Ship Ahoy! Killybegs set to welcome more than 50,000 cruise passengers

Killybegs is looking forward to a very busy cruise season, with a whopping 32 cruise ships to visit the port town this summer. 

The combined number of visitors that will visit the town and the surrounding areas as a result is expected to exceed 50,000.

Of the 32 ships to dock in Killybegs, 11 will be doing so for the first time.

And 19 of these cruise ships will be more than 200m long.

Sinbad Marine released an overview of what is to be expected from this year’s cruise season under the heading: “Cruising into 2023, our biggest year ever!”

The cruise economy has been a huge boost to Killybegs and to all of south Donegal in recent times. It is a great example of how a local economy can adapt to changing circumstances. 

It has also shown the strength of community spirit in Killybegs as businesses, volunteers and local representatives pull together to ensure a great experience for visitors, ensuring that many will want to come back on their own steam in the future. 

Missing out on the cruise visitors during the two years of the Covid-19 pandemic was a big blow for the region. Thankfully 2022 saw a return to welcoming cruise ships, their passengers and crews to Killybegs. 

And thanks to the efforts of all involved, the cruise sector is going from strength to strength, with every reason to be optimistic for a busy summer for tourism related businesses in the area.