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

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.

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.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 May 2027

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (16 to 65 years) · Senior (66 to 98 years) · Child (3 to 15 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 30

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

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with 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.

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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.

How long is the ferry ride to Ireland's Eye?

Approximately twenty minutes from the pontoon in Howth to the island.

What's included in the ferry ticket?

Direct shuttle ferry and return ticket. Entry to the island itself is not a separate fee.

Can you land on Ireland's Eye in bad weather?

No. The ferry operates weather permitting, and landing on the island depends on sea conditions. If conditions are unsafe, the crossing may not happen or you may not disembark.

What can you do on the island?

Walk around the island, visit the 19th-century Martello tower, view the mainland and surrounding coastline, swim on the west-facing beach, and watch seabirds including puffins, gannets, and cormorants.

How long can you spend on the island?

The itinerary doesn't specify a fixed duration on the island, but the ferry operates on a schedule. Plan to return to the pontoon before the return crossing departs.

Is this suitable for people with mobility issues?

The ferry is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health. The island itself is rugged and involves walking on uneven terrain.

Are there facilities on the island?

No. Ireland's Eye is uninhabited. Bring water, sun protection, and anything else you'll need during your time there.

Can pregnant travelers take the ferry?

No. The ferry is not recommended for pregnant travelers.