Ferry from Howth to Ireland's Eye: 20-minute island crossing

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.63 (115 reviews) 83% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/36

Duration1h–3h

GroupUp to 30

Mobile ticketAccepted

A 20-minute ferry ride to an uninhabited island with puffins and a 19th-century tower

You board a ferry at Howth's pontoon, cross the Irish Sea in twenty minutes with views of the cliffs, land on Ireland's Eye to explore a Martello tower and walk the island's perimeter, swim if conditions allow, and watch seabirds before the return crossing. Return ticket is included; the whole experience depends on weather.

1h–3h

Step-by-step itinerary

Ferry trip and island exploration

Depart from Howth pontoon
Enjoy views of Howth Head cliffs
Arrive at Ireland's Eye island
Explore island and Martello tower
Birdwatch puffins, gannets, cormorants
Stroll around island coastline
Swim at west-facing beach

The Experience

The pontoon fills up early, and then the boat pushes off into the Irish Sea. You're heading to Ireland's Eye, a small uninhabited island off the coast of Howth, about twenty minutes by ferry from the mainland. The crossing itself is half the reason to go — the Howth Head cliffs rise up on your left, and the water shifts from grey-green to something clearer as you move away from the pier. Most people stand at the rail for the whole journey, watching the coastline shrink and the island grow larger ahead.

When the ferry lands — weather permitting — you step onto the island with maybe an hour or two to walk around before the return crossing. The Martello tower sits on the high ground, a squat stone structure built in the early 1800s to watch for French invasion, and it's still standing, still solid. You can walk the perimeter, take in the views back toward Dublin and the mainland cliffs, and if you're brave enough, there's a west-facing beach where people swim in the clear water. The island isn't crowded because it's not easy to reach, which is exactly why it feels different from the usual Dublin day trip.

Birdwatchers come here specifically for the puffins, gannets, and cormorants that nest on the rocks and cliffs. You don't need binoculars to see them, though they help — the birds are used to visitors and don't scatter the moment you appear. The ferry to Ireland's Eye includes your return ticket, so you're not negotiating anything on the island or worrying about missing the last boat. Just time it so you're back at the pontoon before departure, and you're done.

What’s included

Your crossing includes the direct shuttle ferry from Howth and a return ticket to bring you back to the mainland.
Specialized infant seats are available if needed.
Everything else — food, water, sun protection — you'll need to bring yourself, since the island has no facilities or shops.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Howth Cliff Cruises

Is this one for you?Right for travelers based in or visiting Dublin who want to step away from the city without a long journey, and who don't mind that the trip depends on weather and sea conditions. The twenty-minute crossing and open island mean you need moderate fitness and comfort with uneven ground; this isn't a gentle stroll.