Bantry set for major boost in cruise ship visits

BANTRY Bay Port Company has marked the beginning of the cruise season with the arrival of the Spirit of Discovery, the first of 22 cruise ships to arrive in 2024.

This kickstarts a record-breaking cruise season for Bantry Bay Port Company, with 144% more ship arrivals than 2023, bringing more than 15,000 passengers and crew from all over the world to Bantry Bay, providing a major boost for tourism in the surrounding area.

Operated by SAGA Cruises, the Spirit of Discovery is one of the largest liners that can be accommodated in Bantry Bay and will be anchored just off Whiddy Island for 24 hours before heading for Cobh as part of its Spring in Southern Ireland round-trip.

It has a passenger and crew capacity of 1,527, which is almost half the population of Bantry, meaning it will bring a huge increase of footfall to the town and surrounding area.

Michael Murphy, assistant harbour master at the Port of Bantry, said: “We are delighted to welcome 22 cruise liners to Bantry Bay Port this year.

“We know that they will have a positive impact on local trade and tourism and hope all passengers and crew enjoy all that this part of the country has to offer.

“Seeing this figure jump from nine cruises in 2023 is incredible, and shows how much of a popular destination the Port has become.”

Conor Mowlds, chairman of Cruise Ireland and chief commercial officer at the Port of Cork Company, of which Bantry Bay Port is a subsidiary, added: “We are set to welcome 125 cruise ships to Cork this year and are delighted to have 22 of those stopping off in Bantry Bay Port, allowing passengers and crew to discover even more of Cork during their stay."