Foyle Port Expects 36 Cruise Ships and 25,000 Passengers in 2027

Foyle Port expects to receive 36 cruise ships in 2027, a 64% increase from the 22 visiting during its record 2026 season. The port forecasts passenger numbers will reach 25,000.

The expansion follows a season that brought close to 19,000 passengers to the North West and generated an economic impact exceeding £1.1 million. The port recorded 18 cruise visits in the year ended March 2024, according to its annual report for that period.

Ian Luney, Foyle Port’s chief executive, told the Northern Ireland Assembly’s Infrastructure Committee that cruise numbers “could increase with the right infrastructure in place.” He linked that opportunity to Northern Ireland’s tourism strategy and the objective of a regionally balanced economy.

Le Laperouse opened the 2026 cruise season with its inaugural call. The port and harbour commissioners are also seeking a multimillion-euro deep-water cruise terminal at Greencastle.

The County Donegal harbour, at the mouth of Lough Foyle, already has Foyle Port tender facilities for cruise passengers. Foyle Port also operates the deep-water Lisahally Terminal, where Northern Ireland’s first cruise destination opened in 1995.

Ryan McCready, Foyle Port’s chairman, cited that history in his statement accompanying the annual report for the year ended March 31, 2026. “Cruise tourism remains an important opportunity within Foyle Port’s wider Atlantic gateway role,” he wrote.

McCready said the port was willing to work with partners on development that supports its long-term regional role. He also called for shared recognition of the Foyle’s cross-border tourism potential.

“Future growth, including the Shared Island opportunity at Greencastle, will depend on continued partnership with Donegal County Council,” McCready wrote.

Compare current British Isles cruise fares on Cruise Lookup.