Dublin Boat Tour — Best Activities & Things to Do (2025)
See Dublin from the water: cruise the River Liffey past the Custom House and Samuel Beckett Bridge, then head for Dublin Bay, Howth cliffs and lighthouses. Use this easy guide to choose routes, plan photo stops, and pair your cruise with nearby museums, pubs and markets.
Book a Liffey Sightseeing CruiseLandmark Highlights You’ll See from the Boat
Samuel Beckett Bridge
Santiago Calatrava’s harp-shaped bridge frames classic Docklands shots—boats often pause here for photos.
Ha’penny Bridge & Temple Bar
Victorian cast-iron elegance beside Dublin’s liveliest quarter—best captured from a low angle on the Liffey.
Custom House & CHQ
Neoclassical riverfront icon and the CHQ building—home to EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum.
Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship
A faithful replica of the 19th-century emigrant ship—sits right by popular Liffey boarding points.
Poolbeg Lighthouse
A vivid red lighthouse marking Dublin Port’s entrance—feature of Dublin Bay and sunset cruises.
Grand Canal Dock
“Silicon Docks” skyline with theaters, tech HQs and modern architecture sparkling at golden hour.
Top Things to Do Before or After Your Boat Tour
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
Immersive stories of Irish journeys worldwide—steps from many Liffey piers at CHQ.
Trinity College & Book of Kells
Stroll to Ireland’s oldest university from city piers; the Old Library Long Room is unmissable.
Guinness Storehouse
Tour the brewing story then sip a Gravity Bar pint with 360° city views—great pairing with a river loop.
Howth Cliff Walk
Combine a Dublin Bay cruise with a cliff path ramble and fresh seafood at the harbour.
Dún Laoghaire East Pier
Classic seaside promenade and Sunday market—easy add-on to bay cruises.
Dublin Castle & Chester Beatty
Manuscripts, gardens and medieval walls a short walk from central Liffey landing points.
Which Dublin Boat Tour Should You Choose?
45–60-Minute Liffey Cruise
Best overview: bridges, Docklands and city history with live commentary. Frequent departures.
Dublin Bay Cruise
Dún Laoghaire ↔ Howth routes for lighthouse views, seabirds and fresh sea air—great half-day.
Howth Cliffs & Lighthouse
Close-up sea stacks and Baily Lighthouse; often spot seals and nesting birds in season.
Sunset & Golden Hour
Warm light on Poolbeg and the skyline. Calmer temps in summer and dramatic skies in spring/autumn.
Old Liffey Ferry Guided Tour
Small boat storytelling through the port’s heritage—intimate, local and weather-friendly.
Dinner & Private Charters
Occasional canal or bay dining cruises and small private hires—book early for weekends.
Seasonality: April–October has the widest schedules. Winter runs focus on covered boats and bay-weather windows.
Riverside & Harbour Food & Drink Picks
MV Cill Airne (North Wall Quay)
Ship-board bar and grill with Docklands views—perfect pre- or post-cruise.
Urban Brewing (CHQ)
Craft pints and tapas in vaulted cellars beside EPIC and Liffey piers.
The Ferryman
Classic pub on Sir John Rogerson’s Quay—Irish music nights and hearty plates.
Aqua Restaurant, Howth
Sea-to-plate dining at the end of the pier—book for sunset after a bay cruise.
Quick Visitor Tips
Best Time
Late afternoon to sunset for soft light; mornings are quieter on weekends.
Where to Sit
Open deck for photos; covered cabins for wind or drizzle—Irish weather changes fast.
Weather-Ready
Layers, light rain jacket and hat. Sea breezes feel cooler on the bay than in the city.
Audio & Languages
Most cruises include English live commentary; some add multilingual audio—bring earphones.
Boarding Piers
Common starts: Custom House Quay/CHQ (Liffey), Dún Laoghaire East Pier, and Howth Harbour (bay & cliffs).
Family & Access
Strollers usually fine; check steps and ramp availability. Lifejackets provided on bay boats.
Tickets, Prices & Booking Advice
Buy Online
Liffey and sunset sailings can sell out on weekends—mobile QR tickets scan at the pier.
Seat Guarantees
Choose products with guaranteed seating if traveling as a group or with kids.
Combo Savings
Look for boat + EPIC, boat + Guinness Storehouse, or HOHO bus + cruise bundles.
Typical Prices
Liffey €15–€22 • Bay/Howth €24–€28 • Sunset €24–€30 • Old Liffey Ferry ~€15.
Ready to Cruise the Liffey & Dublin Bay?
Pick a quick city loop or a coastal adventure—then add museums, a seaside walk or a pub with a view for a perfect Dublin day.
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