A Guide to Killybegs
Read our travel guide on Killybegs in Ireland. Includes best things to do and see, tips on where to stay, how to get, or when to go.
The wild County Donegal is full of amazing places that are worth seeing.
So it might come as a surprise when we say that Killybegs, a small seaside town in the county's southwest, is not a must-see place within this region.
In fact, we have a feeling that many people touring the Wild Atlantic Way pass by without knowing anything about Killybegs's history and trivia.
Some won't probably even notice the town's name.
Truth be told, there is not much to see and do in Killybegs.
However, there are still some sights that are definitely worth seeing in the area.
And thanks to its location, Killybegs makes a great base for exploring some of the most beautiful places in County Donegal's southwestern corner.
So here's everything you should know about Killybegs before you go.
What to See and Do in Killybegs
As mentioned at the beginning of the post, there are only very few things to see and do in Killybegs itself.
That doesn't mean you can't spend a few hours watching the boats coming and leaving the port.
To make this activity more fun, you can grab a fish and chips at the local food truck, walk along the waterfront, and listen to seagulls.
Later enjoy traditional Irish hospitality at one of the bars and accommodations.
Killybegs Port
Killybegs has a strategic location that makes it one of Ireland's major fishing seaports on this island.
The town has been used for centuries as a port due to its natural deep-water harbor.
Today, it is still an important commercial fishing town and big trawlers can often be seen in the harbor.
Furthermore, the port can accommodate even giant cruise ships, such as Norwegian Getaway.
With a length of 325 meters and a passenger capacity of almost 4000, it's among the world's largest cruise ships in the world.
Killybegs History
Thanks to its location, the harbor area has been inhabited since prehistoric times and also features rich ancient history (more than twenty ring forts were found within the area).
This era was followed by the early Church with monastic settlements and medieval times, during which Kit's Castle was built here.
The town also has a rich sea history, ranging from Irish pirates to Spanish Armada.
In 1588, three ships of the Spanish Armada appeared at Killybegs's harbor, though only Girona remained afloat.
This galleass sank at County Antrim's coast, and from 1300 men on board, only nine survived.
Killybegs Heritage Trail
Except for the Main Street, the town of Killybegs is not as picturesque as places such as Kinsale or Dingle.
In fact, the road along the waterfront has a very industrial feel. But not every town has to look like a photo on a postcard.
The town known as Na Cealla Beaga in Irish has rich heritage history.
It's easy to say that there is not much to do in Killybegs besides a walk along the waterfront and a few seafood restaurants.
And then you found out about the Killybegs Heritage Trail, which features all local landmarks and points of interest.
The best part is that the town offers a free digital pocket guide to Killybegs Heritage Trail.
There are 14 stops, including St. Catherine's Well, Coastguard Station, Niall Mor Grave Slab, Bruach Na Mara, or the ruin of Kit's Castle.
You can easily spend a couple of hours just exploring all those sites.
After a long day of discovering what County Donegal has to offer, you can explore the local bars and restaurants.
Unfortunately, Killybegs Maritime and Heritage Centre was closed after the building had been sold.
Fish and Chips
There are a few popular spots for both locals and tourists in Killybegs, and we believe they all offer similar services.
The fish and chips we had from the shop at Killybeg's Harbor were one of the best in Ireland.
They use fresh, locally-caught fish, and their batter is light and crispy with perfect chips. And compared to our experience in Reykjavik, they were for a reasonable price.
Obviously, the local restaurants and shops offer not only a wide variety of fish and chips but also other seafood dishes.
Atlantic Coastal Cruises
Killybegs is not only an important seaport but also home to Atlantic Coastal Cruises.
This local family-run tour operator offers beautiful boat trips to nearby Slieve League, home to some of the highest cliffs in Ireland.
Except for the breathtaking scenery, you may be lucky enough to spot the dolphins in their natural habitat.
Here you can reserve Slieve League Tour from Killybegs in advance.
Fintra Beach
On a sunny day, Fintra Beach is a beautiful place to visit. It has golden sands, clear waters, dunes, and rocky outcrops.
We believe you won't find a more picturesque place near Killybegs.
It's a Blue Flag Beach with a lifeguard on duty during the summer. Thanks to its shallow waters and no waves, it's an ideal place for swimming.
Fintra Beach is located in a sheltered bay only three kilometers west of Killybegs and has a small parking, which you can find at the end of a narrow road with a steep hill.
In case you want to see more beaches, head out to nearby Muckross Head.
Donegal's Secret Waterfall
Also known as Largy Waterfall, this waterfall has recently become very popular, so it's not very secret anymore.
The waterfall is located in a narrow open cave and requires a bit of planning and safety measures before setting on to the journey.
If you want to visit the Secret Waterfall, make sure to check the tide time before you go.
Otherwise, you might end up being trapped in the cave when the tide comes in.
The trailhead is less than five kilometers west of Killybegs.
Access is via private property, so be respectful and stay on the trail.
In case you want to visit more accessible waterfalls while in Ireland, check out Glencar, Torc, or Powerscourt.
Largy Viewpoint
Places such as Largy Viewpoint are one of the main draws of every Ireland road trip.
Even though it's technically just a small rest stop with a few picnic tables, it has amazing views of Donegal's coastline.
On a clear day, you should be able to see Sligo's Mullaghmore Head and Belbulben across the bay.
By the way, there is a small coffee shop between the waterfall trailhead and Largy Viewpoint that offers hot and cold beverages and even cakes.
Largy Viewpoint is located on R263, only five kilometers west of Killybegs.
Thanks to accessible parking, it's easy to visit the nearby hidden waterfall from here.
