A Seasonal Guide
If you think you need to travel to the furthest reaches of the Atlantic coast to see Ireland’s most iconic seabird, think again. Just a short boat ride from Howth Harbour lies a thriving wildlife sanctuary. For those looking for puffin watching in Dublin, Ireland’s Eye Ferries offer a front-row seat and answer the question of where to find puffins in Dublin!
Why Ireland’s Eye is a Birdwatcher’s Paradise
Part of the Dublin Bay UNESCO Biosphere, Ireland’s Eye is more than just a scenic backdrop; it is a vital nesting ground. The island’s steep eastern cliffs and isolated sea stacks provide a fortress for thousands of birds. While the colourful puffins are the stars of the show, they share the stage with a massive Gannet colony, along with Guillemots, Razorbills, and Cormorants. Below the cliffs, you’ll almost always spot the inquisitive heads of our resident Grey Seal colony bobbing in the swell, making every trip a masterclass in Irish marine biodiversity.
The “Puffin Calendar”
When to Visit Ireland’s Eye
Timing is everything. Puffins are seasonal visitors who spend most of their lives at sea.
- Late March – Early April: The first scouts arrive to reclaim their burrows.
- May – June (Peak Season): This is the best time for puffin watching. The birds are busy fishing and sand eels can often be seen dangling from their orange beaks.
- July:The “pufflings” begin to fledge. By late July, the colonies start to thin out.
- August: The puffins head back to the open ocean, leaving the cliffs to the gannets until next spring.
Photography Tips
Photographing wildlife from a moving deck requires a bit of technique. To bring home that “National Geographic” shot, keep these tips in mind:
- Lens Selection: A focal length of 200mm to 400mm is the “sweet spot” for capturing birds on the cliffs without losing the context of the rugged landscape.
- Shutter Speed: Even on a calm day, the boat has a subtle rhythm. Keep your shutter speed high—at least 1/1000 or faster—to freeze the action and prevent motion blur.
- Stabilisation: While a tripod is too cumbersome on a boat, a monopod can help, or simply use your body as a shock absorber by keeping your knees slightly bent.
- Look for the “Fly-bys”: Puffins are fast flyers. Instead of just focusing on the cliffs, watch the water’s surface; they often “skitter” across the waves before taking off.
Ready to Meet the Locals?
Our dedicated tour guides know exactly where to Find Puffins in Dublin. Whether you are a professional photographer or a family looking for a unique day out, our tours are designed to get you as close as possible to the magic without disturbing the natural habitat in Dublin Bay’s UNESCO Biosphere.
Getting to Howth
DART, Bus and Boat Logistics
Planning a trip to the coast shouldn’t be a challenge. Located just north of Dublin city, the picturesque village of Howth is one of the most accessible seaside escapes in Ireland. Whether you’re coming for the famous Howth boat tours or a hike on the cliffs, here is everything you need to know about how to get to Ireland’s Eye and Howth Harbour.
Howth DART Day Out
The quickest and most scenic way to reach us is via the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit).
- The Journey: From city-centre stations like Tara Street, Pearse Street, or Connolly, simply board the northbound train bound for Howth.
- Duration: The trip takes approximately 25 minutes, hugging the coastline for much of the journey.
- Frequency: Trains generally run every 20–30 minutes. It’s a stress-free way to travel that drops you in the heart of the village.
Finding the West Pier
Walking Directions
Once you step off the DART at Howth Station, you are only a few hundred metres away from your sea adventure.
- Step 1: Exit the station and turn left, toward the harbour.
- Step 2: Walk past the playground and the harbour-front.
- Step 3: You will see the West Pier (the pier closest to the train station). Look out for our ‘Seamus The Seal‘ logo on our ORANGE Boat.
If arriving by bus, the H3 bus from the city stops at the train station, follow the same walking route to the pier.
Parking & Accessibility
If you are searching for “boat tours near me” while driving, Howth is easily accessible via the R105.
- Parking at Howth Harbour: There is public parking available along the West Pier and in the large harbour car park. Please note that on sunny weekends and bank holidays, it fills up very quickly—we recommend arriving at least 45 minutes before your scheduled departure.
- Accessibility: We strive to make the beauty of Ireland’s Eye accessible to everyone. The West Pier is flat and paved, making it wheelchair and stroller friendly. Our tours are a fantastic option for those with limited mobility, as you can enjoy the wildlife and views without leaving the vessel.
Dublin Bay Biosphere tour
The salt air is calling! To make the most of your day trip, we recommend checking the weather and our sailing schedule in advance, as all departures are subject to sea conditions. Ready to explore Howth and Ireland’s Eye? Book your adventure today.
The Ultimate Local’s Guide to Howth
Trails, Tales and Tours
Just 25 minutes from the bustle of Dublin City Centre lies the rugged charm of Howth. Whether you’re a lifelong Dub or a first-time visitor, this coastal village offers an escape that feels worlds away. From the heights of the summits to the secrets of the sea caves, here is your definitive guide on what to do in Howth.
