Bantry

Bantry Port Guide

Bantry, Ireland Cruise Port Guide

Nestled along the scenic coastline of County Cork, Bantry offers cruise travelers a picturesque gateway to Southwest Ireland's dramatic landscapes and rich maritime history.

Major cruise lines such as Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Oceania Cruises frequently call at this charming harbor town.

Visitors are drawn to its welcoming atmosphere, stunning bay views, and proximity to historic estates and lush gardens, making it an unforgettable Irish port of call.


Key Bantry Port Information

Top Attractions & Excursions

A short walk from the landing pier lies Bantry House and Garden, a grand 18th-century stately home featuring formal gardens and historic artifacts, located just a 15-minute walk away.

Passengers can take a short boat trip across the harbor to Garinish Island, famous for its rare plant species and beautiful Italianate garden architecture.

For history enthusiasts, the town center offers access to the French Armada Exhibition, detailing Wolfe Tone's historic 1796 invasion attempt.

Last updated on October 20, 2026

Nearby Cities & Attractions

The scenic Sheep's Head Peninsula is located about 20 minutes away by road, offering world-class walking trails and panoramic coastal views.

The colourful seaside village of Glengarriff, located roughly 15 kilometers north, serves as a popular gateway to ancient oak woodlands and coastal nature reserves.

Further west lies the rugged Beara Peninsula, reachable within a 30-minute drive, known for dramatic mountain passes like the Healy Pass.

Last updated on October 20, 2026

Port Location

Cruise ships typically anchor in the sheltered waters of Bantry Bay and transport passengers via tender boats directly to the town quay in central Bantry.

The tender pier drops passengers right in the heart of town, within easy walking distance of local shops, traditional pubs, and historical sites.

While the pier area itself has limited dedicated terminal facilities, full town amenities are just steps away from the disembarkation point.

Last updated on October 20, 2026

Local Currency

The official currency in Ireland is the Euro (€), and US Dollars are not accepted for everyday purchases.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted across local shops, restaurants, and attractions, though carrying a small amount of cash is useful for minor expenses.

ATMs are readily available along the main square and high street for passengers needing to withdraw local currency.

Last updated on October 20, 2026

Safety Considerations

Bantry is a very safe and welcoming destination with extremely low crime rates, making independent exploration straightforward and relaxing.

Standard travel precautions apply, such as keeping personal belongings secure and exercising care when walking along uneven seaside streets or coastal paths.

Visitors can comfortably explore the town on foot without requiring guided tours solely for safety reasons.

Last updated on October 20, 2026

Weather & Climate

During the primary cruise season from May through September, Bantry experiences mild weather with average daytime temperatures ranging between 15°C and 20°C (59°F to 68°F).

Rain showers are common year-round in West Cork, so passengers should prepare with layered clothing and a reliable waterproof jacket.

Strong Atlantic breezes are frequent near the bay, making a windproof outer layer recommended during tender rides and shore excursions.

Last updated on October 20, 2026

Getting Around

Because tender boats drop passengers directly in town, most attractions within Bantry can be easily explored on foot without needing vehicles.

Local taxis are available near the quay for short trips, and local operators offer scenic regional excursions like Bantry Bay Taxi Boat rides or guided minibus tours.

Regional bus services operated by Bus Éireann connect the town to surrounding villages, though schedules may be limited during brief port stops.

Last updated on October 20, 2026

Shopping

Bantry features charming independent boutiques, traditional craft shops, and cozy bookstores centered around Wolfe Tone Square.

Popular souvenirs include Irish Aran knitwear, handmade pottery, local artisan foods, and West Cork produce.

Prices in retail shops are fixed and non-negotiable, and duty-free shopping options are limited to shipboard shops or major international airports.

Last updated on October 20, 2026

Shore Excursions & Tours

Private Tour:Ring of Kerry,Kerry Cliffs from Kenmare.

Image
★ 5.0 (58)

Starting from the beautiful town of Kenmare, this private tour offers a fully customizable experience that can take you off the beaten track. You can visit the stunning Kerry Cliffs, which stand over 1,000 feet above sea level and are actually higher than the Cliffs of Moher. Enjoy the flexibility to stop whenever you want, including for meals at restaurants favored by local people.

Ring of Kerry and Kerry Cliffs Private Tour

Image
★ 5.0 (18)

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Ring of Kerry with our exclusive private tour service. This iconic route is renowned for its stunning landscapes, charming villages, and rich cultural history. Every detail of the journey is tailored to make your experience remarkable and unforgettable.

