According to Cork County Council, an early cruise ships season to Kinsale and Youghal has established a "vibrant year of luxury cruise tourism" across the county, reports EchoLive.ie
It is expected that this year’s cruise season is to welcome 1,840 passengers and 1,170 crew members to the council-managed harbours, located west and east of Cork City.
In total, 8 luxury cruise ships are scheduled between May and September to call, of which five are operated by French luxury operator Ponant.
The arrival of the 245-guest-capacity Le Lyrial in Kinsale Harbour kicked off the season on 10 May and was followed the next day by a fleetmate, the 184-guest Le Bellot, with the larger Le Lyrial traveling on to Youghal Harbour.
Commenting on the visits by the Marseilles-based operator, Mayor of County Cork Mary Linehan Foley said she is “delighted to see the cruise season kick off so successfully."
She added, “Cruise tourism continues to support sustainable economic growth across Cork."
Four additional cruise calls are scheduled to visit the Cork coast, featuring more ships from Ponant, including L’Austral and Le Champlain, and, as Afloat highlights, those from Swan Hellenic’s SH Diana and Hapag Lloyd’s Europa.
The latter 400-guest cruise ship is regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious, setting a benchmark with its 5-star category, according to Insight Guides 2025.
They are expected to visit Kinsale Harbour throughout the season, with the Europa calling in August.
Afloat also noted that Bere Island (off Castletownbere), another council-managed harbuor, is to welcome Noble Caledonia’s Island Sky in September.
Such a call supports shoulder-season tourism and reinforces Cork’s reputation as a high-quality, welcoming, and distinctive cruise destination.
