Pinalia rounding the stack at Ireland's Eye
1 / 10

Ireland's Eye

4.8
·344 reviews·, Ireland

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

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

May - September

Puffin season!

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Pinalia rounding the stack at Ireland's Eye

Ireland's Eye

Best Time

May - September

Puffin season!

CrowdMedium
Highlights

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.

4.8
(344 reviews)

"AMAZING 1h BOAT RIDE !!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. CLOSE TO THE MAIN TRAIN STATION (40 mins from Dublin) AND PLENTY OF GREAT RESTAURANTS."

Vertical photo
TIP

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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Puffin Colony

Puffin Colony

Ireland's Eye

Witness thousands of puffins and other seabirds nesting on this protected island sanctuary. A true delight for birdwatchers!

TikTokInstagram
Scenic Boat Tour

Scenic Boat Tour

Around Ireland's Eye

Cruise around the island, taking in stunning coastal views and spotting seals basking on the rocks.

InstagramReddit
Historical Insights

Historical Insights

Onboard boat tours

Learn about the island's ancient names and intriguing history, including tales of past inhabitants and events.

Instagram+1
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Puffin Season & Boat Tours

Catch the adorable puffins nesting on Ireland's Eye from May to September! Book your boat tour in advance, especially during peak season, to guarantee a spot and experience this unique wildlife spectacle. TikTokInstagram

Island Access & Timing

While boats circumnavigate Ireland's Eye, landing on the island is seasonal and depends on tour operators. Check schedules and book tours that offer drop-offs if you wish to explore the island itself. Reddit

Best Times

When
May - September
Why
Puffin season!
Crowd
Medium
When
Early Morning
Why
Best light & wildlife
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Did you know there is a colony of Puffins nesting on Ireland’s Eye in Howth? The best tour to see these beautiful birds is our Ireland’s Eye and Howth Coast Tour. The puffins have arrived for the season and can be spotted until the end of the summer. Book online now at howthcliffcruises.ie #puffin #birds #howth #irelandseye #puffins
@howthcliffcruises
27.2K likes • 328.1K views

Book Boat Tours Ahead

Secure your spot on popular tours, especially during puffin season. Many operators offer online booking. TikTokInstagram

Look for Seals

Early morning tours often offer the best chance to see seals sunbathing on the rocks. Reddit

Experience the beauty of Ireland’s Eye up close on our original Ireland’s Eye Tour 🌊 Book now at HowthCliffCruises.ie #howth #howthcliffwalk #irelandseye #explorehowth #lovedublin
howthcliffcruises
119 likes • 2.5K views
Can you believe this is in Dublin? 📍Ireland's Eye - a small inhabited island off Howth, County Dublin which is home to a large sea colony and wild seabirds such as gannets and puffins. You can see this view when you take a boat trip with @howthcliffcruises We had a brilliant day on Saturday and got such glorious weather. AD/gifted #howth #howthcliffs #ireland🍀 #irelandseye #irelandseyein...
jennysworldblog
87 likes • 1.6K views

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:

Atlantic Puffins 🇮🇪 . . . . Atlantic Puffins migrate to the coastlines of Ireland to breed between the months of May and September. You can find some Puffins nesting off the coast of Dublin on a small Island called Ireland's Eye. The island is a bird sanctuary and is home to thousands of different species of birds. If interested in going over to these Puffins pop me a message and I'll point you in...
dublin_drone
0 likes • 57.5K views

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. TikTokInstagram

Look for Seals

Early morning tours often offer the best chance to see seals sunbathing on the rocks. Reddit

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. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(344 reviews)

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

Amazing wildlife sightings
Scenic coastal views
Friendly and fun captains

What People Dislike

Can be a bit expensive

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. Reddit

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'. InstagramReddit

No, Ireland's Eye is an island and can only be reached by boat. There is no bridge or causeway. Instagram

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. Reddit

The DART journey from Dublin city center to Howth takes approximately 40 minutes. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

It's highly recommended to book your boat tour in advance, especially during peak season (May-September) when puffins are present, to ensure availability. TikTokInstagram

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The boat tours offer excellent vantage points for photographing the island's cliffs, birdlife, and seals. From Howth, the coastline provides scenic backdrops. Instagram+1

