Dublin Boat Guided Tours & Tickets 2025
Cruise the River Liffey, Grand Canal Dock, and Dublin Bay for skyline views of the Custom House, Samuel Beckett Bridge, Poolbeg Lighthouse and Howth Head. Choose quick city loops, bay cruises, eco-boats or private charters. Instant mobile tickets with free cancellation.
- Best views of the Liffey & Dublin Bay
- Live commentary or multilingual audio
- 1-hour city, 2-hour bay & sunset options
- Covered boats for wind/rain; heated cabins
- Easy mobile e-tickets
- Free cancellation up to 24 hrs
Top Dublin Boat Guided Tours & Best Cruises 2025
See Dublin from the River Liffey, Dublin Bay and the Howth coastline. Book quick city loops, coastal wildlife trips, sunset sails and dinner cruises with mobile tickets.
Dublin: River Liffey Sightseeing Cruise
City classicGlide past the Custom House, Ha’penny Bridge and Docklands with live commentary on Dublin’s maritime history.
Dublin: Howth Coast & Ireland’s Eye Boat Tour
WildlifeSee sea cliffs, seabirds and the Martello tower, with views of Howth Head and (on some trips) landing at Ireland’s Eye.
Dublin: Howth Cliffs & Lighthouse Cruise
ScenicPhotogenic circuit by Baily Lighthouse, caves and cliffs—great chance to spot seals and sea birds.
Dublin: Sunset Cruise in Howth
SunsetGolden-hour sailing along Howth Head and Ireland’s Eye—soft light, calm seas, unforgettable photos.
Dublin Bay Cruise: Dún Laoghaire ↔ Howth
Bay routeCross the bay for skyline views, lighthouses and coastal villages—perfect link between two scenic harbors.
Dublin: Grand Canal Cruise with Dinner
DinnerLock navigation, heritage canal scenery and a 3-course dinner in a cozy salon—special night out.
Dublin Boat Guided Tours & Tickets 2025 – Best Liffey & Bay Cruises
See Dublin from the water with easy River Liffey cruises through the historic center and scenic Dublin Bay sailings from Howth and Dún Laoghaire. Glide under the Ha’penny Bridge, past the Custom House and the Samuel Beckett Bridge, hear stories of Viking roots and docklands rebirth, and enjoy flexible departures. Mobile tickets, live English commentary on most sailings, and free cancellation on many options.
Dublin: River Liffey Sightseeing Cruise
Classic city loop with live guide—Custom House, Ha’penny Bridge, Docklands & Samuel Beckett Bridge.
From €21.50 per person
Check availability
Dublin: Old Liffey Ferry Guided Tour
Historic ferry route with docklands tales—Jeanie Johnston, shipyards, bridges & port heritage.
From €15 per person
Book this tour
Dublin Bay Cruise: Dún Laoghaire ↔ Howth
Open-sea crossing with skyline, lighthouse and cliff views—easy link between two charming harbors.
From €28 per person
See times
Dublin: Grand Canal Cruise with Dinner
Cozy salon, lock navigation and a 3-course meal on the historic canal—perfect evening add-on.
From €70 per person
Book nowDublin Boat Tour Prices 2025
Liffey city cruise €15–€22 · Dublin Bay €24–€28 · Sunset Howth €26 · Grand Canal dinner €70
- River Liffey cruises: Short, central routes with live English commentary and indoor seating.
- Dublin Bay sailings: Open-air decks, lighthouse & cliff views between Dún Laoghaire and Howth.
- Sunset specials: Softer light and calmer seas in summer—great for photos.
- Dinner boats: Fixed-menu dining on the Grand Canal with traditional lock passages.
Dublin Boat Liffey Piers, Tickets & Seating
Most Liffey tours board by Bachelors Walk or Custom House Quay; arrive 15–20 minutes early with mobile tickets.
- Main Liffey piers: Bachelors Walk/O’Connell Bridge, Custom House Quay (CHQ/Jeanie Johnston), and Dublin Docklands near the Samuel Beckett Bridge.
- Bay departures: Dún Laoghaire East Pier and Howth Harbour (for bay/sunset trips).
- Tickets: Mobile vouchers scanned at the gangway; keep QR code open for faster boarding.
- Seating: Liffey boats have enclosed salons; bay boats mix indoor/outdoor—bring a layer for breeze.
What You’ll See on a Liffey Cruise
Custom House, Ha’penny Bridge, Jeanie Johnston, Samuel Beckett Bridge, Convention Centre Dublin.
- Custom House: Neoclassical landmark reflected in the river—an emblem of the city.
- Ha’penny Bridge: The cast-iron footbridge (1816) spanning the heart of old Dublin.
- Jeanie Johnston: Famine-era tall ship museum moored at Custom House Quay.
- Samuel Beckett Bridge & Docklands: Santiago Calatrava’s harp-shaped bridge and the modern skyline around the CCD.
Best Times to Cruise & Crowd Strategy
Morning for calmer water, late afternoon for warm light, summer evenings for golden hour photos.
- Morning (before 11:00): Quieter sailings on weekdays; easy seating.
- Late afternoon to sunset: Best light on bridges and glass fronts in Docklands.
