Local Attractions Killybegs
Killybegs Fishing Port
Killybegs Town has the deepest sea fishing port in Ireland and a busy fishing fleet, including some of the largest vessels in Ireland.
Boat trips around Donegal Bay for leisure or fishing can be arranged. Restaurants offer freshly caught fish. Try eating fresh calamari, scampi or cod with Mairead Anderson at the Killybegs Seafood Shack or visit nearby Ahoy Cafe on the Shore Road or visit Mr B’s Bakery or Mellys Cafe on Main Street or Fusion Bistro just outside the town centre on the road to Donegal Town. Or buy it fresh from Ronan in The Fish Stop.
Slieve League or Sliabh Liag Cliffs
Standing at just under 2000 feet these are possibly the highest sea cliffs in Europe. Accessed by turning south at Teelin. Enjoy the views across to North Mayo or even try walking through One Mans Pass and enjoy the most spectacular views over Donegal Bay. There is a visitors centre – see more at http://www.sliabhliag.com/ . It is about 15 kilometres or 20 minutes away from Killybegs Holiday Park, so camping here for Sliabh Liag is ideal.
Boat trips can be arranged by calling Paddy Byrne on +353 (0)876284688 or see www.sliabhleagueboattrips.com
The Killybegs Maritime & Heritage Centre – Carpet Factory
Hand knotted carpets were made here and grace floors all over the world, from Dublin to Dubai. New Zealand to New York. See the original loom. From 1898 for one hundred years carpets were hand tufted here. Established in 1898 by Alexander Morton a Scottish Textile Manufacturer. Aras an Uachtarain, Dublin Castle and Notre Dame.
Notre Dame College most famous President, Father ‘Ted’ Theodore Hesburgh had a Donegal Carpet in his office, which is still there to this day. The vibrant gold and dark blue in the college crest are as rich as ever.
Opening Times: Mon-Fri 09:30 to 17:00. Last tour 15:45. Saturday and Sunday by appointment only.
St Johns Point
Enjoy crystal clear waters and spectacular views from end of the point at the lighthouse which dates from the early 1830’s. Look out for seals, porpoises and dolphins at play or even some Basking sharks trolling the pristine waters of Donegal Bay. See across to Streedagh strand and Classiebawn Castle, Mullaghmore and Ben Bulben in Sligo and beyond, south west to the Mayo coastline with its Ceide Fields.
Fintra Strand
Just a few miles west of Killybegs lies Fintra or Fintragh Strand – Fionntrá in Irish. An ideal place for an early morning run or an evening stroll. A favourite stop off point for migrating geese.
Why not drive a few miles further out west and enjoy the high vantage point views from Largy. Or stop for a coffee in the Pod.
Glencolmcille
Glen or Gleann Cholm Cille village is situated on the western fringes of south Donegal. Visit Glencolmcille Famine Village for a tour or refreshments. It was established by Father James Canon McDyer in the ’80s to create much needed employment.
Walk the nearby beaches at Malin Mor and Malin Beg or the Silver Strand. Or walk around the head, stopping by dolmens, ringforts and cairns.
