The 15 Best Dublin Bay & River Liffey Cruises

1.River Liffey Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 3,473 reviews · from $23Our pick

Cruise the River Liffey for 45 minutes aboard an all-weather boat with space for 48 passengers. An English-speaking local guide connects sights such as the Ha’penny Bridge, Custom House, Jeanie Johnston and Docklands with Dublin’s Viking past and modern redevelopment. Tides can affect the route, and the cruise returns to its starting point at Custom House Quay.

“Lucy the guide was great. She was clear and interesting, gave us plenty of information but didn't overload us. The Captain was really friendly too.”

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2.Dublin Sightseeing Cruise on River Liffey with Local Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 927 reviews · 45 minutes (approx.) · from $27

Board a covered pontoon near Seán O’Casey Bridge for a 45-minute cruise on the Liffey. A local guide points out the Jeanie Johnston, the Samuel Beckett Bridge, Ha’penny Bridge and the Docklands, with stories about Dublin’s history and changing waterfront. Some departures feature Jerry and skipper Terry; the boat holds no more than 22 people.

“This tour lasted a bit over 2 hrs but our guide Dave stopped along the way so even if you're not use to walking alot I would still recommend! He was VERY knowledgeable about the history of Dublin and its buildings. Lucky for us the weather was perfect! I would highly recommend!”

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3.Howth Coastal Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 644 reviews · from $28

From Howth’s West Pier, take a 50-minute boat trip around Ireland’s Eye with an English-speaking skipper. Look for seals and seasonal seabirds, including puffins, and see the Stack, sea caves and Howth Cliffs from the water. Skippers include Harry, Maggie and Kim, though your guide may vary. Wildlife sightings and live music are not guaranteed.

“Such a wonderful opportunity to explore the Irish coast. Harry was a fantastic guide, thoughtfully bringing us near and pointing out fauna, flora, and landmarks of interest.”

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4.Howth Cliffs and Lighthouse Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 441 reviews · from $28

Join Howth Cliff Cruises at the end of West Pier for a 50-minute coastal boat trip, with about 45 minutes cruising past Howth Cliffs, Balscadden Bay, Howth Lighthouse and Ireland’s Eye. Your English-speaking captain provides live commentary on local wildlife, rock formations and Howth’s past. You may spot seals and seabirds, though sightings and the route depend on conditions.

“Although we had very rough waves when we set out, the captain of the boat gave us options about were we could go to avoid the rough seas. He took us on an alternate route and surprised us with some wonderful sights on less choppy waters!”

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5.Dublin Bay Seal Kayaking Safari at Dalkey

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 380 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $143Top rated

Set out from historic Bullock Harbour with a guide such as Philip, Dave, Jenny or Eavan for a roughly three-hour paddle along the Dalkey coast. Your wetsuit, kayak, paddle and buoyancy aid are provided. Look for seals and seabirds, hear about local history, and visit Dalkey Island when conditions allow.

“Great tour. Very much fun! We did this with a group of friends and it was a blast! Very much recommended”

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6.Howth Cliffs and Ireland’s Eye Ferry Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 365 reviews · 50 minutes to 1 hour (approx.) · from $24

Leave Howth Harbour aboard the Puffin for a roughly one-hour coastal cruise past the Baily Lighthouse and Howth cliffs, then around Ireland’s Eye. Captain Mark’s family has fished and toured these waters for generations. Expect island and wildlife views, recorded commentary that may be joined by live narration, and open-air seating exposed to the weather.

“This boat tour was a very nice experience. The staff checking the tickets was very friendly. The boat was nice and tidy and we had enough space to watch this or the other side. So we could highly recommend this tour. The only thing we would have appreciated more, would have been some more personal touch, like a short welcome by the captain, telling us something about the tour, which direction we would go, what to expect to see and so on. Some information came from a tape through a loud speaker and was not always clear to understand. And we couldn't ask any question if we had some. We…”

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7.Boat Trip from Dublin City to Dun Laoghaire

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 344 reviews · 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes (approx.) · from $33

Board at Sir John Rogerson’s Quay for a 60 to 70 minute sailing past the Convention Center, Eastlink Bridge, Dublin Port, the Docklands and Poolbeg Lighthouse. A guide may provide commentary, and there is a bar, restroom and WiFi on board. The trip ends at Dun Laoghaire’s East Pier, with the DART station about a seven-minute walk away.

