Ferry to Ireland's Eye in Howth

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Dublin, Ireland

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10+ bookings last month.

1 to 3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket

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Overview

Escape to the uninhabited island of Ireland's Eye on this 20-minute ferry trip from Howth's bustling harbor. Finding a peaceful spot near Dublin without the crowds of tourists can be challenging, but this short boat ride transports you to an untouched wilderness, that’s home to seals and seabirds. Explore the rugged coastline, walk along the beaches, and discover the historic 19th-century Martello tower while enjoying panoramic views of the mainland.

Swap Ireland’s cosmopolitan mainland for a few hours amongst nature
Spot puffins, gannets, and seals in their natural habitat
Swim in pristine waters at the island’s secluded west-facing beach
Enjoy views of Howth Head cliffs during the scenic crossing

What's Included

Direct shuttle ferry, return ticket

Snacks

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Howth Cliff Cruises | Ireland's Eye Ferries (landing) | Howth Sunset Cruises
16 W Pier, Howth Demesne, Dublin, Ireland
Down the very end of the West Pier, opposite Aqua Restaurant.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Infant seats available
Not recommended for travelers with back problems

Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 28 travelers

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Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.6

based on 78 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Disappointing - Recommend Boat Ride Around Ireland's Eye Instead

Lori_Y, Jul 2025

I really wouldn't recommend taking the boat that lands on Ireland's Eye. I think most people would be better off with the boat ride around the island and the harbor. Disembarking to get to the island is at least as difficult as they describe. Two of us booked this tour, and only one managed to exit the small boat onto the rocky cliff while I decided it was more challenging than I wanted to risk. While my friend did get off the boat to walk around the island, there isn't that much to see..... the Puffins are nesting in the cliffs, and generally not visible from the island. There are some other sea birds nesting with their young. There is one building left from an old monastery, but it isn't accessible either. One side is on a cliff with a shear drop off, and the other side has a high entrance accessible only with a rope (which I'm sure they don't want you to try to climb). Since I didn't get off to walk on the island, the captain helped me get to the other boat, and I did enjoy the boat ride around the island and the bay. I do think the idea of seeing puffins is greatly oversold..... I know wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, but in truth, there are only around 10 from what the naturalist explained. They nest in the cliffs to avoid predators, only go in the water to find food at certain times of day, and otherwise not very visible. If you take the boat around the island, you "might" see them in the cliffs, if you have binoculars or strong telephoto lens. I would add that my friend got back on the boat via the steps carved into the rocks, and it really wasn't any easier to manage than the rocks on the other side of Ireland's Eye.

Response from Host, Jul 2025

Hi Lori, Thank you for sharing your detailed feedback. We appreciate your honest insights and are sorry to hear that your experience didn’t fully meet your expectations. Safety is our top priority, and we understand that disembarking onto Ireland's Eye can be challenging. It sounds as though you read our advice which is given when booking online prior to the tour regarding the landing stage. We strive to provide clear guidance about the terrain and conditions to help guests make informed decisions. As is stated upon booking, landing is at the discretion of each passenger should they feel able bodied to disembark. Regarding wildlife sightings, as with all nature excursions, sightings can vary. We also note that access to certain parts of the island is limited to preserve its natural habitat, which can impact how much visitors can explore. The island is a protected sanctuary under UNESCO status, and protecting it is one of our core values. We’re glad that you enjoyed the boat ride around the island and bay, and we appreciate your suggestions. Your feedback helps us improve our tours and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests. I'm sorry to hear that despite our best efforts in advising in advance of the landing stage, and swapping you over to another tour that you feel it warrants 1 star, however I appreciate that this is your opinion. Thank you again for taking the time to share your thoughts. We would still love the opportunity to rectify your experience, and would like to invite you on one of our new tours in Dun Laoghaire. If you would like to avail of this please email us howthcliffcruises@gmail.com Mark