Healing Bay Cruises
Bay cruises are basically therapy in disguise. When you’re worn out from everyday hassles and office chaos, they work magic on your stress levels in a way few other trips can. Watching the ocean waves roll by and gazing out at the endless horizon gently resets your mind, offering a fresh perspective on life.
In that calm, unhurried space, solutions to life’s problems sometimes float in all on their own.
These are scenic boat trips across Dublin Bay, most famously between Dun Laoghaire and Howth.
Instead of hopping on a bus or train, passengers get to travel by sea, enjoying panoramic views of the coastline, fresh air, and the gentle rhythm of the waves.
The cruises operate seasonally and are popular with both tourists and locals. Whether you’re visiting Dublin for the first time or have lived there all your life, seeing the city from the bay feels refreshingly different.
Dublin Bay Cruise: Wildlife and Nature
The natural beauty of these coastal areas is something else. Especially the colourful wild flowers! The variety and eye-soothing colours with ocean blue will instantly enhance your mood! The view is just like the dream, just like that dream, maybe you dreamt in your childhood with your innocent subconscious mind or just like the poetry you may have written in your youth! So, pure, peaceful and clean!
The seagulls are all around to entertain you throughout your whole trip! These unofficial ocean mayors are a main attraction for not only wildlife photographers but also moment lovers!
Tiny creatures like crabs and starfish along the seashore have a quiet way of changing your thoughts. If you pause there for a while, watching them move and survive in their own small worlds, you begin to appreciate the little things in life. Their simple existence reminds you how even the smallest lives play a part in making our planet such a beautifully balanced place.
Dublin Bay Cruises: Howth Coastal Boat Tour
The Howth boat trip offers one of the most spectacular bay cruises. Fresh air and wild views will definitely make your day! So, if you want a front-row seat to Dublin Bay’s greatest hits, then the Howth Coastal Boat Tour is your thing. This is around a 50-60-minute tour, but definitely worth it.
This short but mesmerising boat trip departs from the fishing village of Howth and cruises along cliffs, caves and wildlife-packed waters that feel like another world from the City.
Photographers can get a lot of photo moments from this short but really amazing trip.
The “Dublin Bay Cruises” is a family-run business that offers trips to different areas within Ireland. We enjoyed the breathtaking views one bright sunny day with 5 friends. Per person cost was 38, but they also offer corporate events and team events.
For info and booking, you can check out the website or drop an email to booking@dublinbaycruises.com or call 01 9011757.
Dún Laoghaire to Howth
The most well-known route connects two of Dublin’s most charming coastal towns:
Dún Laoghaire is known for its historic harbour, long piers, and seaside walks
Howth is actually a picturesque fishing village famous for cliff walks, seafood, and a laid-back vibe
The journey takes about 60–70 minutes, and along the way you’ll pass lighthouses, rocky cliffs, small islands, and sometimes even seals lounging near the water. On a clear day, the views are unreal.
You can enjoy the live the rugged nature of Howth Cliffs and the Vantage point to view the Island of Ireland’s Eye. Here reside the wildlife like gannets and puffins. We watched as cute seals were creating a colony in the Island of Howth Harbour.
You can spent a quality time there with family and curious friends and enjoy seafood in their restaurants. We experienced the outdoor beauty like an adventure there.
Dun Laoghaire to Dalkey Island and Killiney Bay
This trip takes 60 minutes and offers the scenic charm of the Martello Tower, named after the famous writer James Joyce. Our friend Harry was really excited to watch that, as he is so inspired by the writer!
The tour will give you a calm and scenic view, and sometimes the chattering and sharp sound of the gulls and other birds, as the cruise glides into open water.
Now come to the beauty of Dalkey Island! You must have seen them in many YouTube videos, but through this trip, you can enjoy them live! Moreover, the black rabbits on the Island, colonised seals are another charm waiting for you!
Through Killiney Bay, you can enjoy the unique curve of the sea and green hills. And if you are lucky enough, then you can enjoy dolphins passing through!
The overall trip will give you a fresh start, definitely. They charge 28 for this trip per person, which is completely worth it as you see the rare views and nature-filled escapes that are priceless!
What Makes the Cruise Special?
What really sets Dublin Bay Cruises apart is the perspective. From the water, you see Dublin as a coastal city rather than just an urban one. The skyline looks softer, the noise fades away, and the pace instantly slows down.
Some highlights include:
- Open-deck seating for uninterrupted views
- Informative commentary about local landmarks and history
- Comfortable indoor seating if the weather turns (this is Ireland, after all)
It’s peaceful without being boring and informative without feeling like a lecture.
A Perfect Activity for Any Type of Traveller
Dublin Bay Cruises works for almost everyone:
Tourists looking for a memorable, Instagram-worthy experience
Families wanting a calm but engaging activity
Couples after a relaxed, scenic outing
Locals who want to rediscover Dublin from a new angle
It also pairs perfectly with a day out—cruise to Howth, explore the village, go for a cliff walk, then head back by train.
Best Time to Go
The cruises are best enjoyed during spring and summer, when the sea is calmer and the skies are brighter. That said, even a cloudy day can add a dramatic, moody beauty to the bay. Just bring a jacket, and you’re good to go.
Best Viewing locations for Dublin Bay Cruises
Dún Laoghaire Harbour & Piers
One of the classic launch points for Dublin Bay Cruises, Dún Laoghaire offers spectacular bay views from the water and ashore. Gentle strolls with views out over Dublin Bay and cruisers departing/arriving.
Poolbeg Lighthouse & Great South Wall
A must-visit shoreline location where the bay opens out into the Irish Sea. The long stone pier walk gives a more open water perspective. From her,e you can spot Poolbeg Lighthouse and chimneys.
Howth Harbour & Howth Head
A key stop on many Dublin Bay Cruises and a stunning base for coastal viewing.
The Howth Cliff Walk and summit of Shielmartin Hill give 360° views over Dublin Bay, Ireland’s Eye, and the coastline.
Dalkey Island & Killiney Bay (from land or cruise)
Seen on scenic cruises and beloved for its natural beauty. Dalkey Island, with its sea colonies, is a highlight on the water. Killiney Hill Park provides elevated vantage points over Dalkey, Killiney Bay and Dublin Bay.
Bull Island & Clontarf Promenade
A quieter land-based viewing location north of Dublin city. Offers long sweeping views across the bay towards Howth, Poolbeg and Dublin’s skyline.
Sandymount Strand & Coastline Walks
Perfect for watching sunrise or sunset views over Dublin Bay. Smooth, flat beach promenade ideal for relaxed sunset light and reflections on tide flats.
Final Thoughts on Dublin Bay Cruises
Finally, all I can say is, it’s more than just a trip! Dublin Bay cruises are a complete Coastal experience which captured true face of Dublin and Dublin Bay. You can curate your trip package as per need and get a fabulous experience with family and team. Do let us know how your trip went and the food experience nearby! Stay tuned to Dublinz Facebook and Dublinz Instagram for more like this! And my kind suggestion to you all is to go through the blog on Dublin Ice rinks to satisfy the season’s demand!