past Howth Lighthouse. The boat heads into Dublin Bay toward Ireland's Eye, a small island that sits as a nature reserve and sanctuary for seabirds and seals. As you approach, the captain begins commentary on the island's history (including the mysterious Kirwan murder that took place there), and the wildlife that makes it their home.

The tour circles the island so you see it from all angles. You pass the Stack, a dramatic rock formation on the island's side where nesting birds cluster, and the Martello Tower, built in 1803 to defend against Napoleon. Along the way, the boat passes Balscadden Bay and the Howth Cliffs, with the captain explaining the history of Balscadden House and the people who lived there. The commentary covers the flora and fauna throughout: puffins, guillemots and the seal colony that inhabits the area. On the return to Howth Harbour, you get a full view of Howth Head before docking.

The whole trip takes 50 minutes. Howth is easily reached by DART train or bus from Dublin City Centre, so there's no need to arrange separate transport. The boat is wheelchair accessible, and infants can travel in a pram or stroller. Service animals are welcome.

What’s included

• Expert captain commentary on the island's history, wildlife and the Kirwan murder.
• a full circle around Ireland's Eye to view the Martello Tower, nesting birds including puffins and guillemots, seals, and the Stack.
• views of Howth Cliffs and Balscadden Bay on the route.
• government fees.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day14 departure times: the first at 11:00, the last at 16:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (3 to 15 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 40

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Howth Cliff Cruises

Is this one for you?You're visiting Dublin with a free afternoon and want to see wildlife and history without renting a car or booking a guide on land. The shared boat tour departs on a fixed schedule from Howth, which is a short DART or bus ride from the city centre, so you can book it the morning you go and spend the rest of your day elsewhere in Dublin.

Traveler reviews

4.36★★★★★★★★★★

215 verified traveler reviews

5 ★153

4 ★25

3 ★10

2 ★16

1 ★11

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 15 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What wildlife will I see on the Ireland's Eye boat tour?

Ireland's Eye is home to puffins, guillemots, and a seal colony that inhabit the nature reserve. The tour circles the island so you see nesting birds on the Stack and seals in the water around the island.

How do I get to Howth to start the tour?

Howth is easily accessible from Dublin City Centre by DART train or bus, so you can reach the pontoon without arranging a car or transfer.

What is the Martello Tower I'll see on the tour?

The Martello Tower on Ireland's Eye was built in 1803 as a defensive structure against Napoleon. The boat passes close enough for photos and the captain provides its history during the tour.

How long is the boat tour?

The tour lasts 50 minutes, departing from Howth Harbour and circling Ireland's Eye before returning to the pontoon.

What is the Kirwan murder the captain mentions?

The Kirwan murder is a famous historical crime that took place on Ireland's Eye. The captain provides commentary on this part of the island's history during the tour.