Greencastle to welcome five liners during this year’s cruise season

Five different liners are due to anchor at Greencastle in the coming months as part of the summer cruise schedule for Foyle Port.

There will be six visits to Greencastle by the five largest vessels due to visit the Foyle between May and September. Another six visits will see liners dock at Lisahally or Fort George in Derry. 

The first cruise ship of the schedule, Seabourn Ovation, will anchor in Greencastle on May 14. It will be followed just two days later by Spirit of Adventure. Silver Spirit will visit on July 7 and again on September 14. Norwegian Dawn will visit on August 19 while Amadea is anchoring on August 22. 

€25million Greencastle harbour breakwater officially opened

The 270-metre breakwater is seen as an important piece of infrastructure for the area’s marine industry

Guests on the liners visiting Greencastle will take part in coach tours of Inishowen and other parts of Donegal as well as visits to attractions across the north-west.

Last year was a record-breaking year for Foyle Port as it welcomed over 16,000 passengers and crew, including the arrival of the biggest ship to ever anchor in the Foyle, Norwegian Star, sister ship of Norwegian Dawn.

Half of the calls to the port this year will be first-time visits. Foyle Port’s harbour master and operations director, Bill McCann said: “We are very much looking forward to welcoming back all our returning cruise lines and eagerly await those who are visiting for the first time. The port has worked hard in recent years to promote the destination on a global scale with an aim of building cruise tourism to the region.” 

These sentiments were echoed by Louise Denvir, cruise marketing executive, Foyle Port who said, “The North West has the most incredible range of tourism products on offer in an area of outstanding natural beauty which, we believe, makes it the most attractive cruise destination on the island of Ireland. Donegal was named one of the best regions in the world to visit in 2024 by Lonely Planet due to the scenic landscape, rich history, commitment to sustainable tourism practices and the warm, friendly people.”