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. TikTokInstagram

Yes, most boat tours allow you to move around the deck for better photo opportunities. Be mindful of safety and hold on tight! Instagram

Drone usage may be restricted due to the island being a bird sanctuary. Always check local regulations before flying a drone. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Reddit

🎫 🐦 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. TikTokInstagram+1

The puffin nesting season runs from May to September, making these months the prime time to see them. TikTokInstagram

Yes, Ireland's Eye is a designated bird sanctuary, crucial for the breeding and protection of its diverse avian population. Instagram

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. Instagram

Besides puffins, you can often spot gannets, guillemots, razorbills, and various other seabirds that inhabit the island and surrounding waters. Instagram+1

🎫 📜 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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

Ancient names like 'Adros' and 'Andros' suggest its recognition by early cartographers and navigators, highlighting its presence on maritime maps for centuries. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

A boat trip to Ireland's Eye is a fantastic adventure for families! Kids will be mesmerized by the puffins and seals, making it an educational and exciting experience. TikTokInstagram Opt for tours that are shorter or offer opportunities to see wildlife up close. Ensure children are supervised closely on the boat, especially near the railings. Reddit Pack snacks and drinks, and be prepared for changing weather conditions. The DART ride to Howth is also an enjoyable part of the journey for younger travelers. Reddit

🐦 Birdwatchers & Wildlife Enthusiasts

Ireland's Eye is a paradise for birdwatchers, especially during puffin season (May-September). Bring your binoculars and telephoto lenses to capture the incredible diversity of seabirds, including puffins, gannets, and razorbills. TikTokInstagram Early morning tours often yield the best sightings of both birds and seals. Reddit Consider booking a tour specifically focused on wildlife to maximize your chances of seeing a variety of species. Instagram

📸 Photographers

The dramatic coastal scenery and abundant wildlife of Ireland's Eye offer endless photographic opportunities. Capture the charm of puffins, the sleek forms of seals, and the rugged beauty of the island from the boat. Instagram+1 A zoom lens is highly recommended for wildlife shots, while a wide-angle lens will capture the sweeping landscapes. TikTok Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) provides the most flattering light. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Allure of the Puffins

Ireland's Eye is a vital breeding ground for Atlantic Puffins, drawing visitors from May to September. These charismatic birds, with their distinctive colorful beaks, choose the island's cliffs for their nesting burrows. Boat tours are the primary way to observe them in their natural habitat, offering incredible opportunities for photography and wildlife appreciation. TikTokInstagram Remember that puffins are wild animals, so maintaining a respectful distance is crucial for their well-being. The sight of these charming birds returning to their nests is a truly unforgettable experience. TikTok

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. Reddit The sheer abundance of birdlife makes Ireland's Eye a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. Instagram

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. TikTokInstagram

Navigating Howth and Ireland's Eye Boat Tours

Getting to Howth is straightforward from Dublin city center via the DART train, making it an accessible day trip. Once in Howth, the harbor is a short walk from the station, where numerous boat tour operators are based. Reddit Companies like Howth Cliff Cruises are well-established and offer various tour options, including circumnavigation of Ireland's Eye and trips focused on wildlife viewing. TikTokInstagram

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. Instagram Others might offer a chance to land on the island itself, though this is often seasonal and weather-dependent. Reddit It's wise to book in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred time slot and avoid disappointment. TikTokInstagram

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. Reddit Some tours even allow passengers to briefly steer the boat, adding a fun, interactive element to the experience. Reddit Remember to dress in layers, as coastal weather can be unpredictable, and bring your camera to capture the stunning scenery and wildlife. Instagram

A Glimpse into Ireland's Eye History

Ireland's Eye, anciently known by names such as 'Adros' and 'Andros,' carries a rich historical tapestry. Its strategic location off the coast of Dublin has made it a point of interest for centuries, appearing on early maritime maps. Instagram While today it's primarily recognized as a natural sanctuary, its past includes periods of human interaction and historical events that add depth to its allure. Instagram

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. Instagram This event, alongside its ancient nomenclature, underscores the island's enduring presence in Irish history and storytelling. Instagram

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. Instagram

You may also like