Record number of cruises expected to call at Cork harbours 

A record number of cruise calls are expected to Cork County Council harbours this year, bringing more than 4,000 passengers.

The first of 24 cruise liners for the 2025 season, Le Bellot, made its inaugural visit to Kinsale Harbour on Thursday, May 8.

Ships will once again visit Kinsale, Schull, and Bere Island, with Baltimore, Youghal, and Ballycotton being added to the destinations this year.

The Mayor of County Cork Joe Carroll said that Cork is uniquely positioned to attract visitors arriving by sea, stating: “We have one of the longest coastlines in Ireland, extending to more than 1,100km.

“It is wonderful to see new locations in both East and West Cork being added this year, and we look forward to welcoming the thousands of visitors.”

A delegation from Cork County Council were on hand to mark Le Bellot’s first visit to West Cork, with councillor Alan Coleman making a presentation to the ship’s captain, Francois-Xavier Avril.