Tours/Dublin/Ireland's Eye and Howth Coastal Boat Tour
Viator · group up to 40 pax

Ireland's Eye and Howth Coastal Boat Tour

4.4(189)Dublin1 hour
VIATOR4.1(31)TRIPADVISOR4.4(158)

Description

This tour explores the treasures of Ireland's Eye, Howth Harbour and Cliffs, and Dublin Bay. Take a trip around Ireland's Eye, taking in spectacular views of the Island, the Martello Tower, and the colony of seals and birds, including Puffins and Guillemots, which inhabit the area in Dublin Bay Biosphere. Get up close and personal with the flora and fauna on Ireland's Eye. The island is a Nature Reserve and a sanctuary for wildlife. Commentary by our expert captains on the history of the island, the wildlife, and the famous Kirwan murder on the island is provided. Plenty of photo opportunities. - Easily accessed by train (DART) or bus from Dublin City Centre - Lead by expert local knowledgable crew

Tour Options

Ireland's Eye and Howth Coastal Boat Tour

Itinerary

Pass by

Our team will meet you at the top of the pontoon, check you in and bring you a wonderful boat trip out of Howth harbour, passing Howth Lighthouse, and on a beautiful tour of Ireland's Eye.

Pass by

As we headed out of the Howth Harbour from the pontoon, we will begin our commentary on the history of Howth Lighthouse, at the entance to the harbour.

Pass by

We pass bay Balscadden Bay, where we see some of the beautiful Howth Cliffs, and learn the history of Balscadden House and some of the famous people who lived there.

Pass by

The main point of the tour - Ireland's Eye. Our tour goes around the island, with commentary about everything from the history of the island, the mysterious murder that took place there, and the flora and fauna.

Pass by

The Stack, Ireland's Eye The Stack is a beautiful sight, at the side of the island, where we can see many nesting birds. Our commentary tells you all about the nature reserve that is Ireland's Eye.

Pass by

On the other side of the island, we will see the Martello Tower, built in 1803 to defend against Napolean.

Pass by

Howth Harbour We get a great view of Howth Head and Howth Harbour on our return!

Highlights

Government Fees

What's included

Included
Government Fees
Not included
Snacks

Traveller Ratings

4.4
189 reviews
5
134
4
24
3
8
2
12
1
11

Important Information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Reviews(189)

J
JohnPaul_J
August 19, 2026
Beautiful

Beautiful tour with lovely scenery and history. Water was great and the Captain gets close to the cliffs so we can fully take in the breath taking views!

Operator response

Thanks again for your kind review, we hope to welcome you onboard again in the future.

K
Kali_F
August 19, 2026
It was a great way to see...

It was a great way to see the eye and sights you cannot see from the shore. Bring a rain jacket with you just in case of misting when in the tour.

Operator response

Thanks for joining us onboard!

S
Stacy_C
August 17, 2026
Beautiful views and lovely people

Was a lovely experience my mother really enjoyed her trip on the the boat the young lads were very helpful with my mam in her wheelchair thank you so much would most certainly do it again thanks lads Alex you were a pleasure to meet thank you

Operator response

Great to hear yourself & your mom enjoyed your cruise with us. Will pass on your kind words to the crew as well. Hope to welcome you both onboard again in the future.

S
Suzette_R
August 15, 2026
Tourist Trap with no flair

The boat is big so doesn't get as close to rocks as smaller boats. The lecture is pre recorded and bland. They leave dock late and get back early so you don't get a full hour on h2o.

Operator response

We appreciate your honest review and that the experience did not meet your expectations. If you wish to discuss further with our management team they are available via howthcliffcruises@gmail.com.

T
tanyamL2369HQ
August 14, 2026
Don't use this tour company - so disorganised

Such a shame. Have no idea what the problem was but when we arrived at the meeting place there were a couple of providers but staff weren't communicating what the problem was and we waited over 20 mins. No queueing system or explanation from staff. Our operating tour company then motioned for us to embark on two different boats. People were stressed and pushing Infront of us, my youngest was visibly upset but the staff just weren't communicating with us. I believe the previous boats were running 20 mins late but I'm guessing as not one instructed us or the rest of party waiting. After being treated like cattle onto the boat still no warm welcome and it took off with a tape narrating some points of the cruise. Was very impersonal. Didn't see any seals. In fact we saw some seals at the shoreline when we had disembarked. Please look at the meeting point process and have friendly staff to greet and chat to everyone arriving. Communication is key. It was so overwhelming.

Operator response

Hi Tanya - we appreciate your honest & frank feedback. If you would like to discuss in detail and request a full refund - with our management team they are available via howthcliffcruises@gmail.com to assist you directly.

E
Erin_M
August 14, 2026
Very pleasant trip

Very pleasant trip around Ireland’s Eye. Enjoyed the trip in and out and listening to the audio description, however the volume could have been a bit louder.

Operator response

Thanks for joining us onboard. We appreciate your comment son the audio and will be reviewing this with the crew.

J
JonPinDC
August 13, 2026
Sail around the harbor

The one hour boat tour was a nice jaunt around the harbor area and the islands, and we say sea birds and a seal in addition to beautiful views of the coastline. There was a recorded audio guide that was okay. The captain did a good job adding in context and helping spot wildlife. Meeting point location wasn't completely evident, but it's all the way at the end of the dock area.

Operator response

Thank you for joining us onboard!

C
Chevi_H
August 10, 2026
Good value, just the right amount of waves and wind

The tour was a great 1 hr activity and views were great. I feel like we may have done a protracted tour (less than 45 minutes) and other boats of same company went all the way around the island. Waves were quite large so the boat moves A LOT. Best seats for less spray and some wind block/sun block are right at the edge of the cover. (All the way to the front would take spray through the cracks of the front 'wall' of plexiglass). The back got spray from the back, the sides and even over the boat from the front :-) Also, inside seats that face out are easier to take pictures from, otherwise you have to take it across the whole boat, or try and turn around. Some good information provided on the audio track that plays, but couldn't always hear it great, and it wasn't happening real time, just a recording. Never even really heard anything from captain or 'skipper'.

Operator response

Thank you for your feedback. We will take your comments on the seating & audio under careful review . Hope to welcome you onboard again in the future. Regards, Howth Cliff Cruises.

T
teammcg
August 9, 2026
Nice boat ride

This was a fun 45 minutes cruise around Ireland Eye. We saw lots of seals in the harbor and enjoyed the boat cruise.

Operator response

Great to have you join us onboard.

E
Emer_D
August 7, 2026
Excellent cruise around Ireland’s Eye

Great experience from start to finish. The commentary during the cruise was very informative about the abundance of birds and seals on Irelands Eye and history. Being native Irish myself I arranged a lovely day out with friends and decided to try something different. We had a beautiful day and met some lovely people on the cruise. Looking forward to doing this cruise again!

Operator response

Thanks for joining us onboard. Delighted to hear you & your friends enjoyed your cruise. We look forward to welcoming you again in the future!

You might also like...

4.4(189)
Book now