Dublin: Liffey cruise or Howth boat trip?

By the Boattripo team · Updated 3 November 2026 · 2 min read

The cruises compared here

The two trips cost almost the same and have a similar number of reviews. They differ in where they go. Data from the listings on 3 November 2026.

1Where they go

The Liffey trip sails the river from the pier at Seán O'Casey Bridge. The Howth trip leaves from the W Pier, passes Howth Head and its lighthouse and goes to Ireland's Eye, where you may see puffins and seals.

2Getting there

The Liffey pier is on Custom House Quay, in the city. For the Howth pier you need to get to Howth first. The Liffey trip is wheelchair accessible if indicated when booking; the Howth listing says it is not.

3Which one to book

Book the Howth trip if you have half a day and want coast and wildlife. Book the Liffey trip if you want a quick city view from the water.

The cruises compared here

Sightseeing · Day

Dublin Boat Trip on the River Liffey

A 45 minute sightseeing cruise on the River Liffey with a panoramic glass roof and an English-speaking guide, from €21.

from €21

7.2/10 from 137 reviews on Civitatis

  • 45 min
  • Not stated
  • No food
  • Seán O'Casey Bridge pier, Custom House Quay

Who it suitsFirst-timers who want a short, low-cost look at the city from the river: from €21, rated 7.2 from 137 reviews, the most reviewed on this page. The listing says it is wheelchair accessible, which has to be indicated when booking.

Sources: Civitatis catalogue. Checked on 3 November 2026.

Sightseeing · Day

Boat Trip around Howth and Ireland's Eye

A one hour boat trip from Howth's W Pier past Howth Head and its lighthouse to Ireland's Eye, where you may see puffins and seals, with an English-speaking guide, from €25.

from €25

8.7/10 from 109 reviews on Civitatis

  • 1 h
  • Not stated
  • No food
  • W Pier, Howth

Who it suitsPeople who want coastline and wildlife rather than the city: one hour from €25, rated 8.7 from 109 reviews, the best-rated of the three with real reviews.

Sources: Civitatis catalogue. Checked on 3 November 2026.

Quick questions

How long are they?

The Liffey trip lasts 45 minutes and the Howth trip one hour.

Which one is cheaper?

The Liffey trip, from €21, against €25.

Do they have a guide?

Both have an English-speaking guide.