Howth Sunset Boat Cruise Dublin

Howth Harbour and village

Howth is a historic fishing village on a rocky peninsula at the northern end of Dublin Bay, about 15 kilometres from the city centre. Its large harbour, built in the early nineteenth century as the main landing point for the mail boats from Britain, is today busy with fishing trawlers, small sailing boats and seafood restaurants along the West Pier, where fresh fish is landed every day. Seals often swim lazily between the boats waiting for scraps.

The village climbs the hill behind the harbour, with colourful houses, a ruined medieval abbey and narrow lanes leading up to the headland. If you are wondering how to get to Howth, the DART suburban train runs from central Dublin to Howth station, right beside the harbour, in about 30 minutes. Many visitors spend the afternoon walking the cliff path or eating fish and chips before joining the evening cruise.

Ireland's Eye

Ireland's Eye is a small uninhabited island just north of Howth Harbour, rising steeply from the sea in cliffs of ancient quartzite. It is a protected nature reserve and one of the best places near Dublin to see seabirds: gannets nest on a huge rock stack called the Stack, and in spring and summer guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes and sometimes puffins crowd its ledges. Grey seals often bask on the rocks below.

The island also has a long human history. The ruins of a small early Christian church stand near the shore, and a round Martello tower built in the early nineteenth century to guard against invasion still watches over the western tip. From the boat, your captain explains the stories of the island while you photograph it against the colours of the setting sun, one of the most romantic views in Dublin.

The Howth cliffs

The Howth peninsula ends in high cliffs covered with heather and gorse, which turn purple and golden in late summer. From the land, the famous Howth cliff walk follows their edge, but seeing them from the sea gives a completely different perspective: you appreciate their height, the layers of rock folded by ancient earth movements and the small coves that are impossible to reach on foot.

Seabirds nest on the ledges, and the captain points out the different species and the wildlife of the area as the boat follows the coast. Your Howth boat tour stays close enough to the cliffs for great photos, while the light of the evening sun warms the rocks. The route may be adjusted by the captain if the sea is rough, as safety always comes first on this coast.

Dublin Bay at sunset

Dublin Bay is a wide, sheltered bay stretching from Howth in the north to Dalkey in the south, with the city of Dublin at its heart. In 2015 it was recognised by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve because of its rich wildlife, from wading birds on the sandy shores to dolphins and porpoises that are sometimes seen offshore. On a clear evening you can see the whole curve of the coast and the Dublin Mountains behind the city.

The best time to visit Howth for this cruise is on a calm, clear day, when the sun sets in shades of orange and pink over the water. Departure times follow the season, so check the booking panel for your date. Bring a warm jacket even in summer, as the breeze on the water is always cooler than in town, and keep your camera ready for the golden light.