Private Tour: Ring of Beara from Kenmare.

Image
★ 5.0 (8)

Journey through the Ring of Beara via Healy Pass and Derreen Gardens, visiting the cable car station to Dursey Island with an option to see Garnish Island. Drive through colorful coastal villages while enjoying spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. You will also visit the Uragh Stone Circle, which offers beautiful scenery between two lakes and a mysterious waterfall.

Killarney National Park Guided Private Full Day Photo Tour

Image
★ 5.0 (5)

Based in the famous town of Killarney, we offer tours in the most picturesque locations in Ireland. We also operate in various scenic and exciting areas along the west coast's Wild Atlantic Way. Your guide, Micheál O’Sullivan, is an experienced professional photographer and a leading authority on Irish landscape photography.

Dingle and Slea Head Private Scenic Tour

Image
★ 5.0 (4)

Experience the breathtaking landscapes of Dingle and Slea Head on this exclusive journey through County Kerry. You will encounter panoramic views of the Blasket Islands and visit landmarks like Dunquin Pier, Coumeenoole Beach, and the ancient Gallarus Oratory. Conclude your trip by exploring the Blasket Visitor Center or enjoying the artisan shops and seafood in the quaint fishing town of Dingle.

4 Hr Private Photography Tour from Kenmare – All Skill Levels

Image
★ 5.0 (3)

Explore the breathtaking landscapes around Kenmare with an immersive photography tour led by local studio photographer Nick Cavanagh. This small-group experience takes you to lesser-visited areas to improve your skills through personalized instruction on composition and camera settings. Whether you are a photographer moving from Automatic to Manual mode or simply a sightseer, this tour offers a unique perspective on the region.

Guided Tour The Ring of Kerry, Skellig Ring and Valencia Island

Image
★ 5.0 (2)

Venture off the beaten path and discover hidden gems along the world-renowned Ring of Kerry route. This guided private tour takes you in a plush luxury vehicle to places other tourists and buses cannot reach. Dive deep into rich culture and history with a customizable itinerary that goes wherever your heart desires.

Killarney National Park Guided Private 2 Hour Photo Walk

Image
★ 5.0 (2)

Based in the famous town of Killarney, we provide access to the most picturesque locations for photographers in Ireland. Our tours also explore scenic areas along the exciting Wild Atlantic Way on the west coast. Your guide is Micheál O’Sullivan, an experienced professional photographer considered a leading authority on Irish landscapes.

Sheen Falls Lodge Kenmare to Galway City Private Car Service

Image
★ 5.0 (1)

DM Executive Line offers professional chauffeur-driven airport transfer services for both arrivals and departures throughout Ireland. Travelers enjoy the comfort of modern Mercedes-Benz vehicles driven by certified professional drivers with door-to-door service. The booking includes benefits such as a Meet & Greet service, 60 minutes of complimentary waiting time, and fixed pricing with no hidden costs.

Private Thinking Trails at West Cork

Image

Reconnect with nature and clarify your thoughts during a ramble through the pristine wild parkland of our Thinking Canvas. Follow waymarked hiking paths through biodiverse environments, including open hilltop grasslands, mature evergreen forests, and wetlands. These guided thinking trails are based on established methodologies to help you work through strategies as you stroll.

Private Tour: Mizen Head from Kenmare.

Image

This private day trip from Kenmare takes you along the Atlantic Ocean coastline of West Cork to Mizen Head. The route travels via the Caha Pass through Killarney National Park, passing verdant farmland and quaint villages like Bantry and Glengarriff. Round-trip hotel transport is included, along with personalized commentary and sweeping vistas throughout the drive.

