The 15 Best Dublin Boat Trips and Cruises

1.River Liffey Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 3,473 reviews · from $23Our pick

See Dublin from an all-weather, 48-passenger boat as a local English-speaking guide links Viking Dublin, the canals, Custom House, Docklands, and Dublin Port. Guides such as Gerry, Jerry, Lucy, and Peter are known for warm storytelling. The cruise lasts 45 minutes and returns to Custom House Quay.

“Informative and enjoyable - despite poor weather! The crew were both terrific, particularly the engaging ‘tour guide’ who was incredibly knowledgeable about Dublin’s history.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Dublin Sightseeing Cruise on River Liffey with Local Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 927 reviews · 45 minutes (approx.) · from $27

Cruise the River Liffey from Sean O'Casey Bridge in a small pontoon boat with a local guide. Hear Dublin stories while passing the Jeanie Johnston, Samuel Beckett Bridge, Ha'penny Bridge, and Docklands. Guides such as Jerry and Terry add humor to this short, easy introduction to the city.

“The Dublin Sightseeing Cruise along the River Liffey was an enriching experience! From the moment we boarded the comfortable boat, the local guide captivated us with his friendly storytelling, bringing to life Dublin’s rich history. The views were absolutely stunning! Looking at the city from the water provided a unique perspective, with vibrant buildings and stunning architecture.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Howth Coastal Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 644 reviews · from $28

From Howth’s West Pier, you’ll take a 50-minute small-boat cruise around Ireland’s Eye with an English-speaking skipper. Expect cliffs, sea caves, The Stack, seabirds and possible seals or puffins, plus local stories from guides such as Harry, Kim and Maggie.

“Excellent really enjoyed it , our tour guide kim was very nice lots of information my son was amazed”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Howth Cliffs and Lighthouse Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 441 reviews · from $28

Meet at Howth’s West Pier for a 45-minute coastal cruise with an English-speaking captain. See Howth Cliffs, Balscadden Bay, Howth Lighthouse, Ireland’s Eye, seabirds, and seals. The route may change in rough weather, and the boat returns to the pier.

“Fun boat ride with lots of interesting info about history, nature and even politics.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Howth Cliffs and Ireland’s Eye Ferry Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 365 reviews · 50 minutes to 1 hour (approx.) · from $24

Board the Puffin at Howth Harbour for a roughly one-hour cruise past Baily Lighthouse, the Howth Cliffs, and Ireland’s Eye. Captain Mark and his crew provide commentary on local wildlife, rock formations, island history, and the Kirwan murder. The open boat offers fine views, but bring warm clothing.

“Nice experience, particularly if you get some good weather. Toilet on board, and minimal drinks/snack bar.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Boat Trip from Dublin City to Dun Laoghaire

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 344 reviews · 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes (approx.) · from $33

Ride from Sir John Rogerson’s Quay through Dublin Port and Docklands to Dun Laoghaire. You’ll see the Convention Center, Eastlink Bridge, Poolbeg Lighthouse, and East Pier, with an onboard bar, restrooms, and WiFi. The one-way trip starts at 11:00 am and takes about an hour.

“The boat ride was long and boring. No narration. Did not know what we were looking at. Hard to find the starting location. It would have been better to take the transfer to town from the cruise ship.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Howth Coast and Ireland’s Eye Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 301 reviews · from $27

Set out from Howth Harbour for a 45-minute cruise around Ireland’s Eye, with views of Howth Cliffs, Balscadden Bay, the Martello Tower, seals, and seabirds. Your English-speaking captain or crew provides live commentary, though some departures use recorded audio. Island landing is not included.

“We had a very nice trip with all the information and even a little extra about Ireland's Eye and Howth. The sea was a bit rough but our shipper was very skilled and everything went well! Thank you for the experience!”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Howth Coastal Boat Tour (Ireland’s Eye Ferries 50 mins trip)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 200 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $30Top rated

Meet your skipper at Howth’s west pier for a small-group cruise around Ireland’s Eye and the Howth cliffs. Expect seals, seabirds, coastal views, local history, Irish music, and a boat that may bob in rough water. Captains such as Harry, Maggi, Shane, and Lily bring the coast to life.

