Ireland’s deep connection with the sea continues to shape its economy, with the cruise industry playing an increasingly significant role. In 2024, Irish ports are set to welcome around 300 cruise ships, bringing in thousands of tourists and providing a major boost to regional economies. However, infrastructure limitations may be restricting the industry’s full potential.
Cork Leading the Way The Port of Cork in Cobh remains Ireland’s busiest cruise destination, expecting 93 cruise ships between April and November, carrying approximately 160,000 passengers. Bantry Bay is also set to receive 14 cruise ships this year, contributing significantly to the local economy.
Cork’s history with cruise liners dates back over a century, with iconic vessels such as the Titanic and Lusitania making stops there. Today, the cruise industry is projected to bring €20 million to the local economy in 2025.
“Cork Harbour is the second largest natural harbour in the world, offering deep water access with minimal restrictions,” said Conor Mowlds, Chief Commercial Officer at the Port of Cork Company. He emphasized the strong community support for cruise tourism, highlighting the lively atmosphere when ships dock, with markets and live music creating an immersive experience for visitors.
The port is looking to expand beyond its current capacity of around 100 ships per year. A recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cruise Britain aims to market Ireland and the UK as a single cruising region, opening up new markets.
Infrastructure Challenges in Waterford While Cork thrives, Waterford’s cruise sector faces hurdles. Some ships dock at Belview Port, 7km from the city, while others anchor offshore at Dunmore East. However, restrictions on the number of ships permitted at Dunmore and the lack of a city docking option pose challenges.
Port of Waterford CEO David Sinnott hopes for changes. “We would like to work with the Department of Agriculture to increase ship visits to Dunmore East,” he said. Plans for Waterford’s North Quays redevelopment could allow future cruise ships to dock directly in the city, improving passenger accessibility.
Dún Laoghaire’s Rise as a Cruise Hub Brexit has reshaped Ireland’s cruise landscape, shifting traffic from Dublin to Dún Laoghaire. Previously, Dublin Port handled 158 cruise ships annually, but post-Brexit regulations reduced that to just 30-40 mid-sized vessels. Dún Laoghaire stepped in, welcoming an increasing number of ships.
“Brexit forced Dublin Port to prioritize trade, reducing cruise capacity,” explained Tim Ryan, Operations Manager at Dún Laoghaire Harbour. In 2025, 80 cruise ships carrying 128,000 passengers and 50,000 crew are expected.
However, as a tender port, Dún Laoghaire can only accommodate ships that are willing to ferry passengers ashore in smaller boats. Some cruise lines avoid such operations, limiting the port’s potential.
Calls for Investment in Dublin Despite its previous prominence, Dublin Port has deprioritized cruise activity, with a spokesperson confirming that cruises contribute less than 1% of its revenue. Instead, the port focuses on international trade, handling 35 million tonnes of freight and 1.64 million ferry passengers annually.
The Coach Tourism and Transport Council of Ireland (CTTC) has criticized this stance, arguing that it limits tourism revenue. “Dublin Port’s refusal to expand cruise facilities is costing millions in lost revenue,” the CTTC stated, warning that Belfast Harbour’s €106 million investment in cruise infrastructure could divert ships northwards.
Future Prospects and Expansion Hopes Industry leaders believe Ireland has significant untapped potential in the cruise market. Niamh McCarthy, Managing Director of Excursions Ireland, said there is growing demand for unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences.
“While classic tours remain popular, passengers are increasingly seeking lesser-known attractions,” she noted, suggesting that ports on the west coast, such as Galway or Foynes, could benefit from dedicated cruise berths.
She also pointed to geopolitical instability in other regions, making Ireland a stable and attractive cruise destination. “With over 50 new cruise ships expected globally by 2030, now is the time to invest in infrastructure and increase our visibility on the global cruise map,” McCarthy said.
As Ireland’s cruise industry prepares for a busy season, questions remain about whether the country is maximizing its potential. While ports like Cork and Dún Laoghaire are thriving, investment in infrastructure and strategic planning could further elevate Ireland as a premier cruise destination.
