Killybegs is a harbour inlet off McSwyne's Bay situated on the northern shore of Donegal Bay, approximately 13 miles (21kms) west of Donegal, in the northwest of Ireland. The town of Killybegs, which is Ireland's premier fishing port, is located on the western shore of the harbour about 2 miles within the entrance. The harbour affords a choice of anchorages, the best of which is to the northeast of the town with the opportunity for a short stay alongside berthing to the west end of the town pier after contacting the Harbour Master. Another reasonable anchorage for an overnight stay is in Walkers Bay to the northwest of the slip, on the east side of the entrance to Killybegs Harbour southeast of Rough Point which gives good shelter in southwest or west winds.

The secure natural harbour offers good shelter, but some unpleasant swell may be encountered in south to southwesterly winds. Access is straightforward by day or night in all reasonable weathers and tidal consideraions.

Consideration should be given to the large number of fishing boats that use the port, and yachts should not be left unattended except for very short periods.

Keyfacts for Killybegs

Position and approaches

Haven position

54° 38.100' N, 008° 26.490' W

this is the position of the harbours pierhead

What is the initial fix?

This is set at the centre of the entrance to Killybegs Harbour midway between Port Roshin and Rotten Island

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How to get in?

The 'Erris Head to Malin Head' coastal description provides approach information to the suggested initial fix. Vessels approaching from the south should select the northeast bound sequenced description; vessels approaching from the north should select the southwest bound sequence; western approaches may use either description.

Why visit here?

Killybegs – Irish : Na Cealla Beaga, the name is believed to have been taken in early Christian times from a group of monastic cells. The town is located in County Donegal and is situated at the tip of a deep fjord like inlet which makes it one of the safest most sheltered deep water harbours on the Irish coast. Sitting at the base of a vast mountainous tract which extends northwards, the natural scenic deepwater harbour has a new pier that was completed in 2004 at a cost of 50 million Euros. Killybegs is Irelands premier fishing port and its harbour is often very full with trawlers as it is home to the largest Irish midwater trawler fleet and also to the whitefish fleet, but it also handles other types of shipping including passenger cruise liners and has more recently become the favoured port for the importation of wind turbines, and is also a service port to the offshore oil and gas drilling rigs. The town specialises in the processing and freezing of species of fish such as mackerel, herring, scad and blue whiting, which when finished is then exported to overseas markets in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

From the 17C onwards the town continued to prosper as a seaport and market town although today the area is equally important for tourism, as in the summer months it is a mecca for visitors who come to enjoy the beautiful scenery, golden beaches and rich cultural interests. Visitors spend many happy hours at the harbour just watching the fishing boats land their catches and the fishermen mending their nets. Fishing is not the only industry that Killybegs is famous for as it was renowned for its carpet and tapestry making some of which were produced on the biggest loom in the world at the Donegal Carpet Factory. The carpets known as Donegals are hand knotted in the Turkish style and have adorned many famous buildings such as The White House, Buckingham Palace, 10 Downing Street, The Vatican, Dublin Castle and many other prestigious buildings around the world. Sadly the factory closed in 2003 but since 2006 it reopened as the Maritime and Heritage Centre which provides information and demonstrations of carpet making and the fishing industries. Visitors are encouraged to try their hand at making a carpet or repairing a fishing net or sail.

The Hidden Gems Tour which departs with local tour guides from the Information Centre on Shore Road, is a leisurely tour along the magnificent coast of southwest Donegal to the spectacular Sea Cliffs at Sliabh League, a trip well worth a visit. Less than a ten minute drive from Killybegs is the very safe blue flag bathing beach at Fintra Bay. The beach consists entirely of golden sand and is a favourite spot for tourists, and it is reputed to be the safest beach in Ireland, no fatalities ever having occurred there.

In August Killybegs holds its annual Street Festival which celebrates the fish catches and incorporates the tradition of the Blessing of the Boats. The Festival lasts three days with fun and games, plenty of music, song and dance and much craic for the visitor to enjoy.

Killybegs is brilliant for water sports such as surfing, canoeing, wind and kite surfing, water skiing and diving. A new dive centre has recently been opened with a resident teaching professional.

For the passing yachtsman Killybegs is a great place to drop into to stock up with new provisions and to enjoy some of the many local amenities, it also has good transport connections and Donegal Airport at Carrickfin is only 46 miles (74kms) away which takes about an hour to drive.

With thanks to:

Inyourfootsteps.com research