Four Ships, Four Days, and Almost 5,000 Visitors to Waterford

It was a busy few days in Dunmore East this weekend, as Waterford welcomed four cruise ships over four consecutive days, bringing almost 5,000 visitors to the city and county.

For local businesses, the additional footfall is hugely welcome. From cafés, restaurants, and shops to attractions, tour providers and hospitality businesses, cruise calls bring a valuable boost and give visitors even more opportunities to spend time in and support communities across Waterford. It was wonderful to see so many people out exploring over the weekend and local businesses benefiting from the extra activity.

With passengers stepping ashore to explore Waterford, the weekend was a fantastic opportunity to showcase everything the county has to offer, from our historic city and visitor attractions to our coastal towns, local food, and warm hospitality.

Four successful cruise calls in four days are also a real testament to the work happening behind the scenes. Each arrival brings together teams across Waterford, with welcome teams at Dunmore East Harbour working alongside guides, transport providers, attractions, tourism businesses, and hospitality teams to help visitors make the most of their time here.

For many passengers, this may have been their first visit to Waterford, and every cruise visit is a chance to give them a taste of what makes this part of Ireland so special, and hopefully a reason to return and explore a little more.

A huge well done to everyone who helped make this busy weekend, and Waterford’s cruise season so far, such a success. That includes Waterford Cruise Stakeholder Group, Waterford City & County Council, Waterford Volunteer Centre, Port of Waterford, Dunmore East Harbour, Excursions Ireland, JJ Kavanagh, Waterford Chamber, Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber, our Visit Waterford members, and the many local businesses involved; it takes a real team effort to ensure every visitor receives a warm welcome and a memorable experience in Waterford.