Irelands Eye Island
Small offshore island with seabird colonies and lighthouse
A short boat hop from Howth, Ireland's Eye holds seabird colonies, grassy slopes and ruined lighthouses; walkers land for half-day loops, birdwatching and views back to Dublin's northern coast.
Irelands Eye at a Glance#
Address: Ireland’s Eye, north of Howth Harbour, County Dublin, Ireland
About Irelands Eye#
Irelands Eye is a small, uninhabited island off the headland of Howth in County Dublin, known for seabird colonies and coastal scenery. It is a short boat trip from Howth and is a popular half-day outing for walkers and birdwatchers.
The island’s key features are its cliffs and small beaches, simple walking paths and a handful of ruined buildings linked to past small-scale habitation. It is valued for coastal birdlife and short coastal walks rather than developed amenities.
Historically the island has seen intermittent human use for grazing, small settlements and navigation aids, but it has not been continuously populated in modern times. Remains of walls and simple structures are still visible.
Irelands Eye lies a short distance off Howth Head in Dublin Bay and is typically reached by small passenger boats from Howth harbour; landing and onshore time depend on sea conditions.
- Access: Short boat trips run from Howth harbour to the island; boat operators and landing are weather dependent.
What to See#
- Cliffs and bird colonies: North-facing cliffs and seabird nesting areas that are prominent for wildlife viewing during the breeding season.
- Landing and coves: Small sandy coves and the island’s landing area where day visitors typically arrive by boat from Howth.
How to Get to Irelands Eye#
Boat trips leave Howth Harbour (a 25-30 minute drive from Dublin city center or a 25-minute DART ride to Howth station plus walk to the harbour). Crossing takes approx. 10-20 minutes; services vary by season.
Tips for Visiting Irelands Eye#
- Take the 15-20 minute boat from Howth early in the morning to avoid the strongest winds and get better birdwatching.
- Bring a waterproof shell: weather changes fast and the exposed cliffs funnel wind.
- Climb to the Martello tower for the best view back to Dublin Bay and to spot seals off the rocks.
Best Time to Visit Irelands Eye#
Visit between late spring and early autumn for seabird nesting and regular boat services from Howth.
Weather & Climate near Irelands Eye#
Temperate climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 4°C to 19°C. Moderate rainfall (846 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | 4° - 9° | 2° | 83 mm | overcast | 91% | 6.4 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.9h |
| February | Poor | 4° - 9° | 2° | 72 mm | overcast | 90% | 6.1 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.6h |
| March | Acceptable | 4° - 10° | 3° | 63 mm | overcast | 88% | 6.0 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 5° - 12° | 5° | 54 mm | overcast | 86% | 5.1 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 13.8h |
| May | Acceptable | 7° - 14° | 11° | 55 mm | overcast | 84% | 4.8 m/s | 1.2 high | 15.7h |
| June | Good | 10° - 17° | 13° | 59 mm | overcast | 84% | 4.5 m/s | 1.5 high | 16.7h |
| July | Good | 12° - 19° | 16° | 60 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.4 m/s | 1.3 high | 16.2h |
| August | Good | 12° - 19° | 16° | 80 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.4 m/s | 1.1 high | 14.6h |
| September | Good | 11° - 17° | 14° | 70 mm | overcast | 87% | 5.0 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Acceptable | 8° - 14° | 11° | 82 mm | overcast | 88% | 5.6 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.4h |
| November | Acceptable | 5° - 11° | 5° | 83 mm | overcast | 90% | 5.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.4h |
| December | Acceptable | 5° - 10° | 4° | 85 mm | overcast | 91% | 6.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.3h |