Londonderry: 'Invaluable' cruise ship tourism to expand in north west

Cruise ship tourism, described as "invaluable" for the north west economy, is set to expand in 2027, BBC News NI has learned.

Foyle Port has three landing areas - one at Lisahally outside Londonderry, another at Fort George in the city centre and a third at Greencastle, County Donegal.

These harbours saw almost 12,000 passengers arrive between April and September 2026.

Twenty-two ships were booked during this year's cruise ship season with 36 cruise liners now confirmed for 2027.

The arrival of large ships helped generate £1.1m towards the local economy in 2026, according to Foyle Port.

Bill McCann, harbour master at Foyle Port, told BBC News NI about 25,000 passengers were now expected next year across its three Foyle Port landing areas which he described as "unbelievable growth".

"We are mainly a bulk port for coal, grain, minerals and oil at Foyle Port," McCann said. "But we are also classified for fishing and of course cruise ships which people will have seen more and more of in our waters.

"This has been a very busy season for us and the number of ships coming in are increasing year on year with more cruise ships being built around the world.

"Tourists from all over are coming here and you hear so many different accents. Yes, this is part of their stop over, but thousands are excited to come see this part of the world and spend their cash."

Foyle Port brings the majority of ships to its tender facility in Greencastle during the summer months due to its better infrastructure.

Passengers then spend money on both sides of the border in local pubs, restaurants, shops and on excursions.

Those arriving to Greencastle are tendered from the port to land on smaller boats.

"I have to say the majority love crossing the border into Derry and the north coast for all the attractions," McCann said.

"Our staff have been busy this season, but we're well used to it now. Next year will be even busier with 36 ships across all harbours."

Many passengers book trips and tours on both sides of the border weeks and months before they arrive in the region.

Karen King, from Orange County California, boarded the ship in the south of England and is travelling by Ireland, Scotland and then Iceland.

"I've never been to Ireland before, especially Northern Ireland, my family is from here.

"We're excited to see it, it's so beautiful," King told BBC News NI.

She said the Giants Causeway, pubs and shops are on her list of places to visit.

Laurie Kay from Denver, Colorado, said she has been wanting to get to Ireland "forever".

"Whenever I find a trinket or a beautiful item, euros will fly," she said.

'Important' to keep tourists in north west

David Gilliand, managing partner at the 18th Century Brook Hall Estate and Gardens, said that since Covid the site had "turned to tourism in a big way".

"Our experiences are pre-booked with tour operators, so we know what numbers to expect from the cruise ships," said Gilliland.

"They come here by bus and they love the history and scenery. Our cruise ship visitors are spending £20 to £30 per person which adds up and is good for our revenue generation. It's a big source of income for us during the summer months.

"The cruise ships have been invaluable. We are looking forward to an even busier season next year."

Gilliand said there were "so many honey pots throughout the island of Ireland" but added it was "important to keep tourists in the north west region".

"People are spending in Donegal and then moving into Derry to spend. The cross-border revenue is vital for our economy. It's a great cash injection."

Leona Creggan owns Elsie Tweed which sells her own Irish tweed scarfs at the harbour in Greencastle when the cruise ships are docked.

"It's as local as it gets, I literally live up in the hills so it's great to see local crafts being advertised right where they land in the port."

She hopes that with cruise ship tourism the businesses in the village will only grow as "there's lots of talented people".

Cruise tourism in Northern Ireland is valued at about £27m to the economy annually, according to Tourism Northern Ireland.

Tourism NI also told BBC News NI cruise ships brought an estimated 300,000 visitors to Northern Ireland in 2026.

A spokesperson said it commended "the Port of Foyle on a record year bringing passengers and tourism into the north west region".

"The outlook for cruise tourism in Northern Ireland looks positive, with further growth projected for next year and a new cruise terminal at Belfast Harbour planned to be completed in advance of the 2028 season."

Visit Derry chief executive Odhran Dunne added: "The positive feedback from international cruise passengers on their visits to the city and north west region has been fantastic over the course of this year's cruise season.

"The range of visitor excursions and experiences on offer ensure the region continues to grow its reputation within the cruise industry as a must-see destination attracting new and repeat cruise lines each year.

"We look forward to supporting Foyle Port in servicing this growing sector of our tourism market."

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