Howth Cliffs Boat Tour: Puffins and Seals Viewing

Watch Howth Cliffs from the water where the puffins and seals actually live

A one-hour boat tour departing Howth Harbour takes you along Howth Cliffs and around Ireland's Eye, a nature reserve in Dublin Bay, with live commentary on bird life, seals and the island's history. The Puffin, Howth's newest ferry, is captained by Mark, whose family has fished and toured these waters for generations. Life jackets are provided. The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Howth Cliffs and Lighthouses Boat Tour

• Begin tour at Baily Lighthouse
• Cruise along Howth Cliffs on Puffin ferry
• Enjoy views and commentary of Howth Lighthouse
• Circle Ireland’s Eye and observe wildlife

The experience

The tour starts at the Baily Lighthouse with commentary on its history, then heads out along the Cliffs of Howth. Instead of walking the cliff-top path that thousands of visitors take each summer, you're on the water looking back at the rock formations, the lighthouse and Dublin Bay. The boat is fast enough to cover the route in under an hour but slow enough for the captain to point out bird colonies (puffins, guillemots and grey seals) as you pass. Live commentary ties together what you're seeing: the geology of the cliffs, the animals that live there, and how the landscape has shaped the area.

The second half of the cruise circles Ireland's Eye, a small island that's a nature reserve and sanctuary in the Dublin Bay Biosphere. You get close enough to see the seals and seabirds that live there, and the Martello Tower that stands on the island. The captain covers the island's history, including the famous Kirwan murder case that happened there. On the way back into Howth Harbour, you pass the lighthouse again with a final view as you exit.

Getting to Howth from Dublin City Centre is straightforward: a short DART train or bus ride gets you to the harbour. Life jackets are on board, and the boat is wheelchair accessible. Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller, and service animals are welcome.

What’s included

• Life jackets.
• live commentary in English on wildlife, rock formations, lighthouse history and Ireland's Eye.
• access to viewing the Baily Lighthouse, Howth Cliffs and Ireland's Eye nature reserve from the water.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day13 departure times: the first at 11:00, the last at 16:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (2 to 15 years) · Infant (under 2): 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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Howth Cliff Cruises

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to see Howth Cliffs and the wildlife that lives there without the cliff-top walk. The boat gets you close to puffins, seals and guillemots, and the captain's local knowledge ties the landscape together as you go.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 15 years); Infant (under 2): 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.

How do I get to Howth Harbour from Dublin City Centre?

The DART train and bus services run directly from Dublin City Centre to Howth, making it an easy journey without needing a car or taxi.

What wildlife will I see on the Howth Cliffs boat tour?

Puffins, guillemots and grey seals are common sightings along the cliffs and around Ireland's Eye, with live commentary from the captain identifying them as you pass.

How long is the boat tour?

The tour runs for one hour, covering Howth Cliffs, the Baily Lighthouse and a full circuit around Ireland's Eye before returning to the harbour.

Who captains the Puffin?

Mark captains the boat. His family has fished and toured these waters for generations, so the commentary draws on local knowledge of the area.

Is the boat accessible for wheelchair users?

Yes, the Puffin is wheelchair accessible, and life jackets are provided on board for all passengers.