Dublin: Dublin Bay Cruise from Dun Laoghaire to Howth

Dublin Bay makes more sense from the water. On this one-way crossing from Dun Laoghaire to Howth, you trade traffic and train windows for open views of the coast, islands and Dublin Mountains, with a chance to see seals near Howth Harbour.

I like two things in particular: the trip gives you a fresh view of familiar Dublin sights, and it delivers you to Howth, where you can carry on with a walk or a meal. The crew can add stories and local tips, too. One consideration: this is a boat ride, not a guaranteed wildlife tour, and wind or rain can make the upper deck less comfortable.

• A useful coastal crossing: Sail from Dun Laoghaire to Howth in about 60 to 70 minutes.
• Views you cannot get from the DART: Look out for Dalkey Island, Ireland’s Eye, Lambay Island, Bull Island, the Baily Lighthouse and the Dublin Mountains.
• Possible seal sightings: Seals swim near Howth Harbour, though wildlife sightings are never certain.
• Indoor and outdoor viewing: Sit behind windows downstairs or head to the upper deck when conditions allow.
• A practical one-way ticket: The fare includes a discounted DART voucher, but not the return ferry trip.

Dublin Bay is more than a commute

The boat links two seaside towns, but its real appeal is the in-between: Dublin Bay seen at water level. From a train, the coast appears in brief glimpses. From the St Bridget, you have time to watch the shoreline open out and pick out landmarks as you pass them.

That change of perspective is the point. You may know the shape of Dublin from the city streets, but the bay gives you a broader sense of how the capital sits between the mountains and the Irish Sea. On a clear day, the views can stretch from the Dublin Mountains across the islands and headlands. In rougher or wet weather, the same crossing feels more like practical transport with a good window seat.

This is a straightforward, short outing rather than a full-day boat expedition. The sailing takes about 60 to 70 minutes, making it an easy addition to a Dublin itinerary, or a scenic way to get to Howth instead of taking the DART in both directions.

Set off from Dun Laoghaire’s East Pier

The stated meeting point is on East Pier in Dun Laoghaire, just before the Bandstand. That gives you a definite place to head for, though it is worth allowing time to reach the pier and find the boarding point before your chosen departure.

Once aboard, settle in and decide where you want to watch from. The boat has indoor seating with windows, as well as an upper deck. If it is windy or spitting rain, the sheltered seats let you follow the coast without standing outside for the whole crossing. If the weather clears, you can head up for a more open view and better photo angles.

The boat trip is suitable for all ages, and children under three can join for free. Comfortable clothes and shoes are sensible choices: even when the day feels mild on shore, the open water can feel colder, and the boat may move beneath you.

Follow the islands and headlands across the bay

The crossing gives you a string of coastal landmarks rather than one single destination view. Among the sights named for the route are Dalkey Island, Ireland’s Eye, Lambay Island, Bull Island, Joyce’s Martello Tower and the Baily Lighthouse. The Dublin Mountains provide a backdrop when the weather gives you a clear view inland.

You do not need to know every name to enjoy the ride. The pleasure is in watching the built-up shoreline give way to more open water, then seeing Howth take shape ahead. If you like placing landmarks on a map, bring one along or check the names before you board. The onboard narration can add context, but sound may be hard to hear from downstairs, especially if other passengers are talking or the boat is noisy.

Bull Island is a notable feature of the bay and is described as a world wildlife reserve. The cruise lets you see the bay’s wider setting from the water, though it is not a wildlife excursion with guaranteed sightings or a planned stop on the island.

Keep expectations flexible when it comes to animals. Some sailings may bring a surprise, such as dolphins, but there is no promise of seeing them. Seals are often associated with Howth Harbour, and you may spot them swimming nearby as the boat approaches. A sighting is a bonus, not the reason to book.

Arrive at Howth Harbour, ready to explore

The cruise finishes at Howth, a traditional fishing village known for its fish restaurants and coastal walks. That makes the crossing more useful than a short sightseeing loop: you can step off and spend the rest of the day on land rather than immediately retracing your route.

The end point is listed as West Pier, while the meeting point is East Pier in Dun Laoghaire. In practical terms, plan for a one-way trip from Dun Laoghaire to Howth. The return ferry is not included in the $32 fare. You can ask about booking a return ferry when boarding, or use the included voucher for a discounted DART trip after the sailing.

Howth suits an unhurried afternoon. You might choose a walk, a meal at one of its fish restaurants, or simply time around the harbour. The boat company does not include a meal or a guided walk, so treat those as plans for after the cruise, not part of the ticket.

The harbour is also where you have a chance to see seals. Keep your camera ready as the boat comes in, but give the animals space and enjoy the sight without expecting them to perform on cue.

