CORK County Council has revealed that 2025 was its busiest and most successful cruise season to date.

BY SYLVIA POWNALL AND MARTIN STEINMETZ

The tourism boost from cruise liners docking in Cork harbours – including for the first time this year inaugural visits to both Schull and Baltimore in West Cork as well as Bantry and Kinsale – generated millions of Euros.

The busy cruise season ended on September 1st with a total of 25 ships calling at Cork ports and harbours - and the local authority said it was the most buoyant yet for the hospitality industry.

It included inaugural calls at Baltimore, Youghal and Ballycotton with Schull, Kinsale and Bere Island receiving repeat visits.

Marking the inaugural cruise liner into Baltimore harbour Cllr Caroline Cronin, West Cork MD Chair is pictured making a presentation to Jose Fonseca, Captain of the cruise liner Island Sky L-R Jose Fonseca, Captain of the cruise liner Island Sky; Cllr Caroline Cronin, West Cork MD Chair; Noreen O’Mahony, Senior Executive Officer, Cork County Council. (Photos: John Allen)

In May alone four ships anchored in West Cork carrying between them 766 passengers and 640 crew. Three were operated by French company Ponant and one by Silversea.

All four anchored in Kinsale and those who came onshore remained in Kinsale with the option of kayaking from the Dock Beach or exploring the town.

There were also transfers for the shop to the main pier and Bullman pier, with a shuttle bus provided between both piers, the town and Charlesfort.

June marked the maiden visit from a Noble Caledonia ship to Schull harbour. Hebridean Sky, carrying 93 passengers and a crew of 80, were transferred to Schull pontoon for a trip to Mizen Head.

On their return, they visited the village of Schull, enjoying the local shops and hospitality.

The arrival of Noble Caledonia’s Island Sky to Baltimore on August 7th marked the first time a cruise ship has called to the harbour.

Most of the ship’s 90 passengers transferred to Baltimore in the morning for walking tours, then on to Sherkin Island in the afternoon to visit its art studios with some of the 81-strong crew also exploring the island.

After departing Baltimore it made the short journey to Bere Island where passengers were tendered ashore for tours taking in the Lonehort Battery, the Martello Tower and Bere Island Heritage Centre, finishing the day with music and a drink in Dessie’s Bar.

In August Ponant’s Le Bellot returned to Kinsale, and then continued on to Baltimore where passengers were tendered ashore.

The Port of Cork has been recognised by Cruise Ireland as a key destination. In 2023 the Ports of Cork and Bantry reported a total traffic throughput of 9.5million tonnes.

The spin off from cruise ship tourism is estimated to generate tens of millions of euros each year in Cork and support thousands of jobs.Throughout the busy summer season officials and members of Cork County Council were on hand to welcome passengers and hand out information leaflets.

A council spokesperson said: ‘Boasting one of the longest coastlines in Ireland, at an estimated 1,199 kms, with seven inhabited islands within easy access of the shore, Cork County is uniquely positioned to attract visitors arriving by sea.’

The Port of Cork remains equally optimistic about the 2026 season predicting sustained demand for Bantry Bay as a top destination.

From May to September 2025 Bantry Bay Port Company welcomed 13 cruise liners which brought more than 6,000 passengers and crew from around the world.

Captain Michael Murphy, assistant harbour master at Bantry Bay Port, said: ‘Each visit is a chance to showcase the beauty and character of Bantry and West Cork, and we are grateful to our local partners and residents for their continued warm welcome to visitors from across the globe.’

David Browne, commercial manager at the Port of Cork Company, added: ‘West Cork, with its rich culinary scene, vibrant villages and breathtaking landscapes, has featured as a stand-out cruise destination along the Wild Atlantic Way.

‘As we look forward to 2026, we remain committed to ensuring that Bantry Bay is a must-visit destination.’