Tour operator
Pat Liddy’s Walking Tours
Guided walking tours of Dublin founded by historian and author Pat Liddy, with public tours in several languages and private themed walks.
Dublin Bay Cruises
Sightseeing cruises across Dublin Bay linking the city, Dún Laoghaire and Howth, with trips to Ireland's Eye and Dalkey Island.
At a glance
- Type
- Boat tours of Dublin Bay
- Area
- Sir John Rogerson's Quay, Dublin, Ireland
- Official site
- dublinbaycruises.com
Good to know
- City
- Howth and Dún Laoghaire departures
- Online booking
- WhatsApp contact
Why we recommend it
Dublin Bay Cruises runs sightseeing boat trips across Dublin Bay, linking the city centre with the harbour towns of Dún Laoghaire to the south and Howth to the north. Seeing Dublin from the water gives you a very different sense of the city and its coastline, and the trips double as a scenic way to travel between the city and the two seaside towns.
The company sails from three points: Sir John Rogerson's Quay in Dublin city, the East Pier at Dún Laoghaire Harbour and the West Pier at Howth. Routes include a one-hour crossing between Dún Laoghaire and the city in either direction, a one-hour trip between Dún Laoghaire and Howth, and a longer cruise of about two and a half hours from the city to Howth via Dún Laoghaire. Shorter sightseeing loops include a one-hour cruise around Howth's cliffs and Ireland's Eye, and a one-hour trip from Dún Laoghaire to Dalkey Island and Killiney Bay. The boat is the St Bridget, and the company describes it as Ireland's first domestic passenger ship operated on HVO fuel.
A cruise suits almost everyone: families, couples, photographers and anyone who wants a break from walking the streets. Combining a one-way cruise with the DART train back is a good way to make a day of it, for example sailing to Howth, walking the cliff path and returning by rail. Sit outside on deck for the best views if the weather allows, but bring a warm layer and a waterproof, as it can be windy on the water even on a sunny day.
Sailings are seasonal and depend on weather and sea conditions, so check the sailing times page on the website before planning your day, and book online in advance, especially at weekends in summer. Prices vary by route. If a trip is cancelled because of the weather, contact the company about alternatives.
For bookings and questions, call +353 1 901 1757, email [email protected], or use the WhatsApp contact on the website. Arrive at your departure pier in good time, as boats leave promptly. In the city, Sir John Rogerson's Quay is on the south side of the Liffey in the Docklands, a short walk from Grand Canal Dock.
Dublin Bay Cruises FAQs
Where do the cruises depart?
From Sir John Rogerson's Quay in Dublin city, the East Pier in Dún Laoghaire and the West Pier in Howth.
Which routes are offered?
City to Dún Laoghaire, Dún Laoghaire to Howth, city to Howth via Dún Laoghaire, Howth Cliffs and Ireland's Eye, and Dún Laoghaire to Dalkey Island and Killiney Bay.
How long are the cruises?
Most routes take about an hour, and city to Howth via Dún Laoghaire takes about two and a half hours.
What boat is used?
The St Bridget, which the company describes as Ireland's first HVO-operated domestic passenger ship.
Do sailings run all year?
Sailings are seasonal and weather dependent, so check the sailing times on the website.
How do I book?
Book online, call +353 1 901 1757 or email [email protected].
What should I bring?
A warm layer and a waterproof, as it can be windy on the water.
Can I combine a cruise with the train?
Yes, many visitors sail one way and return by DART.