Dublin: Ferry From Howth to Irelands Eye Island

Dublin, the vibrant capital of Ireland, offers a unique opportunity to explore the enchanting Irelands Eye Island. Accessible via a scenic ferry ride from the charming coastal town of Howth, this adventure promises to captivate nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. With a flexible cancellation policy and a starting price of just £20.37 per person, the 1.5-hour excursion provides a chance to discover the island’s stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and historical Martello tower. The 15-minute boat ride each way allows visitors to fully enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the region. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this excursion is an ideal way to experience the captivating allure of Dublin’s natural wonders.

Key Points

• The ferry from Howth to Ireland’s Eye island offers a 1.5-hour experience, with a 15-minute boat ride each way and 1 hour for island exploration.
• Pricing for the experience starts at £20.37 per person, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
• The ferry service operates weather permitting, with a focus on passenger safety, and a local captain to ensure a smooth journey.
• Key highlights of the experience include stunning views of Howth’s coastline, a bird sanctuary with puffins and other seabirds, and the opportunity to explore the island’s attractions.
• The island is not suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility impairments, or a fear of heights, and visitors must adhere to guidelines to preserve the fragile ecosystem.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

The ferry from Howth to Irelands Eye island offers a 1.5-hour experience, with the boat ride taking 15 minutes each way and an hour to explore the island.

Priced from £20.37 per person, the ferry service provides a free cancellation option up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Visitors can also take advantage of the reserve now and pay later option.

The ferry operates weather permitting, and the local captain prioritizes passenger safety.

With stunning views of Howth’s coastline and Dublin Bay, the ferry service allows visitors to discover the island’s bird sanctuary and explore its natural beauty.

Experience Highlights

A ferry ride to Irelands Eye island offers stunning views of Howth’s coastline and Dublin Bay, providing visitors with an opportunity to explore the island’s bird sanctuary home to puffins, gannets, and cormorants.

Once on the island, travelers can partake in a variety of activities, including walking, swimming on the west beach, and viewing the early 19th-century Martello tower.

The local captain prioritizes passenger safety, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, visitors can easily plan their trip without worrying about unexpected changes in the weather or tide conditions.

Itinerary Details

The ferry ride begins at Howth Harbor, transporting visitors across to Irelands Eye (weather permitting). Once on the island, travelers enjoy a self-guided exploration for approximately one hour before returning to the harbor. Boats depart Howth every hour on the half-hour.

Itinerary	Duration
Ferry to Irelands Eye	15 minutes
Explore Irelands Eye	1 hour
Return Ferry to Howth	15 minutes

The total experience lasts around 1.5 hours, allowing ample time to take in the stunning vistas of Howth’s coastline and Dublin Bay, as well as the island’s diverse wildlife and historic Martello tower.

Important Information and Restrictions

Landing on Irelands Eye is subject to favorable weather conditions and the captain’s discretion.

Visitors should be aware that the island isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with mobility impairments, or those afraid of heights, as the landing involves steep steps.

Closed-toe shoes are recommended, and dogs are prohibited on the island.

Plus, all visitors must take their rubbish back with them when departing the island.

These restrictions are in place to ensure the safety and preservation of the island’s fragile ecosystem.

Visitors are encouraged to plan accordingly and follow the guidelines to make the most of their experience on Irelands Eye, a unique and breathtaking natural sanctuary.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

Customers have rated the overall experience 4 out of 5 stars based on 33 reviews, with positive feedback highlighting the beautiful views, wildlife sightings, and overall enjoyment of the island.

The ferry service itself received 4.3 out of 5 stars for transportation, while the value for money was rated 4 out of 5.

Reviewers appreciated the stunning vistas of Howth’s coastline and Dublin Bay, as well as the opportunity to spot puffins, gannets, and cormorants on the island.

However, some recommendations suggest being flexible with departure times due to weather and tide conditions, as landing on the island is subject to the captain’s discretion based on favorable conditions.

Getting to Howth Harbor

Reaching Howth Harbor, the starting point for the ferry to Ireland’s Eye, can be accomplished through several convenient transportation options. Whether traveling from Dublin city center or the surrounding areas, visitors have flexible choices to get to the harbor.

Mode	Approx. Time	Cost
Train	30 minutes	€3.30
Bus	45 minutes	€3.20
Taxi	30 minutes	€30-40

The scenic coastal rail line and bus services provide easy public transit access to Howth. For those preferring a more direct route, taking a taxi is a comfortable option. With various transportation modes available, reaching the harbor for the ferry to Ireland’s Eye is straightforward and hassle-free.

Departure and Return Times

Once visitors have made their way to Howth Harbor, they’ll find the ferry to Ireland’s Eye departs on a regular schedule.

The boats return to the harbor every hour on the half-hour, allowing travelers flexibility in planning their island excursion.

The ferry ride takes approximately 15 minutes each way, leaving ample time for a thorough exploration of the island.

Guests should check the departure times and plan accordingly, as the boats run hourly and won’t wait for latecomers.

With the schedule’s consistency, visitors can easily incorporate the Ireland’s Eye trip into their broader Dublin sightseeing itinerary without feeling rushed.

What to Bring and Expect

Visitors to Ireland’s Eye should dress appropriately for the island’s rugged terrain and unpredictable weather. Closed-toe shoes are recommended to safely navigate the steep steps during landing and exploration of the island. Warm, windproof layers are essential, as the coastal setting can be quite breezy even on mild days.

Visitors should also be prepared to carry any trash or litter back with them, as the island is a protected bird sanctuary. Swimming is permitted on the west beach, so a swimsuit and towel may be useful for those looking to take a dip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Ferry Wheelchair Accessible?

Unfortunately, the ferry to Ireland’s Eye island is not accessible for wheelchair users. The landing on the island involves steep steps, making it unsuitable for individuals with mobility impairments. Alternative island tours may be available for those who require accessible transportation.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Yes, visitors can bring their own food and drinks to enjoy on Irelands Eye island. There are no shops or restaurants on the island, so bringing a packed lunch or snacks is recommended. Visitors must take any rubbish back with them.

Is There a Toilet Facility on the Island?

There are no toilet facilities on Ireland’s Eye island. Visitors must be prepared to use the natural environment or return to the mainland if needed. The island has limited amenities, so planning ahead is recommended.

How Often Do Ferries Depart in the Off-Season?

In the off-season, ferries depart Howth Harbor for Irelands Eye every hour on the half-hour. The boat schedule is subject to weather and tidal conditions, so visitors should check the latest updates before planning their trip.

Can I Extend My Time on the Island?

Unfortunately, the ferry schedule doesn’t allow for extending one’s time on the island. The ferries return to the mainland every hour on the half-hour, providing a fixed 1-hour window for visitors to explore Irelands Eye.

Recap

Explore the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife of Ireland’s Eye Island on a picturesque ferry ride from Howth.

This 1.5-hour adventure offers an unforgettable outdoor experience, with stunning scenery, a bird sanctuary, and historical sites to discover.

Whether you’re a nature lover or adventure seeker, this tour provides a flexible and affordable way to experience the beauty of Dublin’s coastline.

You can check if your dates are available here: