Hand-picked by our editors — only the best 5 experiences from 12 reviewed
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50 min
Cruise along Dublin's stunning shoreline from a historic fishing harbor, spotting wildlife and sea caves
Reserve
2 hr
Journey to an uninhabited bird sanctuary aboard a family-operated ferry serving Dublin since 1947
Reserve
50 min
Sail past dramatic cliffs and a seabird sanctuary while spotting seals, puffins, and gannets on this scenic bay cruise.
ReservePrices from verified partners. Availability updates in real time at checkout. Free cancellation policies apply where shown.
The landmarks, rooms, and views travelers on this tour remember — all visible on a single visit.
A tall, iconic sea stack that towers over the water and hosts thousands of seabirds. It is a prime location for nesting gannets and guillemots.
This historical structure dates back to the early 19th century as a coastal defense. It remains a notable landmark visible upon arrival at the landing point.
The island serves as a vital sanctuary for puffins, gannets, and fulmars. Observe these species during the summer nesting period from the cliff trails.
The dramatic rock formations offer views of the Irish Sea and the Howth coastline. These cliffs provide the backdrop for the rugged natural terrain of the island.
The landing option provides an immersive adventure for those seeking to walk the island, while the non-landing coastal cruise is superior for passengers prioritizing panoramic views of the cliffs and sea stacks from the water. Choosing between these ireland's eye ferry tours options depends on whether you prefer active exploration or a passive maritime journey.
| Feature | Top pick Ireland's Eye Landing | Howth Coastal Cruise |
|---|---|---|
Experience Type |
Island landing exploration | Scenic coastal boat tour |
Island Access |
Full land access | Boat view only |
Activity Level |
Moderate hiking required | Low physical exertion |
Wildlife Proximity |
Close-range bird watching | Distanced coastal viewing |
Flexibility |
Scheduled island return | Continuous circuit voyage |
Price |
30 EUR (summer) | 20 EUR (summer) |
| See tickets → |
Verdict: If you want to purchase ireland's eye ferry tours tickets to hike the island, choose the landing service, whereas the coastal cruise offers a relaxed alternative for seeing Howth landmarks without leaving the vessel.
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Arrive at the entrance, show your voucher on your phone, and walk in. Most tickets include priority or skip-the-line access.
Practical details for your visit straight from our verified partners — hours, access, rules, and how to get there.
West Pier, Howth, Dublin 13
Look for signage near the water
Take the DART train to Howth station and walk to the pier
Follow signs for Howth and park at the harbor car park
Wear sturdy, comfortable footwear suitable for uneven coastal terrain on the island. Bring waterproof layers as sea spray and weather conditions change rapidly.
Keep belongings minimal and secure, as you must carry everything with you on the island. Large suitcases are not permitted on the small ferry vessels.
Handheld photography is permitted throughout the ferry journey and on the island. Drones are prohibited without prior authorization from relevant authorities.
Access to the boats involves stepping from the West Pier, which may be challenging for those with limited mobility. The island terrain itself is rocky and unpaved.
Mobile reception is generally available near the coast, but coverage may be intermittent on the island. Use devices responsibly to avoid disturbing nesting birds.
Children are welcome on Ireland's Eye ferry tours when accompanied by an adult. Ensure children remain seated during the transit across the Irish Sea.
There are no facilities on the island, so pack all necessary water and food. Take all waste back to the mainland to preserve the local habitat.
Dogs are generally not permitted on these specific boat crossings. Contact the operator directly to confirm current animal policies.
The 30 EUR fee covers the return trip to the island. Check the official site for real-time schedule updates before departing for Howth.
Best time to go, insider tips, nearby landmarks, and the cancellation fine print — flip through to skim what matters to you.
How crowds, weather, and events shift across the year.
Peak season offers the warmest temperatures and frequent sailings. May to August is ideal for observing active puffin and guillemot colonies.
Small details that turn a good visit into a great one.
Weather and tide levels dictate daily operation. Verify availability on the official site before traveling.
Bring binoculars to view nesting seabirds from a respectful distance. This minimizes disruption to the local wildlife.
Wear shoes with good grip. The paths on the island are natural and can be slippery.
There is very little shade on the island. Apply sun protection before departing the pier.
Bring more water than you expect to need. There are no vending machines on the island.
Non-bookable sights within a short walk — free to visit, easy to pair.
Offers scenic views of the peninsula and the sea.
