The 8 Best Ireland Ferry Trips

1.Howth Cliffs and Ireland’s Eye Ferry Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 365 reviews · 50 minutes to 1 hour (approx.) · from $24Our pick

Board the small Puffin at Howth Harbour for a 50-minute to one-hour cruise past Baily Lighthouse, the Howth Cliffs, and Ireland’s Eye. Captain Mark and his crew provide commentary on birds, rock formations, local history, seals, and the Kirwan murder. The open boat offers superb views, but bring warm, waterproof clothing.

“I would highly recommend this excursion around the beautiful coast at Howth. The tour was very informative and gave a superb overview of the history and the wildlife of the area. We topped it off afterwards with fish and chips and ice cream!”

Check sailings →Read our full review

2.Howth Coastal Boat Tour (Ireland’s Eye Ferries 50 mins trip)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 200 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $30Top rated

Meet your skipper at Howth’s West Pier for a roughly one-hour coastal cruise around Ireland’s Eye. The small group, capped at 11, gets close views of seals, seabirds, cliffs, and marine habitats. Guides such as Harry, Maggie, Shane, and Lily add local stories, nature facts, and a little Irish music.

“Very enjoyable spin around Irelands Eye. The small boat bobbed around a little, so if you don’t like too much motion it might not be for you. Maybe life jackets should be mandatory while on the boat. Enjoyed the trip, would recommend!”

Check sailings →Read our full review

3.Inis Mór (Aran Islands) Day Trip: Return Ferry from Rossaveel, Galway

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 87 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $48

Take the 10:30 ferry from Rossaveel to Inis Mór, reaching Kilronan after about 40 minutes. You have roughly six hours to explore independently by bike, bus, pony cart, or on foot before the 17:00 return sailing. Ferry seating, toilets, and bar service are available, but Galway shuttle transport and island activities cost extra.

“Having all the stops, helped with not getting to sleepy. Our guide was amazing! Definitely a trip not to miss.”

Check sailings →Read our full review

4.Ferry from Howth to Ireland’s Eye island

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 83 reviews · from $27

Take a 15 to 20 minute ferry from Howth Harbour to Ireland’s Eye with a local family-run crew. Explore independently, look for puffins and cormorants, visit the Martello tower, or swim from the west beach before returning by boat.

“I’d definitely recommend this! This was our start of the day in howth, you get an hour or so to walk on this beautiful island full with untouched nature. Really a once in a lifetime experience”

Check sailings →Read our full review

5.Ferry to Ireland’s Eye in Howth

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 67 reviews · 1 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $36

From Howth’s West Pier, a direct return ferry carries you about 20 minutes to Ireland’s Eye. You can walk the island, look for seals and seabirds, and reach a west-facing beach for a swim. Landing is optional and can be difficult, so this trip suits active visitors who are comfortable with uneven rocks and changing sea conditions.

Check sailings →Read our full review

6.Day Trip Ferry to Inis Oírr (Aran Islands)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 46 reviews · from $45

Take the 10:30 AM ferry from Rossaveel to Inis Oírr, the smallest Aran Island. You get about four hours ashore for beaches, O’Brien’s Castle, the Plassey Shipwreck, bike hire, horse carriage tours, music, food, and village life before returning at 4:30 PM. The $45 fare includes the return ferry, but not port parking or island tours.

“Amazing Hired bikes to explore the island - just a breathtaking experience. A must for everyone”

Check sailings →Read our full review

8.Inis Oírr (Aran Islands) Day Trip: Return Ferry from Rossaveel, Galway

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $48

Take the 10:30 ferry from Rossaveel to Inis Oírr, the smallest Aran Island, with about four hours ashore before the 16:30 return. Explore independently by bike, mini-bus, or on foot, then collect your ferry ticket at Rossaveel or in Galway. A shuttle from Galway is available separately.

“The island is so pretty. Full of character. Residents so friendly. We also enjoyed the the relaxing atmosphere in the pub after our cycle.”

Check sailings →Read our full review