Bantry Bay in West Cork focuses on the smaller to mid sector
Bantry Bay Port Company (a subsidiary of the Port of Cork Company) marked the beginning of the 2026 cruise season on April 26, with the arrival of Ponant’s Le Laperouse to Bantry Inner anchorage. She was the first of twelve cruise vessels scheduled to call this year.
Across the 2026 season, Bantry Bay will welcome a diverse mix of expedition, luxury and mid‑size cruise ships, bringing visitors from around the world to West Cork.
These calls provide a valuable boost for local tourism and businesses, with passengers and crew set to explore Bantry town and the surrounding Wild Atlantic Way coastline.
Speaking at the start of the season, Ann Doherty, ceo Port of Cork Company, said: “The 2026 schedule reflects growing interest from international operators in West Cork’s unique offering, and complements the wider cruise activity across the Port of Cork. Together, these calls deliver real economic and cultural benefits for the region, and we’re pleased to see Bantry playing an increasingly important role in Ireland’s cruise tourism landscape.”
For those seeking a luxury golf and super yacht experience, Bantry Bay offers both a practical and scenic gateway, with Adare Manor, the chosen venue for the Ryder Cup 2027, just a 25-minute helicopter transfer away.
This year’s Bantry cruise schedule extends from April to August and features calls including those from Douglas Mawson, Vasco da Gama, Hanseatic Nature, Deutschland, Spirit of Discovery, Le Champlain, Vista, Europa, Azamara Quest and Insignia, with arrivals from April to August.
Bantry Bay Port is the largest long marine inlet in south-west Ireland at 35km. Bere Island and Whiddy Island are the two largest islands in the bay. The Port has recently invested €8.5 million in its marine strategy to aid both existing marine users and new marina facilities.
Bantry Bay Port Company is a subsidiary of the Port of Cork Company.
(Bantry Bay in West Cork focuses on the smaller to mid sector)
