Killybegs

Killybegs has developed a sophisticated fishing industry over the centuries, and is now by far the largest fishing port in Ireland. It is also an important regional centre for much of South West Donegal. In addition, Killybegs is an ideal holiday location for those wishing to explore this stunningly beautiful corner of Ireland. Killybegs is also, of course, located very close to the incredible Slieve League Cliffs, Ireland’s highest cliff face, and one of its greatest attractions.

With such an active port, you can spend hours watching fishing boats in Killybegs Harbour, coming and going, loading fish, welding plant, and preparing for their next voyages out onto the high seas. And then there’s all of the other wonderful activities and noises of the harbour too, the begging seals, the frenzied gulls behind the incoming boats, and the arrival of intriguing sailboats from faraway shores. It’s hard not to be enticed by these wonderful scenes of the sea, and we find ourselves being drawn happily into Killybegs’ colourful ambiance.

And a 10 minute drive west takes you to the fabulous Blue Flag Fintra Beach, a stunning beach with miles of Atlantic rollers and golden sands. As well as providing great vistas of the coastline and the mountains behind, Fintra is an excellent swimming beach.

The Killybegs Heritage Walk is packed with many interesting places to visit, from St. Catherine’s Well, to The Maritime & Heritage Centre, and the world renowned Old Donegal Carpet Factory where carpets were hand made for The White House, Buckingham Palace, Áras an Uachtarain, and many other prestigious buildings around the world.
Killybegs is a delightfully bustling and colourful town, and we recommend it very highly.

How to get to Killybegs

By bus and car. Bus Eireann, and several local carriers, provide daily services from Donegal Town to nearby Glencomumbkille. Alternatively take the N56 and R263 west from Donegal, to Killybegs.

Where to stay in Killybegs

Killybegs has great selection of places to stay including hotels, hostels, self-catering holiday homes, guesthouses and B&B's.

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Killybegs is surrounded by beautiful coastal towns. Don't miss Teelin and Slieve League if you are travelling north, and don't miss Inver and Donegal if you are travelling south.

Things to do in Killybegs

1. Visit the Killybegs Maritime Heritage Centre. This heritage centre provides a good overview of the town’s history, and is set in the factory of Donegal Carpets, whose carpets adorn the White House and Buckingham Palace. You can sometimes see its hand-knotting loom (the world’s longest of its kind) at work. The fun wheelhouse simulator lets you ‘steer’ a fishing trawler into the harbour. There’s a good cafe/craft shop on-site.
2. Go fishing with Killybegs Angling Charters. If you’re keen in taking to the water to catch pollack, ling, brill or turbot, Brian McGilloway has 30 years’ experience in charter angling. Boat hire costs €450 while gear rental is from €10 per day.
3. You’ll be a long-time walking but, as of 2011, Donegal is now part of the famed Appalachian Trail. The dramatic Slieve League cliffs and mountains have become the starting point for the newly designated Irish leg of the International Appalachian Trail, an extension to the original route stretching from Georgia to Maine and then on to Newfoundland. And what more spectacular setting could you have for such a renowned trail linking two pieces of land separated by thousands of kilometres of ocean?