Ireland's Eye Island Ferry with Free Time from Howth Dublin
- DurationAbout 2 hours
- Daily, landing subject to season and weather
- Group
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Overview
This short ferry trip takes you from Howth Harbour, north of Dublin, across to Ireland's Eye, a small uninhabited island and protected bird sanctuary just off the coast. The crossing takes 15 to 20 minutes with views of the Howth Head cliffs, and when the weather allows the boat lands at the foot of steps carved into the rock. You then have free time to walk to the early 19th-century Martello tower, look out for puffins, gannets and cormorants around the great sea stack, or relax on the sandy west-facing beach before taking a return boat to Howth. It is a self-guided outing with a local captain and an English audio guide rather than a live guide, ideal for walkers and birdwatchers.
Highlights
- Short ferry crossing from Howth Harbour to the uninhabited island of Ireland's Eye
- Views of the Howth Head cliffs and the coastline north of Dublin
- Landing on the island by steps cut into the rock (weather permitting)
- Free time to walk to the early 19th-century Martello tower
- Seabirds including puffins, gannets and cormorants in a protected sanctuary
- A quiet sandy beach on the west side of the island
- Local captain, English audio guide and several departure times a day
Full Description
Howth Harbour and the ferry crossing
Howth is a fishing village on a rocky peninsula at the northern edge of Dublin Bay, about 30 minutes from the city centre by DART train. Its busy harbour, lined with seafood shops and fishing boats, is the departure point for the only ferry that lands passengers on Ireland's Eye, a service that has run in Howth since 1947 and is still run by the same family.
The crossing to the island takes 15 to 20 minutes. As the boat leaves the harbour wall you see the cliffs of Howth Head behind you and the shape of Ireland's Eye growing ahead, with seabirds circling its rocks. Visitors looking for a Howth day trip from Dublin can easily combine the ferry with a walk around the village before or after the crossing.
Ireland's Eye island
Ireland's Eye lies about 1.5 kilometres north of Howth Harbour. The island has no permanent residents and is protected for its wildlife, so there are no shops or facilities, only rocks, grassland, small beaches and sweeping views back to the mainland. Landing is made by steep steps carved into the rock, which is why sure-footed passengers enjoy it most.
Once ashore you are free to explore at your own pace. The ruins of a small early Christian church recall the monks who lived here more than a thousand years ago. Many people searching for how to get to Ireland's Eye discover that this ferry is the only way to set foot on the island, as other boats only circle it.
The Martello tower
On the north-west corner of the island stands a round stone Martello tower, built in the early 1800s as part of a chain of coastal forts against a feared French invasion. Thick granite walls and a single raised doorway made these towers easy to defend, and several still stand along the coast around Dublin.
A grassy path leads from the landing area to the tower in a few minutes, and the view from its base takes in Howth, the island's cliffs and the open Irish Sea. It is the most popular short walk on Ireland's Eye and a good place for photos of the harbour across the water, especially in the soft light of late afternoon.
Seabirds, the great sea stack and the west beach
Ireland's Eye is one of the best places near Dublin for birdwatching. On the north-east side a tall rock stack, separated from the island, is crowded in spring and summer with nesting gannets, guillemots and razorbills, while puffins, cormorants and kittiwakes can be seen around the cliffs. Seals often rest on the rocks below.
On the west side of the island lies a sandy beach where, on calm summer days, some visitors take a swim in the clear water. The best time to visit Ireland's Eye for seabirds is from April to July. As the island is a protected sanctuary, dogs are not allowed, and all rubbish must be taken back on the boat.
Itinerary
- Meet at Howth HarbourCheck in at the top of the ferry pontoon 15 minutes before departure.
- Ferry to Ireland's EyeA 15 to 20-minute crossing with views of Howth Head and the island cliffs.
- Landing and free timeStep ashore by the rock-cut steps and explore the island at your own pace, usually about one hour or longer.
- Return ferryBoard a return boat back to Howth Harbour; the whole outing takes about 2 hours.
What's included
- Return ferry crossing
- Local captain
- Landing on Ireland's Eye (weather permitting)
- Free time on the island
- English audio guide
Not included
- Live guide on the island
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.6/5 by past travellers
Think twice if
- You need hotel pickup — you meet at the meeting point
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
Not suitable for
- Pregnant women
- People with back problems
- People with mobility impairments
- Wheelchair users
- People afraid of heights or with vertigo
- People over 70 years
Meeting point
Meet the crew at the top of the ferry pontoon in Howth Harbour, on the north side of the Howth peninsula about 15 kilometres from central Dublin. Howth DART station is a short walk from the harbour. Please arrive 15 minutes before your departure time.
Important information
- Landing on the island depends on the sea and is at the captain's discretion; landings are seasonal
- The landing uses steep steps cut into the rock; good mobility is essential
- Wear closed-toe walking shoes; sandals, flip-flops and high heels are not allowed
- Bring a rain jacket, warm layers, water and snacks, as there are no facilities on the island
- Dogs, bikes, large bags, strollers and glass items are not allowed
- Take all rubbish back with you and do not disturb the birds
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
Is this a shared or a private experience?
It is a shared ferry crossing with other passengers, followed by free time on the island without a live guide.
How long does the trip take?
About 2 hours in total: 15 to 20 minutes each way on the ferry and free time on the island.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. You meet the crew at Howth Harbour, easily reached from central Dublin by DART train or bus.
What is included?
The return ferry, a local captain, landing on Ireland's Eye when the weather allows, free time on the island and an English audio guide.
Is the price per person or per group?
The price is per person. The booking panel on this page shows the current price.
Is it suitable for children and people with reduced mobility?
Children can join with an adult if they can manage the steep rock steps. It is not suitable for wheelchair users, people with limited mobility, back problems or vertigo, or for pregnant travellers.
Can I stay longer on the island?
On many days you can return on a later boat, and boats come back at regular intervals until late afternoon. Ask the captain about the return times on the day.
Will I see puffins on Ireland's Eye?
Puffins visit the island in the nesting season, roughly April to July, along with gannets and other seabirds. Sightings depend on the season and are never guaranteed.
What happens in bad weather?
The trip runs in rain, but strong winds can prevent landing or cancel the sailing. If the boat cannot sail, we help you change the date.
What should I bring?
Walking shoes, a waterproof jacket, water, snacks and a bag for your rubbish. Swimwear if you plan a dip at the west beach in summer.
How do I book and confirm?
Choose your date and departure time in the booking panel and send the request. Our team confirms on WhatsApp within minutes.
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