In Killybegs, harbour cruises, local history and the heritage of Donegal Carpets come together. When planning your visit, it is worth noting the different themes and durations: a harbour cruise focuses on the fishing harbour, while a walking tour takes in medieval sights and historic buildings.
Harbour Cruises and Experiences at Sea
Killybegs Boat Tours offers a 1.5-hour harbour cruise with a behind-the-scenes look at the historic, industrial fishing harbour. Atlantic Coastal Cruises departs from Killybegs for coastal trips along the coast in the southwest of County Donegal. The trips described therefore differ mainly in focus: a harbour cruise or a coastal cruise. Schedules and advance booking requirements may change; check the latest information before your trip.
Killybegs Angling Charters also offers several types of excursions: deep-sea fishing, sightseeing cruises, diving and wildlife watching. Seasonal and operational details may change. Near Killybegs Pier, Shines Seafood offers an educational experience about Irish seafood; visitor arrangements may also change.
Explore Killybegs’ History on Foot
The Killybegs Walk and Talk Tour is a walking tour lasting about 1 hour and 40 minutes, with ten notable stops around the town. It focuses on medieval sights and interesting buildings. The Heritage Trail also leads to historic sites in Killybegs. It includes a registered National Monument, St Catherine’s Church and its graveyard. The trail also leads to St John’s Church of Ireland, whose graveyard contains several First World War graves. The town’s history thus spans medieval buildings and memorial sites from more recent times.
Two activities with stated durations are close in length: the harbour cruise lasts 1.5 hours, while the Walk and Talk tour takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. They focus on different things—the harbour from the water and historic places in town on foot. The duration and format of the Walk and Talk Tour may change; check the latest information before your trip.
Maritime Heritage and Carpet Craft
The factory overlooking Killybegs was built in 1898 by Scotsman Alexander Morton to house his company, Donegal Carpets. Donegal Carpets made handmade floor coverings. The well-known Donegal Carpets building is now home to the Killybegs Maritime & Heritage Centre, which houses the world’s largest hand-knotted loom. The factory, company and loom make carpet-making a distinctive part of the town’s industrial and cultural history.
Killybegs’ seafaring history also has a specific historical connection: in 1588, the town was the last port of call for the “Girona,” the most heavily wrecked ship of the Spanish Armada. Another part of the local cultural heritage can be found in St. Mary of the Visitation Church: many of the so-called Mass Rocks are now inside the church building. Together with the churches and graveyards on the Heritage Trail, these places show different aspects of Killybegs’ history.
Discover more destinations: Lettermacaward, Teelin, Kincasslagh, Bridge End, Stranorlar, Annagry, Bundoran, Gweedore.
For the broader travel overview: County Donegal.
