The first cruise ship to call to scenic Baltimore harbour in West Cork has brought a welcome tourism boost to the region.
Captain Jose Fonseca of Noble Caledonia’s luxurious Island Sky vessel dropped anchor beneath Baltimore’s landmark beacon on Thursday — the first time a cruise ship has called to the harbour — and remained there for the day while guests ventured off on day trips.
Many of the ship’s 90 passengers transferred to Baltimore in the morning, and then on to Sherkin Island, the “island of the arts”, in the afternoon.
They enjoyed walking tours, focused on Baltimore’s maritime heritage, and tours of the Sherkin studios, before they got time to explore Baltimore and Sherkin for themselves, browsing crafts and enjoying some local food and drink.
Cork County Council staff were on hand on the day to greet passengers and crew, hand out maps and brochures, and provide guidance to ensure visitors enjoyed their visit to the area.
The Island Sky is a small but luxurious expedition cruise ship which left Dublin on August 5 on a 12-day ‘Wild Ireland’ tour.
It has almost 60 spacious and well-designed suites, all with a seating area and some with private balconies.
The cruise line company boasts how the feeling of luxury is enhanced on board by the wood panelling and brass, “conveying the atmosphere of a private yacht”.
She is cruising along the rugged Irish coastline, visiting the Skelligs, Galway, the Aran Islands, and Killybegs before passengers disembark in Liverpool.
The ship made the short journey along the coast to Bere Island on Friday, where passengers were tendered directly from the ship to the island for tours of the Lonehort Battery, the Martello Tower and Bere Island Heritage Centre.
They will finish off the day enjoying live music and a drink in Dessie’s Bar.
Councillor Caroline Cronin, Chairperson of the West Cork Municipal District, and officials from Cork County Council, were welcomed on board the vessel by the ship’s captain, where a formal gift exchange took place to mark the ship’s inaugural visit to Baltimore Harbour.
“I am delighted to be associated with this inaugural cruise call to Baltimore,” Ms Cronin said. “The passengers visiting Sherkin Island and the ship’s onward journey to Bere Island presents a welcome boost to our islands,” she said.
“Approximately 4,000 cruise passengers are expected to visit Cork County Council’s harbours in 2025, contributing to the local economy and supporting our tourism industry, while showcasing what makes County Cork so special to a growing number of international visitors.”
The visit is part of a busy cruise season across the council’s ports and harbours, with inaugural calls at Youghal and Ballycotton among the record 25 cruise visits planned for 2025, with Schull, Kinsale, and Bere Island receiving repeat visits.
