Foyle Port is preparing for a marked increase in cruise tourism in 2027 after confirming 36 cruise liners for the next season, up from 22 this year, port officials said.
Ships, passengers and local spending
Between April and September 2026 the three landing areas managed by the port — Lisahally outside Londonderry, Fort George in the city centre and Greencastle in County Donegal — received almost 12,000 passengers. Foyle Port reported that arrivals by larger ships helped generate about £1.1m for the local economy in 2026.
Bill McCann, harbour master at Foyle Port, told BBC News NI that next year the port is expecting roughly 25,000 passengers across its three landing areas — a sign of what he called "unbelievable growth" in cruise calls and visitor numbers.
"We are mainly a bulk port for coal, grain, minerals and oil at Foyle Port, but we are also classified for fishing and of course cruise ships," McCann said. "This has been a very busy season for us and the number of ships coming in are increasing year on year."
How arrivals work and where the money goes
During summer months most cruise traffic is handled through Foyle Port's tender facility in Greencastle. Large cruise ships anchor offshore and passengers are transferred to shore via smaller boats. Once ashore, visitors cross into Derry and the north coast for tours and spend at local pubs, restaurants, shops and on excursions — benefiting communities on both sides of the border.
- 2026 season (April–Sept): almost 12,000 passengers, 22 ships.
- Forecast 2027: 36 ships confirmed, about 25,000 passengers expected.
- Local economic impact 2026: estimated £1.1m into the regional economy.
Local infrastructure and capacity
Foyle Port relies on its three landing areas to distribute cruise activity throughout the area. Greencastle’s tendering advantage — better infrastructure for handling transfers — makes it the main arrival point in the summer season. Lisahally and Fort George provide additional options to receive passengers directly into the city and surrounding areas.
McCann noted that the port’s core role remains handling bulk cargo — coal, grain, minerals and oil — but added that classification for fishing and cruise calls means port staff are increasingly experienced in managing a mixed activity profile.
Benefits and practical implications for communities
The uptick in cruise tourism offers diversified income streams for businesses that typically rely on local customers. For towns on both sides of the border, short shore visits can be lucrative: visitors often spend on food and beverages, souvenirs, taxi services and paid excursions. The seasonal boost also supports temporary jobs in hospitality, retail and transport.
There are practical constraints. Tendering requires calm seas and reliable small-boat transfers; poor weather reduces the number of passengers who can safely come ashore. Local infrastructure — from piers to visitor amenities and transport links — needs to keep pace with growing passenger numbers to maximise economic benefits and safeguard visitor experience.
| Metric | 2026 (reported) | 2027 (confirmed/forecast) |
|---|---|---|
| Number of cruise ships | 22 | 36 |
| Passenger arrivals (Apr–Sept) | ~12,000 | ~25,000 (expected) |
| Estimated local economic contribution | £1.1m | — |
Outlook
With more cruise ships being built worldwide and an apparent appetite among passengers to visit north-west Ireland, Foyle Port’s harbour master expects continued growth. For local businesses and municipal planners, the challenge will be to channel that growth into sustainable gains for residents while maintaining port operations for traditional bulk trade.
As the 2027 season draws closer, tourism operators, town councils and port managers will be watching passenger manifests and weather windows closely to ensure the expected surge translates into tangible benefits for communities that host cruise visitors.