Visiting Bantry Cruise Deals

LOWEST PRICE EVER
11 Night Dublin to Portsmouth cruise
August 29, 2027
Azamara Journey
S M L XL
Dublin → Dublin → Cork → Bantry → Foynes → Kilronan → Killybegs → Belfast → Fowey → Portsmouth
$3,969
$361 per day
Inside
LOWEST PRICE EVER
35 Night Copenhagen to Copenhagen cruise
July 14, 2029
Seabourn Quest
S M L XL
Copenhagen → Gothenburg → Aarhus → Hamburg → Antwerp → London → Cowes → Fowey → Bantry → Galway → Greencastle → Oban → Ullapool → Kirkwall → Aberdeen → Edinburgh → London → Trondheim → Brønnøysund → Svolvaer → Tromsø → Honningsvag → Bodo → Haugesund → Farsund → Aalborg → Copenhagen
$18,089
$517 per day
Outside
64 Night Portsmouth to Portsmouth cruise
July 7, 2027
Azamara Journey
S M L XL
Portsmouth → Liverpool → Dublin → Glasgow → Douglas → Invergordon → Aberdeen → Dundee → Edinburgh → Rosendal → Olden → Ålesund → Svolvaer → Tromsø → Honningsvag → Alta → Harstad → Bodo → Trondheim → Kristiansund → Arendal → Skagen → Copenhagen → Visby → Stockholm → Helsinki → Tallinn → Riga → Klaipeda → Gdansk → Ronne → Copenhagen → Gothenburg → Edinburgh → Dundee → Aberdeen → Invergordon → Oban → Glasgow → Douglas → Dublin → Cork → Bantry → Foynes → Kilronan → Killybegs → Belfast → Fowey → Portsmouth
$31,249
$488 per day
Inside
23 Night Copenhagen to Portsmouth cruise
August 17, 2027
Azamara Journey
S M L XL
Copenhagen → Gothenburg → Edinburgh → Dundee → Aberdeen → Invergordon → Oban → Glasgow → Douglas → Dublin → Cork → Bantry → Foynes → Kilronan → Killybegs → Belfast → Fowey → Portsmouth
$11,589
$504 per day
Inside
11 Night Dublin to Portsmouth cruise
June 19, 2027
Azamara Journey
S M L XL
Dublin → Dublin → Belfast → Killybegs → Galway → Foynes → Bantry → Waterford → Cork → Portsmouth
$6,029
$548 per day
Outside

Upcoming Cruises to Bantry Cruise Deals

11 Night Dublin to Portsmouth cruise
June 19, 2027
Azamara Journey
S M L XL
Dublin → Dublin → Belfast → Killybegs → Galway → Foynes → Bantry → Waterford → Cork → Portsmouth
$6,029
$548 per day
Outside
22 Night Portsmouth to Portsmouth cruise
June 8, 2027
Azamara Journey
S M L XL
Portsmouth → Edinburgh → Dundee → Aberdeen → Invergordon → Kirkwall → Glasgow → Douglas → Dublin → Belfast → Killybegs → Galway → Foynes → Bantry → Waterford → Cork → Portsmouth
$12,149
$552 per day
Inside
28 Night London to London cruise
July 3, 2027
Seabourn Quest
S M L XL
London → Cowes → Fowey → Bantry → Kinsale → Holyhead → Belfast → Oban → Stornoway → Kirkwall → Dundee → Edinburgh → London → Trondheim → Brønnøysund → Svolvaer → Tromsø → Honningsvag → Olden → Bergen → Amsterdam → London
$19,798
$707 per day
Outside
28 Night London to London cruise
June 19, 2027
Seabourn Quest
S M L XL
London → Trondheim → Brønnøysund → Svolvaer → Tromsø → Honningsvag → Olden → Bergen → Amsterdam → London → Cowes → Fowey → Bantry → Kinsale → Holyhead → Belfast → Oban → Stornoway → Kirkwall → Dundee → Edinburgh → London
$19,798
$707 per day
Outside
LOWEST PRICE EVER
14 Night London to London cruise
July 3, 2027
Seabourn Quest
S M L XL
London → Cowes → Fowey → Bantry → Kinsale → Holyhead → Belfast → Oban → Stornoway → Kirkwall → Dun Laoghaire → Edinburgh → London
$11,373
$812 per day
Outside

Ships in Port Schedule

Map of Bantry port area
Bantry port location
MSC ship In port
© OpenStreetMap · © ESA WorldCover 2021

Showing 1 ship in the area

No ships scheduled in port today.

Monthly Pricing - Cruises visiting Bantry

On average Bantry is rather expensive as a port of call. Cruises visiting Bantry during the the peak season of spring are significantly more expensive than the the low season of summer. See the chart below for the monthly average cost per day.

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
$977
May
Jun
$634
Jul
$669
Aug
$432
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Get Weekly Cruise Deals

Weekly emails with the best deals, fully customized for you. No spam ever.

Let’s book your cruise

Tell us who’s sailing to see available cabins and fares.

Guests in this cabin
Ages at the time of sailing

Special fares are dependent on eligibility