A luxury cruise liner will be docking at Killybegs harbour tomorrow, bringing up to 1,000 visitors to the town and to Donegal’s tourist hotspots.
The German passenger ship, the MS Astor, has sailed from the continent to Ireland this week and is expected to mark the start of a series of prosperous summer visits to Donegal.
There will be up to 650 passengers and 300 crew arriving at the port tomorrow for a short stay from 8.30am to 3.30pm.
The prestigious liner boasts seven passenger decks, deluxe restaurants, an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, five lounge areas, a shopping arcade, and many more facilities.
Her passengers will get to enjoy Donegal’s highlights tomorrow as they take excursions to Glenveagh National Park, Slieve League and Donegal Town.
Cllr Niamh Kennedy said tomorrow’s visit is just the starter for the season to come.
“I’d like to extend a welcome to them. It’s not just Killybegs that does well but the whole county that benefits.
“There are 13 ships booked in for the for the year, bringing around 9,000 passengers and a total of 13,000 people to the area.”
Cllr Niamh Kennedy
Cllr Kennedy said the visitors from MS Astor will be given a warm welcome to Killybegs as they disembark. Weather permitting, they will be greeted by live music and a craft fair showcasing local products.
This is the norm for cruise ship passengers, whose activities vary once they reach Donegal.
“Some visitors go to Glencolmcille Folk Village and explore hidden gems and local attractions. Many like to visit quiet untouched areas, and it’s a great boost for Donegal as we see many coming back on holiday after the cruise.
Slieve League Cliffs
“If they don’t book an excursion onboard they can come into the town and visit the central tourist office. Many would rather not get into a car right away and would prefer to explore the town. In this way they get to have local interaction,” Cllr Kennedy said.
Last week, the MS National Geographic Explorer docked at Killybegs Harbour and brought 106 passengers and a crew of 80 to Donegal. While there were not as many passengers as tomorrow’s crowds, Cllr Kennedy said that this was a significant visit for Donegal tourism.
The state-of-the-art American expedition ship brings passengers seeking out unique archaeology and hidden places to visit. The National Geographic Traveller magazine is well known to have given Donegal tourism a boost after awarding the county the title of ‘Coolest Place on the Planet’.
Cllr Kennedy said that Killybegs Harbour has enjoyed a rise in visitor numbers in recent years, from approx 5,700 visitors in 2013 to 9,000 this year. “2018 is going to be another bumper year,” she said.
“The harbour is well equipped for these ships and there is so much beauty around as soon as you land. Passengers can just step off straight to land because the ships can berth right up to the pier and don’t have to use tenders to get ashore.”
The MS Astor is currently docked at Shannon Foynes Port, before it is set to receive a warm Donegal welcome on its maiden visit to the county in the morning.
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