“We enjoyed the casual pace. Scenery was spectacular . The boat was spartan but authentic. Learned a few things also”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Sunset Cruise in Howth

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 149 reviews · from $30

Set out from Howth's West Pier for a one-hour sunset cruise around Dublin Bay. Your English-speaking captain points out seabirds, seals, Ireland's Eye, and local history. Ollie and George have both led trips praised for friendly commentary, photo stops, and a warm welcome.

“beautiful sunset, saw gorgeous birds and seals and the island”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.Grand Canal Cruise with Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 143 reviews · from $79

Board an electric canal barge at Mespil Road for a two-hour dinner cruise through Dublin’s Grand Canal. Enjoy a freshly prepared three-course meal, one glass of house wine or a bottle of beer, and access to a full bar. The boat returns to the same jetty.

“The only thing that could be improved is “the Grand Canal”. What a joke. It is a ditch with a few broken down boats parked on the side, and trash on the banks. The cruise itself was fine and worthy of the River Liffey, not this ditch.”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.Dublin Bay Cruise from Dun Laoghaire to Howth

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 139 reviews · from $32

Sail aboard the St Bridget from Dun Laoghaire to Howth in about 60 to 70 minutes. You’ll see Dalkey Island, Ireland’s Eye, Lambay Island, the Dublin Mountains, Bull Island, Joyce’s Martello Tower, and Baily Lighthouse. Sit upstairs for open views, or stay below in poor weather.

“Great boat trip to howth. Although it started of windy & spitting rain, We sat downstairs undercover and looked out from the windows. Rain stopped,then The sun then came out. So we were able to go above deck and take in the beautiful scenery of howth as we approached, got to see some dolphins aswell, so was a bonus Great little boat trip, over, then the train back.”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.Dublin Bay: Cruise from the City Centre to Dun Laoghaire

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 139 reviews · from $32

Sail for about an hour from Sir John Rogerson’s Quay to Dun Laoghaire on a 96-passenger boat with indoor and outdoor seating, live commentary, and panoramic bay views. You’ll pass the East Link Bridge, Poolbeg Lighthouse, Bull Island, Joyce’s Martello Tower, and arrive at East Pier.

“Nice ferry ride to dun laogharaire. Easy on and off.”

Check availability →Read our full review

13.Cliffs of Moher, Boat Tour & Aillwee Cave

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 102 reviews · from $142

Travel from Dublin with an English-speaking guide such as Philip, Colin, Rory, or Jonathan to explore 330-million-year-old Aillwee Cave, stop for lunch in Doolin, cruise below the Cliffs of Moher, and walk above them. Expect a long day, changing weather, and a busy boat ride.

“I would recommend going to the top of the Cliffs, prior to doing the boat ride to see the Cliffs so that if people get sick on the boat due to rough seas, they won't be too sick to see the view from the top of the Cliffs.”

Check availability →Read our full review

14.Cruise Excursion Hop-On Hop-Off Tour & Rail Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 101 reviews · from $36

Start at Dun Laoghaire Harbour, collect your rail tickets, and ride to Pearse Station, beside DoDublin Stop 8. A live-guided bus then links Trinity College, Dublin Castle, Guinness Storehouse, Phoenix Park, and other sights. Guides such as Damien, Mary, Davey, and Tyrone are praised for lively commentary.

“I love HoHo busses in a place I have never been and don't have much time. Take time to stop and see the Titanic Museum.”

Check availability →Read our full review

15.Dublin Cruise Ship Shore Excursion|Hop-on Hop-off & Rail Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 90 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.) · from $46

Start at Dun Laoghaire with a guided DART transfer into Dublin, then use a 24-hour DoDublin bus ticket to reach Trinity College, Temple Bar, Guinness, Dublin Castle, Kilmainham, and more. Live driver commentary, a city map, WiFi, and a Little Museum visit are included.

“Too many people booked. Hard time finding the bus and then it was packed to the doors. No seats available.”

Check availability →Read our full review