
Howth Cliffs and Lighthouses Boat Tour
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.5/5
Based on 474 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Howth Cliffs and Lighthouses Boat Tour worth booking?
Howth Cliffs and Lighthouses Boat Tour is a 0.8-hour experience in Dublin, Ireland, from $32 per person. It scores 72 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 474 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 72 / 100
- Rating
- 4.5/5 (474)
- Duration
- 0.8 hours
- From
- $32 per person
Thousands of people flood to Howth every year to see Howth Cliffs and walk or hike the cliffs. Our cruises allow for people to experience Howth Cliff like never before, taking in spectacular views from the sea. There are
What you get
About this experience
Thousands of people flood to Howth every year to see Howth Cliffs and walk or hike the cliffs. Our cruises allow for people to experience Howth Cliff like never before, taking in spectacular views from the sea. There are plenty of photo opportunites along the way with amazing scenery and wildlife on Ireland's Eye including Puffins, Guillemots and Grey Seals. - Easy hassle free train (DART) or bus journey from Dublin City Centre - Skippered by expert local crew
What's included
Included
- Life jackets on board
What you'll see and do
Baily Lighthouse
Our tour of Howth Cliffs begins at the Baily Lighthouse, with commentary and information about the history of the lighthouse.
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Howth Head
The awe inspiring Cliffs of Howth in Irelands Ancient East are walked by tens of thousands of visitors every Summer. Why not try something a little more ‘Viking’ and experience their views, their flora and their fauna from the Sea! Join us on the ‘Puffin’, Howth’s newest and fastest ferry, as we cruise along the Cliffs taking in breathtaking views of Dublin Bay, the Bailey lighthouse and Irelands Eye. This one-hour cruise is Captained by Mark, whose family have been fishing and touring these waters for generations. Live commentary on bird life, rock formations and sea mammals is provided.
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Howth Lighthouse
Take in views and enjoy commentary about Howth Lighthouse as you exit the harbour
Pass by without stopping
Take a trip around Ireland’s Eye, taking in spectacular views of the Island, the Martello Tower, and the colony of seals and birds which inhabit the area. Get up close and personal with the flora and fauna on Ireland’s Eye. The island is a Nature Reserve and a sanctuary for wildlife in Dublin Bay Biosphere. Commentary on the history of the island, the wildlife and the famous Kirwan murder on the island is provided.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Dublin
Pontoon on the West Pier in Howth. Opposite Aqua Restaurant
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Pontoon on the West Pier in Howth. Opposite Aqua Restaurant
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Howth Cliff Cruises
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 472 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
472 verified traveler reviews for Howth Cliffs and Lighthouses Boat Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Fantastic trip to Ireland’s
Wonderful trip out to beautiful Ireland’s Eye today. Great service, enought time to explore and enjoy the Island. Thank you.
via Tripadvisor
Lovely trip but don't be misled by the itinerary.
The trip was lovely. We were welcomed aboard by the captain who was very kind. The cliffs are breathtaking and the Lighthouse was nice. The audio guide was interesting but very quiet. You had to listen hard to pick everything up. Overall a nice trip except that despite the itinerary stating ' Take a trip around Ireland’s Eye, spectacular views of the Island... the colony of seals and birds...' we barely passed near enough to see the Island, let alone the wildlife. Very disappointed.
via Tripadvisor
Adventures experience
You can see lots of different animals and children are even allowed to steer the boat for a little while. The guides were really patient and made this experience a lot of fun!
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic cliff cruise in Howth
We had a lovely experience on the Howth cliff cruise. The team were so friendly and helpful. It was great to learn more about the history and the length of the cruise was just perfect. We even got to see a seal which was an amazing bonus 😄😄😄
via Tripadvisor
Howth costal tour
The captain continued to check on the passengers since the water was a bit choppy today. He played a history recording that gave us information about what we were viewing. I love being on the boat and seeing the seals swimming in water.
Response from the operator: Thank you for joining us onboard.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 0.8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 166
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 72
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Howth Cliffs and Lighthouses Boat Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Dublin.
How much does Howth Cliffs and Lighthouses Boat Tour cost?
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Prices start at $32 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Dublin usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Howth Cliffs and Lighthouses Boat Tour take?
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Plan for about 0.8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Dublin is not rushed.
Is Howth Cliffs and Lighthouses Boat Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 72 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 474 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Dublin, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Howth Cliffs and Lighthouses Boat Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Howth Cliffs and Lighthouses Boat Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 0.8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Howth Cliffs and Lighthouses Boat Tour?
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Around 166 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Dublin can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Dublin and add a light layer if any part of the 0.8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Howth Cliffs and Lighthouses Boat Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Dublin within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Dublin?
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On Outty we rank every Dublin experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Dublin to Cliffs of Moher, including Wild Atlantic Way and Galway, Dublin Highlights and Hidden Gems Guided Walking Tour, The Little Museum of Dublin Famous Guided Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Dublin?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Dublin?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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