Ireland Harbour Cruises: the 8 Worth Booking

1.Clew Bay Cruise, Westport ( 90 minutes )

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,281 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $29Our pick

Spend 90 minutes aboard Westport Cruises, sailing past oyster farms, seal rocks, Croagh Patrick, John Lennon’s island, and Clare Island. Guides such as Oscar, Orla, and Orlando mix local stories with Irish humor. You get indoor seating, an outdoor deck, Wi-Fi, restrooms, a bar and cafe, plus free parking.

“It happened to be a perfect weather day which made this trip even more amazing than it might have been. We met great people, had a wonderful guide, and lovely views of the bay.”

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2.2-Hour Guided Cork Harbour Scenic Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 216 reviews · from $32

This two-hour Cork Harbour cruise follows the River Lee and Lough Mahon aboard a bright orange, wheelchair-accessible boat. An English-speaking guide such as Angela or Trish points out Blackrock Castle, Haulbowline Naval Base, Martello Towers, Passage West, seals, and yachts. You get top-deck seating, onboard coffee, and a round trip from the same meeting point.

“It was wonderful. We had an issue with our arrival time that the guide solved immediately with a phone call, but even apart from that the experience could not have been better. The onboard shop was great too.”

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3.Dublin Bay Cruise from Dun Laoghaire to Howth

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 139 reviews · from $32

Board the St Bridget at Dun Laoghaire’s East Pier for a 60 to 70-minute cruise across Dublin Bay to Howth. You’ll see Dalkey Island, Ireland’s Eye, Lambay Island, Bull Island, Joyce’s Martello Tower, and the Baily Lighthouse. Sit upstairs for the best views, or stay below in poor weather.

“Lovely smooth sailing very safe and very friendly staff, will go again”

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4.Boat Tour of Kinsale Harbour and Bandon River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 66 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.)

Join Captain Brian and first mate Alf for a private three to four hour boat trip from Kinsale. You’ll see harbour forts, coves, islands, beaches, and wildlife, with time to try fishing, pull a lobster pot, and pilot the boat under supervision. The outing returns to its starting point.

“Captain Brian was cheerful and gave thorough narratives of the history and lore. First mate Alf was cuddled by all. The idea of a personal tour with 5 family members is priceless. The boat is perfect size and comfortable. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it!!!”

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5.Dublin Bay Cruise from Howth to Dun Laoghaire

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 44 reviews · from $28Best value

Board the St Bridget at Howth’s West Pier for a 60 to 70 minute one-way cruise across Dublin Bay. You’ll pass Ireland’s Eye, Lambay Island, Howth Cliffs, Baily Lighthouse, Kish Lighthouse, Bull Island, Dalkey Island, and Dun Laoghaire Harbour. A bar serves coffee and wine, and a DART discount voucher helps with the return journey.

“The beautiful views of Dublin Bay , however due to lack of space we had to spend some of our journey inside the vessel when sea was a little choppy . But overall really enjoyed the trip 🙂”

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6.Cork Harbour RIB Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 15 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $54

Join Cork Harbour Boat Hire in Cobh for a 90-minute RIB trip around one of the world’s largest natural harbours. An English-speaking skipper points out Spike Island, Roches Point Lighthouse, the Irish Naval Base, navy ships, and Cobh from the water. You’ll wear a life jacket, feel the boat bounce, and may see dolphins or other sea life.

“Had the best time touring the harbor on RIB boat! Enjoyed the commentary, gorgeous views and fun bouncy waves! Definite highlight of our visit to Cobh.”

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7.Self Drive Boat Tours of Cork Harbour. Be your own captain!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · 1 hour (approx.)

Take control of your own boat from Cobh and cruise Cork Harbour at an easy pace. You’ll pass the seaside promenade, enjoy views toward Spike Island, watch for local wildlife, and feel the boat respond to each wave. Life jackets are provided. Boats take no more than four adults, and the trip returns to the starting point.

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8.Baltimore Harbor: Sunset Cruise to Fastnet Rock Lighthouse

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 6 reviews · from $62

Join an English-speaking skipper aboard the yellow Wave Chieftain for a three-hour sunset cruise from Baltimore Harbor. Pass Baltimore Beacon, Sherkin Abbey, Gascanane Sound, and Cape Clear before circling Fastnet Rock Lighthouse. You can sit on the open deck or in the cabin while watching for dolphins, seals, whales, and seabirds.

“Spacious boat with lots of room to move about but seating was oversize (too high and too wide) and not very comfortable for a 3 hour journey.”

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