Howth to Dun Laoghaire: Dublin Bay Boat Trip & Lighthouse Views

Sail Across Dublin Bay Without Leaving the City Behind

You board at Howth fishing village and sail 60–70 minutes across Dublin Bay to Dun Laoghaire, passing Howth Head, Ireland's Eye, and the Baily Lighthouse. The boat includes WiFi and restrooms. You arrive 15 minutes early and dress for open water. This is a one-way transfer that doubles as a view most visitors miss.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat trip from Howth to Dun Laoghaire

• Depart from Howth Fishing Village
• View Howth Harbour and Ireland's Eye
• See Howth Head and Baily Lighthouse
• Spot Kish Lighthouse in distance
• Cross Dublin Bay to Dun Laoghaire

The experience

What if the best view of Dublin wasn't from the ground? The boat leaves Howth at a set time each day, and you're standing on the deck watching the fishing village shrink as the Baily Lighthouse comes into focus. It's a one-way sailing that takes you across Dublin Bay from north to south (about 60 to 70 minutes of water between Howth and Dun Laoghaire), and the whole thing feels less like a tourist tick-box and more like the way locals actually see their city when they're not stuck in traffic on the quays.

You'll pass Howth Head and Ireland's Eye on the left, the Kish Lighthouse somewhere in the distance, and the cliffs at Howth rising up in a way that no street-level photo can capture. The boat has WiFi and a restroom, so it's not a white-knuckle crossing. You can stand outside the whole time if the weather holds, or duck in if it doesn't. The crew doesn't narrate every rock. They let you work it out, which somehow makes the landmarks feel more real. Arrive at least 15 minutes early (parking in Howth fills up fast, so budget 30 minutes for that alone), and the boat does run in different weather, so dress for the Irish coast, not the postcard.

When you dock at Dun Laoghaire, you're at the southern pier with the whole town in front of you (shops, cafés, the promenade), and you've just crossed the bay instead of driven around it. If you're staying south of the city or heading that direction anyway, this is how you get there. If you're just doing it for the crossing itself, you've seen Dublin from an angle that matters.

What’s included

• One-way sailing from Howth to Dun Laoghaire.
• WiFi on board.
• restroom facilities.
• views of Howth Harbour, Howth Head, Ireland's Eye, Baily Lighthouse and Kish Lighthouse.

Options for this experience

2 options

Midweek Howth to Dun LaoghaireGuide in English · Available from 30 Mar 2027Boat trip lasting 1 hour, from Howth to Dun Laoghaire. Duration: 1 hour

Weekend Howth to Dun LaoghaireGuide in English · Available from 26 Mar 2027Boat trip of 1 hour from Howth to Dun Laoghaire. Duration: 1 hour

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 26 Mar 2027

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 to 64 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 96 · max 6 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

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 yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Dublin Bay Cruises

Is this one for you?Book this if you're traveling between north and south Dublin and want to skip the traffic, or if you live in the city and have somehow never seen it from the water. The fixed route and timing mean you're not arranging a separate sightseeing tour. You're just getting across the bay the way that actually shows you something.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): 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 long is the boat trip from Howth to Dun Laoghaire?

The voyage takes 60 to 70 minutes.

What will I see on the crossing?

Howth Harbour, Howth Head, Ireland's Eye, the Baily Lighthouse at Howth Cliffs, and the Kish Lighthouse in the distance as you cross Dublin Bay.

What's included on the boat?

WiFi and a restroom are available on board. This is a one-way sailing from Howth to Dun Laoghaire.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are permitted on board.

What if the weather is bad?

The boat operates in different weather conditions. Dress appropriately for the Irish coast. If you miss the departure due to late arrival, refunds are not issued.

When should I arrive?

Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. If driving, allow 30 minutes to find parking in Howth, as the village gets busy.

Is this suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, the boat is suitable for all physical fitness levels.