Greencastle is a tender anchorage for smaller/expedition ships accessing Derry city, the Inishowen Peninsula and Giant’s Causeway excursions.
- Douglas Mawson will be visiting on May 16, with 180 passenger capacity
- Douglas Mawson will be visiting on May 18, with 180 passenger capacity.
- MS Deutschland-World Odyssey will be visiting on May 19, arriving at 08:00 and departing at 20:00, with 420 passenger capacity.
- Vasco da Gama-Nicko will be visiting on May 20, arriving at 08:00 and departing at 19:00, with 1,250 passenger capacity.
- Douglas Mawson will be visiting on May 27, with 180 passenger capacity.
- Spirit of Discovery will be visiting on June 4, arriving at 08:00 and departing at 17:00, with 999 passenger capacity.
- Oceania Marina will be visiting on June 5, arriving at 08:00 and departing at 19:00, with 1,250 passenger capacity.
- ms Nieuw Statendam will be visiting on June 6, arriving at 08:00 and departing at 18:00, with 2,666 passenger capacity.
- Crystal Serenity will be visiting on July 25, arriving at 08:00 and departing at 17:00, with 1,070 passenger capacity.
- Artania will be visiting on August 5, arriving at 08:00 and departing at 18:00, with 1,200 passenger capacity.
- Star Legend will be visiting on August 11, arriving at 07:00 and departing at 17:00, with 212 passenger capacity.
- Oceania Vista will be visiting on August 14, arriving at 07:00 and departing at 19:00, with 1,200 passenger capacity.
- Azamara Quest will be visiting on August 15, arriving at 08:00 and departing at 18:00, with 698 passenger capacity.
- Seven Seas Voyager will be visiting on August 28, arriving at 08:00 and departing at 18:00, with 700 passenger capacity.
- MSC Explora 3 will be visiting on September 11, arriving at 08:00 and departing at 19:00, with 922 passenger capacity.
- Oceania Marina will be visiting on September 12, arriving at 08:00 and departing at 17:00, with 1,250 passenger capacity.
- Seven Seas Grandeur will be visiting on September 19, arriving at 08:00 and departing at 18:00, with 750 passenger capacity.
Shore options
These are the most commonly offered and popular options, typically arranged through cruise lines or local operators (such as private guides, 4×4 specialists, or coaches) with guaranteed return to the ship.
- Giant’s Causeway and Antrim Coast Tour: A full-day scenic drive along the Causeway Coastal Route to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Giant’s Causeway, with its unique basalt columns and legends, often including stops at Dunluce Castle ruins, the Dark Hedges, or Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge for panoramic coastal views.
- Derry City and Walls Tour: A half-day or full-day excursion to the historic walled city of Derry (about 30–45 minutes away), featuring a walk along the intact 17th-century city walls, Guildhall, Bogside murals, Peace Bridge, and insights into its political and cultural history.
- Inishowen Peninsula Scenic Drive: A full-day private or small-group tour exploring the rugged Inishowen Peninsula, with highlights like Malin Head (Ireland’s northernmost point), sea cliffs, traditional villages, and hidden beaches, often with off-road elements for untamed landscapes.
- Giant’s Causeway and Derry Combo: A comprehensive full-day tour combining the natural wonder of the Giant’s Causeway with a visit to Derry, offering a balanced mix of geology, mythology, and urban history along scenic routes.
- Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Coastal Highlights: A focused tour to the iconic rope bridge spanning to a small island, paired with Antrim Coast views, often extended to nearby sites like Bushmills Distillery for whiskey tastings or Mussenden Temple.
- Bushmills Distillery and Whiskey Experience: A half-day cultural visit to the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, including guided production tours, tastings, and history, sometimes combined with coastal stops for a flavourful experience.
- Inishowen 4×4 Off-Road Adventure: A thrilling private small-group excursion in 4×4 vehicles venturing off the beaten track through Donegal’s wild terrain, with rugged trails, panoramic viewpoints, and local storytelling away from main tourist paths.
- Local Greencastle and Lough Foyle Exploration: A gentle half-day option staying closer to port, including coastal walks, Lough Foyle views, or a boat safari for wildlife (seals, birds) and maritime commentary, ideal for low-activity or scenic relaxation.
- Private or Small-Group Custom Tour: Tailored full-day excursions (by private vehicle or 4×4) combining favourites like the Giant’s Causeway, Derry, or Inishowen drives with personalised stops for photography, local crafts, or hidden gems.
These excursions highlight Greencastle’s position as a scenic entry to Ireland’s northwest, with many involving coach or private transfers due to the tender port setup. Full-day tours to the Giant’s Causeway or Derry are especially popular. Independent options like taxis or local boats suit shorter visits, but organised tours ensure timely return to the ship. Availability depends on weather, tendering times, and ship schedules.
