A new operator has entered the Dublin Bay coastal excursion market, as Howth Cliff Cruises recently launched services using Dún Laoghaire Harbour, writes Jehan Ashmore.
For the first time, the incumbent operator, Dublin Bay Cruises, whose St. Bridget runs routes out of Dublin Port, Howth, and Dún Laoghaire since 2012, has had a direct competitor, Howth Cliff Cruises. This also family-run business of almost 80 years’ service has been providing ferry trips from the north Co. Dublin harbour to and around Ireland’s Eye in addition to the popular Howth peninsula cliff cruises that reach as far as the iconic Baily Lighthouse.
However, Howth Cliff Cruises, with its debut on the bay unlike Dublin Bay Cruises, does not call to the capital, though the new operator for the first time connects the two picturesque seaside harbour towns. As such, the newcomer competes with DBC on three of their 7 routes, also offering passengers stunning sweeping views of the bay, along with notable coastal landmarks, marine wildlife, and a rich maritime history.
Casting off as excursionists embark on a Dublin Bay Cruises round trip around Dalkey Island, while the new operator to Dun Laoghaire, Howth Cliff Cruises with its vessel, waits to use the same East Pier berth Photo: Jehan Ashmore
Passengers have the option of travelling with Howth Cliff Cruises on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays by sailing from Howth to Dún Laoghaire and from the south Dublin Bay harbour around Dalkey Island or from Dún Laoghaire back to Howth. All routes take one hour in duration and are operated by the Dún an Oir II.
In further detail, the Howth to Dún Laoghaire ferry departs at 12:30 from the large fishing harbour across Dublin Bay to the East Pier in Dún Laoghaire, the same location used by Dublin Bay Cruises. On this route, sightseers will take in views of the Howth Cliffs, Baily Lighthouse, Dublin Bay with its Poolbeg Lighthouse in the distance and enroute to those, of Dalkey and Killiney.
The Dalkey Island Tour departs Dún Laoghaire at 2.15pm, from where a leisurely boat tour also features views of Killiney Bay and the backdrop of the Wicklow Mountains before passing the goat-inhabited island again with a return to the harbour.
The final excursion option of the day is the Dún Laoghaire to Howth Ferry, departing at 3.30 pm from the East Pier, or take a leisurely boat tour passing Dalkey Island and Killiney with its hill and through Dublin Bay, down past the Bail Lighthouse, followed by the Howth Cliffs, and finishing in Howth.
Both harbours are conveniently connected with the DART line, via the city centre, giving options to travel out by ferry and return by train and vice versa.
On board the Dún an Oir II is a bar along with snacks available, and it is the largest to join the Howth Cliff Cruises existing fleet of four passenger boats. The distinctive twin-funnelled and orange-hulled vessel indicates to those familiar with the coastal ferry scene that it is a former ferry that served Cape Clear Ferries in West Cork, whose fleet of vessels has the same livery scheme.
Also, these brightly coloured vessels operate for their sister company, Cork Harbour Cruises, throughout Cork Harbour, linking Crosshaven and trips to Spike Island.