Howth Cliff Walk
A New Perspective
The legendary Cliff Walk offers sweeping views of the Irish Sea, but the true scale of Howth’s quartz cliffs is best appreciated from below. From the deck of a boat, you discover the “hidden” Howth—the dramatic ‘Stack,’ nesting razorbill colonies, and secret inlets hikers cannot reach. Pairing a morning hike with an afternoon boat tour provides the ultimate 360-degree experience of our peninsula’s natural beauty and dramatic coastline.
Ireland’s Eye
An Alternative View
A trip to the harbour isn’t complete without visiting our most famous neighbour: Ireland’s Eye. This uninhabited island is a sanctuary for wildlife and history alike. Depending on your mood, we offer a great way to explore. Our tours are ideal for photographers and families. We circumnavigate the island, bringing you up close to the seal colony and the famous Puffin stacks (seasonal). You get the history and the wildlife sightings without ever having to leave the comfort of the boat.
West Pier Food Scene
Hook, Line, and Sinker
After working up an appetite on the water, follow the scent of salt and vinegar to the West Pier. This is the heart of Howth’s culinary scene. We always recommend pairing a boat trip with a visit to the local fishmongers or sit-down restaurants.
Pro-Tip: Grab a world-famous bag of fish and chips or a tray of fresh oysters and find a spot on the pier wall. Watch the trawlers come in with the day’s catch as the seals bob in the harbour, hoping for a snack. It is the quintessential Howth experience.
Plan Your Visit
- How to get here: Take the DART to Howth Station; we are just a 5-minute walk toward the West Pier.
- What to bring: Layers! Even on a sunny day, the breeze in Dublin Bay can be cool.
- Accessibility: Our ferries are designed for easy boarding, but feel free to call ahead with specific requirements.
Ready to see the coast from a different angle? Book your adventure today.
Unique Group Events
Looking for a venue that breaks the mould? Escape the boardroom and the standard function room for something truly memorable. With private boat hire in Howth, Ireland’s Eye Ferries offers a bespoke way to experience the Dublin coastline. From high-stakes corporate networking to intimate family milestones, our fleet provides the perfect floating venue against the backdrop of the UNESCO Biosphere.
Team Building
With a Coastal Twist
Boost morale and spark creativity with a corporate boat trip in Dublin. We move beyond the typical team-building exercises, offering your group a chance to reconnect with nature.
- Networking with a View: Host clients on a sunset cruise around the Howth Cliffs.
- Team Escapes: Land on Ireland’s Eye for a private island picnic and exploration.
- Branding Opportunities: We offer flexible options for branding the vessel for product launches or media events.
Our vessels are steady, safe and offer a conversational environment, making it the highest-rated choice for group bookings in Dublin.
Intimate Celebrations
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Make your next milestone legendary. Whether it’s a 40th birthday, a silver anniversary, or a unique stag party or hen party celebration, a private ferry hire ensures your guests have an exclusive experience away from the crowds.
- Exclusivity: The boat is yours. Customise your music, bring your own catering (by arrangement), and set your own pace.
- Photo Opportunities: Capture family photos with the Baily Lighthouse or the sea caves as your backdrop—memories that a standard restaurant simply can’t match.
Custom Itineraries
Clubs and School Tours
Every group has different needs, and we take pride in our flexibility. We specialise in custom boat itineraries for niche interests:
- Photography & Arts Clubs: We can hold steady at specific angles to capture the perfect light on the Martello Tower or the puffin stacks.
- Educational & School Tours: A lesson in marine biology and Irish history. Our tour guides provide expert commentary on the local eco-system and Viking history of Howth.
- Community Groups: Ideal for active retirement associations or local clubs looking for a fresh perspective on Dublin.
Start Planning Your Event
Our dedicated guides are ready to help you tailor an itinerary that fits your schedule and budget. Ready to take your event to the water?
Magical Cliffs and Sea Views
If you’re more comfortable with your feet on solid ground why not experience the magical Howth Cliffs with sea views and its iconic Howth cliff path. No visit to Howth is complete without the Howth Cliff Path Loop, a stunning trail that winds along dramatic cliffs with sweeping ocean vistas.
The Howth Cliff Path Walking Tour. Just 30 minutes from Dublin. Ranging from easy 6km loops to more challenging 10km hikes, it’s perfect for all levels and rewards you with sights of Baily Lighthouse and distant views of Lambay Island. Keep an eye out for wildlife like peregrine falcons. After your hike, cool off with a ferry trip to Ireland’s Eye – our boats depart regularly from the harbour, offering a refreshing contrast to the cliff-top exertion.
Howth Adventures
The best way to experience Howth is to book a local guide from award winning tourism family tourism company, Howth Adventures. Locally run business offering exciting, meaningful, unrushed, personal and memorable, adventure experiences connecting the stories, people, land, sea. Guided tours are a responsible step toward protecting this stunning landscape. This way, your day out becomes a sustainable adventure that helps preserve and enhance the natural beauty you came to see.
Escape the crowds and feel more on the best Howth tours, walking, hiking, electric bikes, boat trips, sailing and special events.
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