Killybegs – County Donegal

Killybegs is located north of Donegal Bay, near Donegal town in County Donegal. This colourful town is the largest fishing port in Ireland. Killybegs is a peaceful and tranquil holiday destination located on part of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Its Irish name Na Cealla Beaga means ‘little cells’, a reference to early monastic settlements. 

Every summer a famous seafood festival takes place in the town which attracts visitors from all over the world. This popular street festival celebrates the fish catches and incorporates the traditional “Blessing of the Boats”. 

Killybegs is a popular destination for anglers and Donegal Bay has some of the best fishing grounds in Ireland. Killybegs & Teelin provides some of Ireland’s best sea angling with daily fishing trips available. The town is situated at the head of a scenic harbour and at the base of a vast mountainous tract extending northward. A walk along Killybegs shore road is a pleasant experience where you can view the many large and colourful fishing boats. 

There is an abundance of things to do in Killybegs such as sea angling, scuba diving, kayaking, paddle boarding, cycling, golfing, horse riding, and hill walking to name but a few. Dean’s Equestrian Centre in Killybegs has many facilities including trekking, plus an indoor and outdoor riding arena. Narin and Portnoo is a popular links course 25 km away, a scenic 18-hole golf course with views of Gweebarra Bay. 

Take a boat trip to see the majestic Sliabh Liag known as the highest sea cliffs in Europe. Excursions can be booked from Teelin Pier and if you are lucky enough you can be joined by dolphins, whales, seals, and basking sharks. Fintra Beach is a blue flag beach situated 2.5km from Killybegs, which has beautiful fine sand and clear waters. Children will love exploring the rockpools on their next family holiday in Donegal. 

The Folk Village Museum is a cluster of small cottages, called a ‘clachan’ perched on a hillside overlooking the sandy curve of Glen Bay Beach in the Gaeltacht of South West Donegal. Designed, built, and maintained by the local people, the folk village is one of Ireland’s best living – history museums. 

Killybegs is a wonderful base for a self-catering holiday in Ireland. From the comfort of your holiday home in Killlybegs you are perfectly placed to explore the beauty that surrounds this harbour town and the rugged coast of Donegal Wild Atlantic Way.