Historic site with extensive gardens and grounds.
Exhibits focused on Irish vehicle history.
Ancient ruins located in the center of Howth.
Flexible, no hidden fees.
Cancellations due to adverse weather or tides are fully refundable. Please contact the operator for refund processing of the 30 EUR return ferry fee.
Hand-picked options within walking distance — pick a district for vibe, or a specific hotel for convenience.
Coastal hotel with views of the harbor.
Well-located hotel near the DART station.
Ireland's Eye sits barely two kilometres from Howth's West Pier, yet the islet's seventeen hectares have remained uninhabited since the sixth century when a monastery occupied its eastern shore. The Martello tower on the island's summit was built in 1804 as part of a chain guarding Dublin Bay against Napoleonic invasion, and its stone walls still rise above the grassy plateau where cormorants and kittiwakes nest in numbers that qualify the island as a Special Protection Area under European law. The Vikings knew it as Eria's Island; by medieval times it was corrupted to Ireland's Eye, and the name stuck even as the monastery ruins dissolved into rubble and the tower garrison disbanded. Today the island belongs to BirdWatch Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, which restrict landing to daylight hours and prohibit dogs, fires, and camping. The protection pays dividends: grey seals haul out on the eastern rocks, and the cliffs host one of Ireland's largest seabird colonies. Guillemots, razorbills, and fulmars crowd the ledges on the northern face; puffins visit in spring. The Martello tower remains locked, but walkers circle the perimeter in under an hour, passing the monastery ruins and the rocky blowhole called the Thulla, where Atlantic swells thunder into a collapsed sea cave. Ireland's Eye ferry tours depart from Howth's West Pier throughout the day, weather permitting. The crossing takes twelve to fifteen minutes, and operators run continuous shuttles from mid-morning until early evening, allowing visitors to choose their return time. Tides dictate the last sailings; low water exposes rocks near the landing slip, and captains stop service when safe approach becomes impossible. Most visitors spend two to three hours ashore, enough time to walk the coastal path, watch the seabirds, and scramble up to the Martello tower for views across to Howth Head and the Baily Lighthouse. There are no facilities on the island — no toilets, no shelter, no fresh water — so bring supplies and dress for wind. The harbour seals often follow the ferries, curious and unafraid, close enough to see their dark eyes and whiskered snouts breaking the surface.
"The island has remained uninhabited since the sixth century, its monastery ruins now home to one of Ireland's largest seabird colonies."
A step-by-step walkthrough of the visit — what you'll see, how long each stage takes, and the details that matter.
You board at Howth's West Pier, where the ferry idles beside fishing trawlers and lobster pots stacked three deep. The skipper casts off and the diesel engine churns, pushing through the harbour mouth and out past the red navigation buoy. Ireland's Eye grows larger, its Martello tower standing sharp against the sky, and within twelve minutes the bow nudges the stone landing slip on the island's sheltered south side. You step ashore onto granite boulders slick with weed, then follow the worn path eastward past the monastery ruins — low stone walls and a single arched doorway open to the grass. The coastal track circles the island clockwise, skirting the cliff edge where guillemots perch in dense ranks on narrow ledges. You pause at the Thulla, a collapsed sea cave where waves explode upward through a blowhole, sending spray twenty metres into the air. The path climbs toward the Martello tower; from its base you see Howth Head curving south, the Baily Lighthouse perched on the rocks, and on clear days the Wicklow Mountains rising inland. Seals surface in the kelp beds below, heads bobbing, watching you watch them. When you return to the slip, the ferry waits, ready for the crossing back.
The attraction is open daily from 09:45–19:00. These hours apply to all days of the week.
The entrance fee is 30 EUR per person for a return ferry to land on the island. This fee is standard for all passengers.
Yes, you can view available options and book your Ireland's Eye ferry tours via the official site.
We recommend arriving between 09:45–16:00 to allow sufficient time for island exploration and to avoid late-day cancellations.
No, there are no facilities of any kind on the island. Please ensure you plan accordingly before departing Howth.
Yes, cancellations due to tides or weather result in a full refund of your 30 EUR ferry fee. Contact the operator for assistance.
Pets are generally restricted on the boats; please verify specific operator policies before bringing animals to the West Pier.
Bring sturdy shoes, water, sun protection, and a camera. Remember that there are no shops on the island.
Yes, children are welcome on these trips. Please supervise them closely during the boat crossing and on the rugged island terrain.