
Ireland's Eye
A stunning island sanctuary off Howth, Ireland's Eye is famed for its puffin colonies and scenic boat tours, offering a wild escape near Dublin.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Puffin season!

Ireland's Eye
Best Time
Puffin season!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning island sanctuary off Howth, Ireland's Eye is famed for its puffin colonies and scenic boat tours, offering a wild escape near Dublin.
"AMAZING 1h BOAT RIDE !!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. CLOSE TO THE MAIN TRAIN STATION (40 mins from Dublin) AND PLENTY OF GREAT RESTAURANTS."

Book Boat Tours Ahead
Secure your spot on popular tours, especially during puffin season. Many operators offer online booking.
Look for Seals
Early morning tours often offer the best chance to see seals sunbathing on the rocks.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Puffin Colony
Ireland's Eye
Witness thousands of puffins and other seabirds nesting on this protected island sanctuary. A true delight for birdwatchers!

Scenic Boat Tour
Around Ireland's Eye
Cruise around the island, taking in stunning coastal views and spotting seals basking on the rocks.
Historical Insights
Onboard boat tours
Learn about the island's ancient names and intriguing history, including tales of past inhabitants and events.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Puffin Season & Boat Tours
Island Access & Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Boat Tours Ahead
Secure your spot on popular tours, especially during puffin season. Many operators offer online booking.
Look for Seals
Early morning tours often offer the best chance to see seals sunbathing on the rocks.
Wear Layers
The weather can change quickly on the coast; bring layers for comfort on the boat. :cloud:
Camera Ready!
Capture stunning wildlife and coastal scenery. Don't forget your zoom lens for puffins! :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Boat Tours Ahead
Secure your spot on popular tours, especially during puffin season. Many operators offer online booking.
Look for Seals
Early morning tours often offer the best chance to see seals sunbathing on the rocks.
Wear Layers
The weather can change quickly on the coast; bring layers for comfort on the boat. :cloud:
Camera Ready!
Capture stunning wildlife and coastal scenery. Don't forget your zoom lens for puffins! :camerawithflash:
Check Landing Options
If you want to step onto the island, confirm with your tour operator if they offer drop-off services.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Ireland's Eye boat tours for their stunning scenery, abundant wildlife sightings (especially puffins and seals), and the friendly, knowledgeable captains. Many describe it as a highlight of their trip to Ireland, offering great value for money despite some finding it slightly pricey for the duration. The proximity to Dublin and Howth's amenities adds to its appeal.
"We had a very positive experience with Howth Cliff Cruises. They had to change our booking as with tidal conditions changing, the earliest drop on the island was to be the 14:20 sailing. The boat can take a lot of people comfortably. We disembarked onto a smaller boat as it was easier to go from this boat onto the island."
Una Hennessy
"Our Skipper Maggie created a magical and informative boat tour of the cliffs that will stand out as our whole family’s highlight of our trip to Ireland. Just the perfect mix for us of relaxation and education in a gorgeous setting at sea. Cheers, Maggie!"
Holly Hoffmann
"Fantastic experience using howth island ferries. Travelled to irelands eye 25 euro return absolute bargain. Breathtaking views and would go back again."
Tom Carrick
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ireland's Eye is located off the coast of Howth. You can take the DART train from Dublin city center directly to Howth (approx. 40 minutes). From the Howth train station, it's a short walk to the pier where boat tours depart.
Boat tours typically depart from the pier in Howth Harbour, which is easily accessible from the DART station. Look for signs for 'Ireland's Eye Tours' or 'Howth Cliff Cruises'.
No, Ireland's Eye is an island and can only be reached by boat. There is no bridge or causeway.
Yes, the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) is the most convenient way to reach Howth from Dublin city center. It's a frequent and scenic service.
The DART journey from Dublin city center to Howth takes approximately 40 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Prices can vary, but expect to pay around €25 per person for a tour that lasts about an hour. Booking in advance is recommended.
It's highly recommended to book your boat tour in advance, especially during peak season (May-September) when puffins are present, to ensure availability.
Tours are generally seasonal, running from spring through autumn. Specific operating hours vary by company, but early morning and afternoon slots are common. Check with individual operators.