“Crew was fantastic, sea was really choppy but the captain was brilliant and we had a ball bobbing up and down 😍😍😍”

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8.Howth Coast and Ireland’s Eye Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 301 reviews · from $27

Set out from Howth Harbour for a 45-minute cruise around Ireland’s Eye, with views of the island, its Martello Tower, Howth Head and Balscadden Bay. Your captain provides live commentary, though the route depends on sea conditions. You may spot seals and seabirds, including puffins, but landing on the island is not included.

“This was a beautiful tour. everyone was wonderful to work with. The tour guide was informative, had a great sense of humor. The whole experience was enjoyable!”

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9.Howth Coastal Boat Tour (Ireland’s Eye Ferries 50 mins trip)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 200 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $30

From Howth pier, join a skipper and a group of up to 11 for a roughly 50-minute to one-hour coastal cruise past the cliffs, Ireland’s Eye and the harbour seal colony. Expect live commentary on local history and wildlife, plus Irish music. Guides have included Harry, Maggie, Shane and Lily. Wildlife and route can vary with the season and sea conditions.

“Lily was a great captain and guide even in the rough sea. She pointed out many chicks and sea lions. Glad we went.”

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10.Sunset Cruise in Howth

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 149 reviews · from $30

Take a one-hour sunset cruise from Howth’s West Pier, circling out toward Ireland’s Eye and Dublin Bay. Your English-speaking captain shares stories about the island, local history and seabirds. Wildlife can include seals and seabirds, with puffins sometimes spotted. Captains Ollie and George have been praised for their warm, attentive approach, though you cannot request a particular guide.

“Myself and my partner absolutely loved our trip, it was a beautiful sunset and really enjoyed the views.”

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11.Grand Canal Cruise with Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 143 reviews · from $79

Board an electric canal barge at Grand Canal Jetty on Mespil Road for a two-hour evening cruise. Your fare includes a freshly prepared three-course dinner and one glass of house wine or a bottle of beer. You can watch the crew work the canal locks, step out on deck, and buy further drinks from the bar.

“Staff on board were excellent and very attentive. Food was top class. We will return.”

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12.Dublin Bay Cruise from Dun Laoghaire to Howth

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 139 reviews · from $32

Take the St Bridget from Dun Laoghaire to Howth on a 60 to 70-minute, one-way cruise across Dublin Bay. Look for Dalkey Island, Ireland’s Eye, Bull Island and the Baily Lighthouse, then watch for seals near Howth Harbour. The boat has indoor seating and an upper deck; a discounted DART voucher is included for your onward journey.

“Really friendly staff. Great day out. Brought our dog Murphy who proved a hit with the other passengers. Will definitely do it again.”

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13.Dublin Bay: Cruise from the City Centre to Dun Laoghaire

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 139 reviews · from $32

Sail one way from Sir John Rogerson’s Quay to Dun Laoghaire on a 96-passenger boat, with live commentary and views of Dublin’s docklands, Poolbeg Lighthouse and the bay. Choose an outdoor deck or the heated cabin. The cruise takes about an hour; your return to the city is by DART, not by boat.

“Friendly and helpful staff my 2nd time for the trip the first time we had live commentry which I prefared”

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14.Cliffs of Moher, Boat Tour & Aillwee Cave

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 102 reviews · from $142

Travel from Dublin to Aillwee Cave, where a guided underground tour reveals rock formations, waterfalls, and ancient bear chambers. After lunch in Doolin, take a boat ride beneath the Cliffs of Moher, then see them from above. Guides such as Philip, Colin, Rory, and Jonathan share Irish stories along the way.

“Excellent, it’s a great way to see some incredible views and and understand a little bit of history if Ireland, the guide Jonathan was great, knows a lot of history and important information regarding the country, thank you so much.”

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15.Cruise Excursion Hop-On Hop-Off Tour & Rail Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 101 reviews · from $36

From Dun Laoghaire, take the included return train to Pearse Station, then board DoDublin’s 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus across the street. Live guides share Dublin stories as you choose stops from Trinity College and Dublin Castle to Guinness Storehouse and Phoenix Park. Guides have included Damien, Mary, Davey, and Tyrone, though your guide may differ.

“From the friendly and helpful agents at the cruise terminal to the knowledgeable bus drivers and the interesting route, this Dublin city excursion option is well worth experiencing.”

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