How Bantry aims to grasp a €2.5m cruise tourism opportunity

Ambitious targets will see 30 cruise ships coming to the South-West annually

The Malta cruise liner Silver Spirit, and Bahamas Cruise Liner Europa, with a total of 1,500 passengers and crew on board in Bantry Bay in 2024. Bantry Bay Port Co plans to bring 25,000 passengers annually. Picture: Evan Doak

Bantry Bay has always had a reputation as a place of shelter for seafarers, going back centuries; a safe harbour from stormy seas.

Even in the days of the revolutionary wars, Bantry’s sheltered harbour was the refuge where the remnants of Wolfe Tone’s ill-fated invasion fleet sought refuge. The town's square is named after the patriot.