Choose your seat for the weather

Conditions matter more on the water than they do on a city street. One sailing can start under a grey sky and brighten later; another may stay breezy throughout. Bring a jacket and dress in comfortable layers, particularly if you want to spend time on the upper deck.

The indoor seating is a useful fallback, not a poor substitute. Passengers have watched the scenery through the windows when rain made going outside uncomfortable, then moved up once the sun appeared. If you want uninterrupted views, the upper deck is the better bet when conditions are pleasant. If you prefer warmth and shelter, downstairs is the practical choice.

The ride can be smooth, but it can also feel bumpy. That is normal on a boat and worth considering if you are sensitive to motion. The crew has been described as friendly and helpful, and the crossing has been enjoyed by families, including children around primary-school age. One family even brought a dog named Murphy, though you should confirm current pet rules before relying on that example.

Listen for local stories, but keep expectations modest

The crew can add character to the ride. Eugene, one crew member singled out by name, was praised for being helpful and for recommending a place in Howth called The Brass Monkey for chowder. That sort of practical tip can make the short crossing feel connected to the destination, rather than like transport with a view.

There have also been onboard stories and myths about the bay. These details are a welcome extra if you enjoy a bit of local lore while you watch the shore. Do not expect a long, formal lecture, however. The experience is primarily a scenic ferry ride, and the narration may not be equally easy to hear from every seat.

If you want to follow the commentary, try to sit where the sound is clear, or ask the crew where it carries best. The audio can be difficult to hear downstairs. That is a real drawback on a wet day, when you may prefer to stay indoors and still want to know what you are looking at.

Is $32 good value for this crossing?

At $32 per person, the value depends on how you use the trip. If you want a scenic one-way journey to Howth, the fare combines transport with an hour on the bay and views that the train cannot provide. The included discounted DART voucher helps with the onward transport plan, though it does not replace a return ferry ticket.

If you are only looking for the cheapest way between the two towns, compare the cost with taking the DART. The cruise earns its fare through the experience of being out on the water, not through speed or a complete round trip. You are paying for the coastline, the islands, the chance of wildlife and the novelty of arriving by boat.

The crossing can also make a good use of time on a fine day. You get a relaxed stretch between two places worth visiting, without needing to arrange a separate round-trip sightseeing cruise. On a wet or very windy day, the value may feel less obvious, especially if you spend most of the journey indoors and cannot hear the commentary clearly.

One practical point: some passengers have reported not receiving the DART discount voucher. Check that it is handed to you before leaving the boat if you plan to use it. The return ferry is optional and can be booked when boarding, but it is not part of the basic ticket.

Who will enjoy the St Bridget crossing?

I would choose this cruise if you want to see Dublin Bay from a new angle and plan to spend time in Howth afterward. It works well for couples, families and visitors who enjoy coastal scenery but do not need a long or highly structured tour. The roughly one-hour crossing is manageable for children, and under-threes travel free.

It is also a good choice for locals looking for a different way to reach Howth. The boat can turn an ordinary transfer into part of the day, while the DART remains an option for the trip back. If you enjoy photography, look for a clear day and head to the upper deck when the weather permits.

I would think twice if you need a guaranteed wildlife sighting, want a full guided tour with commentary you can hear in all conditions, or are counting on the return ferry being included. The sailing is weather-dependent in feel, even if the trip itself is offered as a scheduled crossing. A jacket and a flexible attitude go a long way.

Should you book this Dublin Bay cruise?

Book it if you want a scenic, one-way ride between Dun Laoghaire and Howth and can spare about an hour for the crossing. The strongest reasons are the changing coastal views, the chance to spot seals near the harbour and the simple pleasure of arriving in Howth by water.

For the best chance of enjoying it, choose a day with fair weather, bring a jacket and check that you understand the return plan. The DART voucher is useful, but the return ferry costs extra. If those details suit your day, this is a practical little outing that gives Dublin Bay room to be the main attraction.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The crossing takes about 60 to 70 minutes. The activity is described as lasting around one hour, so allow roughly that amount of time on the boat.

Where does the cruise start?

It starts at East Pier in Dun Laoghaire, just before the Bandstand.

Where does the boat finish?

The trip is one-way to Howth, with West Pier listed as the finish point.

How much does the cruise cost?

The listed price is $32 per person.

Is a return ferry trip included?

No. The ticket includes one one-way ferry trip. You can ask about booking a return ferry when boarding, and a discounted DART voucher is included.

Can children join the cruise?

Yes. The trip is suitable for all ages, and children under three can join for free.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes. A jacket is a sensible extra, since it can feel cold on the water.