Some tours offer the option to be dropped off on the island, but this is often seasonal and depends on the operator and weather conditions. Confirm this when booking.
Ireland's Eye is a bird sanctuary, and while there are no specific entrance fees to the island itself, you will need to pay for a boat tour to get there.
📸 📸 Photography
The boat tours offer excellent vantage points for photographing the island's cliffs, birdlife, and seals. From Howth, the coastline provides scenic backdrops.
A camera with a good zoom lens is ideal for capturing puffins and other distant wildlife. A wide-angle lens is great for the coastal landscapes.
Yes, most boat tours allow you to move around the deck for better photo opportunities. Be mindful of safety and hold on tight!
Drone usage may be restricted due to the island being a bird sanctuary. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
🎫 🐦 Wildlife & Nature
Ireland's Eye is famous for its large seabird colony, including puffins (May-September), gannets, and other species. You can also spot seals in the surrounding waters.
The puffin nesting season runs from May to September, making these months the prime time to see them.
Yes, Ireland's Eye is a designated bird sanctuary, crucial for the breeding and protection of its diverse avian population.
While boat tours provide commentary on wildlife, dedicated guided nature walks on the island itself are less common and depend on specific tour offerings or conservation efforts.
Besides puffins, you can often spot gannets, guillemots, razorbills, and various other seabirds that inhabit the island and surrounding waters.
🎫 📜 History & Culture
The island has ancient origins, known by names like 'Adros' and 'Andros' to early navigators. It has a history of being uninhabited but has seen various human interactions over centuries.
While primarily a natural sanctuary, the island has historical significance and has been the subject of historical accounts and even a notable murder case in 1852.
The name likely refers to its status as an island off the coast of Ireland, with 'Eye' possibly deriving from an old word for island or a reference to its shape.
The island has been referenced in historical texts and is known for the tragic story of Maria Kirwan's murder in 1852, which adds a layer of local lore.
Ancient names like 'Adros' and 'Andros' suggest its recognition by early cartographers and navigators, highlighting its presence on maritime maps for centuries.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐦 Birdwatchers & Wildlife Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of the Puffins
Beyond puffins, the island teems with other seabirds. Visitors can often spot gannets diving for fish, guillemots perched on the cliffs, and razorbills. The surrounding waters are also home to seals, which are frequently seen basking on the rocks, adding another layer of wildlife fascination to the trip. The sheer abundance of birdlife makes Ireland's Eye a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Best viewing times for puffins are generally during their active periods, which include morning and late afternoon. While the puffin season is the main draw, the island's diverse ecosystem ensures interesting sightings throughout the warmer months. Always check with your tour operator about the best times and conditions for wildlife viewing.
Navigating Howth and Ireland's Eye Boat Tours
When choosing a tour, consider what you want to experience. Some tours focus on a scenic loop around the island, providing excellent views and commentary on its history and wildlife. Others might offer a chance to land on the island itself, though this is often seasonal and weather-dependent. It's wise to book in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred time slot and avoid disappointment.
The tours typically last around an hour and offer a unique perspective of the coastline and the island's natural beauty. The captains are often knowledgeable and friendly, sharing insights into local fauna and history. Some tours even allow passengers to briefly steer the boat, adding a fun, interactive element to the experience. Remember to dress in layers, as coastal weather can be unpredictable, and bring your camera to capture the stunning scenery and wildlife.
A Glimpse into Ireland's Eye History
The island's history is not without its darker chapters. The tragic murder of Maria Kirwan on Ireland's Eye in 1852 is a significant event in its local lore, adding a somber historical narrative to its otherwise serene natural beauty. This event, alongside its ancient nomenclature, underscores the island's enduring presence in Irish history and storytelling.
Exploring Ireland's Eye offers a chance to connect with both its natural wonders and its historical echoes. The boat tours often include snippets of this history, providing context to the landscape and its significance through the ages.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit