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Killybegs is a picturesque Fishing Village on the North West Coast of Ireland-on the edge of Europe, where the majestic Atlantic Sea meets the spectacular mountains and rolling hills of Donegal.

For generations the people of Killybegs have made their living from the sea, and this was never as true as it is today. Killybegs is the fishing Capital of Ireland, and is one of the most progressive fishing ports in the World.

Killybegs is also proud to be one of the finest Leisure Angling resorts in the Country .The Sea Angling Festival attracts competitors from Ireland, U.K., Germany, Holland, Italy, France and North America.

However, Killybegs offers a whole host of activities to suit all tastes and ages. Whether you like Walking, Hiking, Golfing, Trekking or you just want to soak up the sun and fresh air on Fintra Strand, one mile of Golden Blue Flag Beach, and then Killybegs is the place for you.

 

A Fillet Of History

The name Killybegs comes from the Irish  ‘Na Cealla Beaga’ the little cells. Remains of stone huts have been identified in the general area.

It's believed Christianity came to Killybegs before the sixth century, when St. Colmcille was active along this south-west Donegal coastline. Killybegs is identified not with a local saint but with St Catherine a 4th Century martyr in Alexandria. There’s a holy well named after her close to the shoreline past the New Pier.  

Nearby are the ruins the ruins of St. Catherine's church, thought to go back to the 12th century. On the hill above are the last parts of the tower known as 'Kit's Castle', the manor house built by Bishop Patrick McMonagle around 1355. Several bishops of the Raphoe diocese lived there.

In early history, Killybegs came under the sway of the Scottish Mc Sweeney clan from around the 14th  Century, who gave their name to the bay nearby.

It is from an English spy in Killybegs in 1588, Patrick Blaine, that we have an account of ships from the great Spanish Armada in the port. Three ships came in but only one remained afloat, the Girona.  The Spanish contingent was joined by perhaps a thousand men from the wrecking of the Duquesa Santa Ann near Ardara. The Girona left with 1300 men on board and sank in a storm off Antrim. Only nine men survived.

The 16th Century was a lively time in Kil1ybegs. According to the Annals of the Four Masters, the town was sacked by the notorious Irish pirates the O’Malley’s in 1513 while its men folk were off fighting. However the three boats involved were forced to take shelter in a storm at the eye of Largy (which looking out the dinning room window you can see below you), on the way to Kilcar, it's said. and some local youngsters fell on them, killing Owen 0' Mal1ey and 120 of his followers, and freeing prisoners. The infamous Granuaile, Grace 0' Malley, escaped with her father in one boat.

 

 

Sunset on Fintra beach.....

Sliabh League

Slieve League, Donegal, IrelandThe Sliabh League (Grey Mountain) cliffs, situated on the West coast of Donegal, are said to be the highest and one of the finest marine cliffs in Europe with a three hundred metre drop straight down into the wild, Atlantic waves below. This creates a breathtaking but extremely scary view.

However, there is much more to see besides the cliffs. You would be advised to leave one's car and walk the few miles to the cliffs so as not to miss the exciting scenery of the area. There are terrific views of the sea and the Sligo Mountains to be seen. Donegal Bay can be clearly seen as you walk towards the terrifyingly high top of Sliabh League and there is a small lake at eye level. A short walk will take you to the right of the amazing cliff face of Bunglas (which literally means end of the cliff) which rises over 306m above the raging ocean. One Man's Path will take you to the summit of Sliabh League but the climb must be approached with extreme caution as it is very dangerous.
One man's pass, not for the fainthearted!


The ruins of a church with some early Christian hermitages lie near the pass. Returning from the summit by foot, you will pass the ruin of a watchtower at the end of Carrigan Head. This watchtower was constructed to defend the north-west coast during the early nineteenth century when there was the threat of Napoleonic attack. Walking on the eastern side of Sliabh League there is a magnificent wilderness of rocks, streams and a deep rugged valley to your left.

At the end of the walk you will be left feeling refreshed, relaxed and glad you didn't miss the awesome cliffs of Slieve League, and what better way to end your visit than with the best coffee and homebakes at Ti Linn house at the base of bunglas near to Teelin village, visit their website for a host of local information provided by most interesting hosts Paddy and Siobhan.  www.sliabhleague.com

 

 

Need to book a flight?  Try Ryanair or Aerlingus, nationally owned airlines.

 

For more information on travel and things to do around Donegal check out www.donegaldirect.ie

You will also find a lot of useful local information at http://www.killybegsonline.ie

 

Largy, Killybegs, Co. Donegal, Ireland. Tel/fax:(00353) 074 9731576

Why not try our self catering option in  luxurious self catering accommodation in Killybegs village overlooking the the Harbour, get more information on www.donegalcottageholidays.com,

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By Majella