Ireland's Eye and Howth Coastal Boat Tour from Dublin

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.34 (203 reviews) 70% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/32

Duration50m

GroupUp to 40

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

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.

50m

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.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair 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.