- Weather: Cruises run in light rain; Liffey boats are covered—bring a light layer.
- Weekends/holidays: Pre-book popular times; arrive early for boarding lines.
Getting to the Piers (Transit & Walks)
Luas, DART and buses reach the river quickly; central piers are walkable from O’Connell Street & Temple Bar.
- Luas (tram): Red Line stops at Jervis, Abbey Street, George’s Dock for Liffey/Docklands.
- DART: For bay cruises use Dún Laoghaire or Howth stations; stroll to the harbor.
- On foot: O’Connell Street/Temple Bar to Bachelors Walk piers is ~5–10 minutes.
- Ride-hail/taxi: Drop at CHQ or O’Connell Bridge; traffic can be heavy around peak hours.
Families, Accessibility & On-Board Essentials for Dublin Boat Tours
Indoor seating suits all weather; space for small strollers; accessibility varies—check your boat in advance.
- Kids: Short Liffey loops suit attention spans; lifejackets and crew briefings provided.
- Mobility: Some gangways/steps can be steep at certain tides—ask about ramp access and assistance.
- Essentials: Light jacket, camera/phone, and optional earbuds if an audio app is offered.
How to Book Dublin Boat Tours & Insider Tips
Reserve peak times and sunsets, check pier location on your voucher, and choose Liffey vs. Bay by your interests.
- Reserve ahead: Summer weekends and sunset sailings sell out.
- Choose your route: Liffey for city history & bridges; Bay for cliffs, lighthouses and wildlife.
- Seat strategy: Indoor seats ensure comfort; outdoor decks are breezier and best for photos—bring layers.
- Flexible terms: Many products offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.
Dublin River Highlights at a Glance
Cruise by city icons: the Custom House, cast-iron Ha’penny Bridge, the Jeanie Johnston tall ship, and the harp-shaped Samuel Beckett Bridge in the revitalized Docklands.
Custom House
Neoclassical waterfront landmark, beautifully mirrored in the Liffey.
Ha’penny Bridge
Dublin’s beloved pedestrian bridge (1816) linking the north and south quays.
Jeanie Johnston
Famine-era tall ship museum moored beside CHQ in the Docklands.
Samuel Beckett Bridge
Calatrava’s harp-inspired span—signature of the modern Docklands skyline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Practical answers about Dublin Boat Guided Tours & Tickets 2025—prices, what’s included, where to board, language options, accessibility, weather policies, and the best time to cruise the River Liffey and Dublin Bay.
Expect River Liffey cruises from about €15–€22, Dublin Bay/Howth routes from roughly €24–€28, sunset sailings around €26, and Grand Canal dinner boats about €70. Prices vary by season, day/time, and seating style.
Most Liffey tickets include the cruise, a live English commentary, and acceptance of mobile e-tickets. Boats usually offer indoor seating with large windows; food/drinks are limited or not included unless it’s a dinner product.
It’s smart to reserve for weekends, holidays, and sunset sailings, and for Grand Canal dinner cruises. Same-day seats are often available on Liffey loops, but popular times may sell out in summer.
The Liffey city cruise is ~45–60 minutes (bridges, Custom House, Docklands). Dublin Bay/Howth sailings run ~60–90 minutes with lighthouse & cliff views. Grand Canal dinner trips are ~2 hours with a fixed menu and lock passages.
Central Liffey boarding is typically at Bachelors Walk/O’Connell Bridge or Custom House Quay (CHQ/Jeanie Johnston). Bay cruises leave from Dún Laoghaire East Pier or Howth Harbour. Dinner boats use the Grand Canal (check your voucher for exact pier). Arrive 15–20 minutes early.
Liffey cruises commonly feature a live English guide. Some operators offer audio guides/apps in additional languages—check the individual tour page for details.
Many vessels have ramps and accessible seating, but access varies with tide height and gangway angle. Contact the operator before booking to confirm assistance and restroom access. Compact strollers are generally fine.
Liffey boats have covered indoor seating and operate in light rain. Winter schedules are reduced, especially for Dublin Bay. Severe weather may cancel sailings with free rebooking/refund per provider policy.
Morning offers calmer water and fewer crowds. Late afternoon/sunset gives warm light on the Custom House, bridges, and Docklands glass fronts. For bay trips, evenings in summer are especially scenic.
Liffey sightseeing cruises are usually round-trip with no mid-route disembarkation. Use city HOHO buses or public transport for on/off flexibility between landmarks.
Liffey boats may offer limited snacks/drinks; bay sailings sometimes have a small bar. Outside food policies vary—check your ticket. Dinner cruises include a set menu on board.
Many operators offer reduced child fares and sometimes free infant travel. Age bands and family pricing differ by company—check the product page before booking.
Small, well-behaved pets may be allowed at the captain’s discretion; policies vary. If permitted, pets must be leashed and remain off seats. Confirm in advance.
Many cruises offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. Special events and dinner boats can be stricter—always review the terms on your ticket/voucher.
Liffey: Short, central loop with bridges, the Custom House, Jeanie Johnston and Docklands—ideal first-time overview. Dublin Bay: Open-water sailing with lighthouse, cliffs and harbor life (Howth/Dún Laoghaire)—more scenic coastline and wildlife.