Cruise port Greencastle (Londonderry)
Live-Info for port Greencastle (Londonderry)
Port information & tips for Greencastle (Londonderry)
Greencastle is the charming gateway to County Donegal and the historic city of Londonderry in the north of Ireland. The picturesque village on Lough Foyle captivates with its authentic coastal atmosphere while offering an expansive view over the deep blue sea. Highlights in the immediate vicinity include the Inishowen Maritime Museum with its planetarium, as well as the impressive ruins of Northburgh Castle from the 14th century. Thanks to excellent connections, the famous city walls of Derry and the Peace Bridge are also quickly accessible. Cruise ships use the sheltered anchorage in the Foyle, from where guests transfer by tender boat to Greencastle Pier and can comfortably reach the center of Londonderry, about 30 kilometers away, via shuttle bus.
The port of Greencastle (Londonderry) is a port of call for cruise ships in Northern Ireland, with embarkation usually taking place in Derry/Londonderry itself, often at Queen's Quay in the city center or at Lisahally.
Car
Derry/Londonderry is accessible via the well-developed A6 from the direction of Belfast and the A2 along the coast. From the west, the A5 (from Omagh) and the A32 (from the direction of Enniskillen) lead into the city. For cruise passengers arriving by car, there are various public multi-story car parks and parking spaces in Derry/Londonderry city center offering short and long-term parking options. It is recommended to obtain information in advance about specific Park & Cruise offers or the nearest parking facilities to the respective pier.
Train
Londonderry railway station is the terminus of the train line from Belfast. Regular train connections from Belfast Great Victoria Street (with a change at Belfast Lanyon Place) make the journey comfortable. From Londonderry railway station at Waterside, you can easily reach Queen's Quay or other embarkation areas in the city by taxi or a short bus transfer. The travel time by taxi to the center is only a few minutes.
Airplane
The nearest airport is City of Derry Airport (LDY), located about 13 kilometers northeast of the city. This airport primarily offers domestic connections within the United Kingdom. For international arrivals from the DACH region, Belfast International Airport (BFS) is the most relevant option, located about 90-100 kilometers southeast of Derry/Londonderry. The journey from BFS to Derry/Londonderry takes about 1.5 hours by car or bus. Alternatively, George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD), also located in Belfast, offers another option with a similar transfer time. Regular bus connections (e.g., Translink Goldline) and taxi services operate from both airports to Derry/Londonderry. Due to the travel time, a pre-cruise overnight stay in Derry/Londonderry or the surrounding area is recommended for international flights.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the cruise: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as berthing and departure times can change at short notice.
The port of Greencastle (Londonderry) is a port of call for cruise ships in Northern Ireland, with embarkation usually taking place in Derry/Londonderry itself, often at Queen's Quay in the city center or at Lisahally.
Car
Derry/Londonderry is accessible via the well-developed A6 from the direction of Belfast and the A2 along the coast. From the west, the A5 (from Omagh) and the A32 (from the direction of Enniskillen) lead into the city. For cruise passengers arriving by car, there are various public multi-story car parks and parking spaces in Derry/Londonderry city center offering short and long-term parking options. It is recommended to obtain information in advance about specific Park & Cruise offers or the nearest parking facilities to the respective pier.
Train
Londonderry railway station is the terminus of the train line from Belfast. Regular train connections from Belfast Great Victoria Street (with a change at Belfast Lanyon Place) make the journey comfortable. From Londonderry railway station at Waterside, you can easily reach Queen's Quay or other embarkation areas in the city by taxi or a short bus transfer. The travel time by taxi to the center is only a few minutes.
Airplane
The nearest airport is City of Derry Airport (LDY), located about 13 kilometers northeast of the city. This airport primarily offers domestic connections within the United Kingdom. For international arrivals from the DACH region, Belfast International Airport (BFS) is the most relevant option, located about 90-100 kilometers southeast of Derry/Londonderry. The journey from BFS to Derry/Londonderry takes about 1.5 hours by car or bus. Alternatively, George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD), also located in Belfast, offers another option with a similar transfer time. Regular bus connections (e.g., Translink Goldline) and taxi services operate from both airports to Derry/Londonderry. Due to the travel time, a pre-cruise overnight stay in Derry/Londonderry or the surrounding area is recommended for international flights.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the cruise: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as berthing and departure times can change at short notice.
The picturesque pier in Greencastle serves as the most important gateway to the historic city of Londonderry and offers travelers a convenient starting point for exploration thanks to organized transfers and local ferries.
Shuttle Buses
Cruise lines usually provide direct shuttle buses that take guests from the pier in Greencastle to the city center of Londonderry, which is about 40 minutes away. These convenient transfers run along the scenic coast and allow for a worry-free ride directly to the historic city center.
Lough Foyle Ferry
This local ferry connection links Greencastle directly with Magilligan Point and provides a charming link between Donegal and Northern Ireland. The crossing takes only a few minutes and also offers a great perspective of the passing coastline and the sparkling water of Lough Foyle.
Taxi
Local taxis are available directly at the pier upon arrival of the ships, which can be used for individual excursions or the transfer to Londonderry. The drivers are known for their excellent service and, thanks to their outstanding local knowledge, will bring guests quickly to the desired sights in the area.
To make the most of your stay in Greencastle, we recommend a combination of exploring the historic architecture of Londonderry and the breathtaking natural wonders along the rugged coastline.
Historic Old Town of Londonderry
The imposing, fully preserved city walls surround the heart of Londonderry, offering visitors a fascinating walk through its architectural heritage as well as wide views of the famous Peace Bridge and the charming streets of the Bogside district.
Shrove Beach
This picturesque stretch of coastline is located near the harbor and impresses with its fine sand and the striking Shrove Head Lighthouse; additionally, the calm bay invites you to take relaxing walks with a direct view of the wide estuary of Lough Foyle.
Giant’s Causeway
This world-famous UNESCO World Natural Heritage site is easily accessible via organized excursions and fascinates with its tens of thousands of uniform basalt columns, which, together with the dramatic surf of the North Atlantic, create a unique backdrop for unforgettable souvenir photos.
The Historic City Walls of Derry
The impressive City Walls of Derry can be easily reached by shuttle in about thirty-five minutes from the port of Greencastle and, as Ireland's only fully preserved fortification, offer a fascinating circular walk with spectacular views over the city. Thanks to the excellently preserved structure, you can explore living history here and also find charming cafés as well as local arts and crafts in an authentic atmosphere in the adjacent Craft Village. Ideally, start your tour directly in the morning to experience the site in a relaxed manner, and enjoy a quiet return trip through the idyllic countryside of Lough Foyle back to the ship in the early afternoon.
The return journey from your excursions in Derry or the Inishowen Peninsula to the port in Greencastle is easy and stress-free thanks to good connections.
Shuttle Buses
Most cruise lines offer an organized shuttle service for the route from the city of Derry to the port, departing from the Foyleside Shopping Centre or near the Guildhall. These buses bring you comfortably back to the pier and are precisely timed to your ship's departure.
Taxi
Taxis are available at central locations in Derry, such as the Diamond, and you can also easily have a car called from local hotels in Greencastle or Moville. Thanks to the well-developed roads, you will reach the port area in Greencastle safely and directly within about 35 to 40 minutes from Derry.
On Foot
If you spend the day in the picturesque village of Greencastle, simply stroll back to the port in just a few minutes from Green Castle or the local cafes. The path along the coast is flat and offers easy orientation directly to the ship thanks to the clear signage.
In port on 10 Sept 2027
