The luxury ‘Silver Spirit’ was the latest cruise ship to visit Donegal last week, bringing with it just over 1,000 passengers and crew.
The 210.7 metre all-inclusive vessel anchored in Greencastle on Saturday on her inaugural visit to the North West region as part of a 12-day cruise around Iceland and Ireland. The ship anchored from 8.30am until her departure at 7pm for her next port of call, Killybegs. The ship is due to make a second call to Greencastle this year on 14th September.
Guests on board were given a complimentary choice of various tours including a scenic drive around the Inishowen Peninsula with a stop at Doagh Famine Village, a visit to Oakfield Park, Raphoe, and delights of Derry including a visit to the Tower Museum. There was also a complimentary shuttle bus to Derry with many choosing to spend time in Greencastle and the Inishowen Maritime Museum & Planetarium.
From L-R: Captain Ivo Botica, Master Silversea Cruises; John G McLaughlin, Chief Executive, Donegal County Council; Rebecca McLaughlin, Marketing Go Visit Inishowen; Monica Roddy, Visitor Experience Go Visit Inishowen; Cathaoirleach Cllr Niamh Kennedy, Donegal County Council; Luis de Sousa Marques Hotel Director Silversea Cruises; Louise Denvir, Cruise Marketing Executive Foyle Port; Matthew Doherty, Business Development Officer Visit Derry.
Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr. Niamh Kennedy, said she was delighted to welcome this luxury cruise ship to Donegal on its inaugural visit.
“Donegal and the North West region provides a unique experience for the passengers and crew, many of whom are visiting Ireland for the first time,” she said.
“Showcasing Donegal and the North West region’s outstanding natural, unspoilt beauty together with the wealth of incredible tourism products available will pay dividends in the future and we look forward to many of today’s visitors returning to our region in the years ahead.”
Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, John G. McLaughlin also congratulated Foyle Port on their success in attracting cruise tourism to the region.
“It is great to see a luxury cruise ship anchor in this area. Greencastle is an important gateway harbour to the North West region and the opening of the recent €25 million Greencastle Harbour Breakwater Project is vital for the continued growth and sustainability of tourism in the region and the broader development of the harbour.”
He added, “We need to continue to develop cruise tourism and adopt a collaborative approach with community groups, individuals and local businesses in preparing for increasing numbers of visiting cruise ships to Donegal.”
The Luxury Silver Spirit Cruise Ship visits Donegal as part of a 12-day cruise sailing around Iceland and Ireland.
The welcoming delegation were greeted by the Captain, Ivo Botica, Hotel Director, Luis de Sousa, Cruise Director, Grace Caudle and exchanged plaques as is maritime tradition for inaugural cruise calls.
Louise Denvir, Cruise Marketing Executive at Foyle Port said; “Six of the cruise calls this year are inaugural visits showing growth in demand for the destination. This is due to the unique location of the port, which provides access to Wild Atlantic Way, Causeway Coastal Route and the city of Derry. Cruise tourism to the region is expected to grow as we are projecting a 50% rise in cruise calls in 2025 from pre-pandemic levels.”
Silver Spirit was built in 2009 and underwent a complete refurbishment including a 15-metre extension added in 2018 increasing capacity to 608 guests and 411 crew.
From L-R: Captain Ivo Botica, Master Silversea Cruises; Cathaoirleach Cllr Niamh Kennedy, Donegal County Council, John G McLaughlin, Chief Executive, Donegal County Council, Luis de Sousa Marques Hotel Director Silversea Cruises.
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