Killybegs cruise season is on the horizon and port agents, Sinbad Marine Services, confirmed that 24 passenger ships are to visit this summer.
This will see up to 20,000 tourists and 10,000 crew arrive in town and the surge of visitors will no doubt bring huge economic benefits to the county.
Long renowned as Ireland’s largest fishing port and increasingly for its growing role in global cruise tourism, Killybegs is now the third busiest passenger ship berth in the Republic of Ireland.
It is also the perfect gateway for visitors to explore the Slieve League Cliffs, Donegal Castle, Glenveagh National Park and the gems of The Wild Atlantic Way. While guided tours are very popular, just as many guests stay locally to enjoy the town’s unique blend of rich maritime heritage, stunning landscapes, and warm Irish hospitality.
Creating a new record, the Nieuw Statendam arriving on the 30th of July will take the title of the longest ship ever to berth at Killybegs. At an impressive 297 meters in length, it is one of 11 ships over 200 metres to visit this year. Remarkably, if lined up end to end, all the cruise ships visiting Killybegs in 2025 would extend to over seven times the height of the majestic Slieve League cliffs.
Julie Parkinson, Director of Sinbad Marine Services, said hosting eleven new ships this year is incredibly exciting and it is also very rewarding to welcome back so many returning visitors.
“This achievement reflects the hard work down the years of Killybegs Harbour, the tour operators, local community, and the tourism sector which has solidified Killybegs’ reputation as a thriving cruise port.”
The cruise season sets sail on the 16th of May, so it’s all hands on deck for a colourful and bustling summer in Killybegs.
The cruise ship schedule, and updates, can be found on the Sinbad Marine Facebook page.
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