Glencolumbkille Folk Village
If you've enjoyed the traditional village experience in Bunratty Castle, you might also consider visiting Glencolumbkille Folk Village.
Glencolumbkille is located on R263, about a 30-minute drive from Killybegs.
Through well-presented cottages, the village tells a story spanning over 300 years, provides an insight into what life was like back in the past, and allows you to understand the area better.
This replica of a rural village and living-history museum consists of several thatched-roof cottages called a 'clachan' and is maintained by the locals.
The village is fairly small, and there is a small fee to enter.
Don't forget to visit a lovely sandy Glen Bay Beach just across the road while there.
Col Glengesh
Col Glengesh is a stunning mountainous pass carved by glaciers between Glencolumbkille and Ardara.
You can connect onto R230 also in Meenaneary if driving through Carrick.
The stretch of the road that climbs up to the pass is narrow and winding, but the views are well worth your time.
Just take your time and keep your eyes on the road.
The main viewpoint is a Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point, and has a small parking.
Maghera Caves and Beach
Maghera is a prime example of stunning Ireland's beaches.
It is a beautiful long sandy beach with crystal clear water, an amazing setting, some caves, and relatively easy access.
Even though the road that connects the beach with N56 is narrow, there is little traffic.
Maghera Beach is ideal to visit when the tide is out so you can enjoy its golden sand to the fullest and see more caves.
There are rip tide warnings, so it's not safe for swimming.
There is a small fee for parking; otherwise, the beach and the caves are free of charge.
Assaranca Waterfall
Before you reach Maghera, it's impossible to miss Assaranca Waterfall.
It's located along the way to the beach on your left-hand side and can be easily seen from the road.
A very short walk will take you to its base in case you want to make a stop there.
There is no entry fee to Assaranca Waterfall.
Slieve League
Towering 600 meters above the Atlantic Ocean, Slieve League sea cliffs are one of the most stunning places to visit in Ireland.
These cliffs are almost three times higher than the iconic Cliffs of Moher and are easily accessible by car.
The views are stunning right from the first viewpoint platform next to the parking lot, so it's a perfect place to visit, even for non-hikers.
On the other hand, they also offer a nice trail with challenging difficulty, so even experienced hikers will enjoy what Sliabh Liag has to offer.
How Much Time Do I Need
The amount of time you need to spend in Killybegs depends on your own preferences, itinerary, and interests.
Some travelers spend less than an hour in Killybegs and see everything this seaside town has to offer, including a tasty fish and chips experience.
If you're interested in exploring the surrounding area, we suggest spending a night or two in Killybegs.
When to Go
The peak season for tourism in Killybegs and the entire region is during the summer months.
The days are warm and have plenty of daylight, plus there is a larger variety of activities to do during this period.
Simply put, the weather is at its best. Not surprisingly, it's the best time to visit Ireland in general.
If you travel on a budget in Ireland or just want to avoid crowds, consider visiting Killybegs in the off-season.
Even though the weather is cooler and rainier during this period, hotels are cheaper, and the summer crowds are long gone.
What to Pack
For Killybegs, bring comfortable clothing and good shoes, and make sure to pack a quality rain jacket, as the weather along Ireland's coast is unpredictable.
Outside the summer season, you will most likely need to pack an extra layer or two.
If you decide to hike in County Donegal, make sure to come prepared.
In summer, you might need swimwear and good sunscreen. Here you will find our complete Ireland packing list.
How to Get There
The easiest way to get to Killybegs is by car, though you can also catch a bus from Donegal to get there.
Killybegs sits on R263, which is a well-maintained road with two lanes, so it's easy to navigate.
However, there are a few things to know about driving in Ireland, so make sure to check this post before you go.
Consequently, renting a car in Ireland gives you the flexibility and freedom to go where you want and visit many amazing places you would miss otherwise.
Car
From Donegal, take the N56 road west towards Ardara. After 24 kilometers, stay left and connect onto R263, which will take you to Killybegs.
The journey from Donegal to Killybegs takes around 30 minutes by car.
If you're heading to Northern Ireland, the journey from Killybegs to Derry takes about 90 minutes.
You will need about three hours to get to Killybegs from Galway and about three and a half hours to get here from Dublin.
Keep in mind that there are many stops along the way, regardless of the route, so don't rush it.
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Parking
There are a number of places to park in Killybegs.
You can leave your vehicle along the shore, and there are a few public parking areas as well.
Currently, parking is free in Kellybegs.
Bus
Bus 490, operated by Bus Eireann, connects Donegal with Glencolumbkille and stops at Killybegs.
However, getting around Ireland by public transport has some cons.
The biggest one is that it will be more difficult and time-consuming to reach most of the places we mentioned above without a car.
Where to Stay
Despite its small size, finding a place to stay in Killybegs is not difficult.
Most of the accommodations are located near the harbor area, within easy walking distance from everything.
Don't forget that the hotels fill up quickly during the summer, so make sure to book early.
Here are the best hotels in Killybegs.
Budget | The Fleet Inn - Situated in the heart of Killybegs, this lovely accommodation features clean and cozy rooms, a good restaurant, and welcoming staff.
Budget | Seawinds - This family-run bed and breakfast has a stylish decor, rooms with harbor views, a guest lounge, complimentary breakfast, and free private parking.
Mid-range | Tara Hotel - With modern rooms, great food, and an ideal location, this is probably the best hotel in Killybegs.
Teelin | The Rusty Mackerel- If you're looking for a place to stay a bit further out of town, this stylish accommodation boasts a traditional Irish bar, live music, and a friendly atmosphere. Free parking is available.
Staying Safe
Killybegs is a small town that is considered very safe to visit.
However, taking some precautions is important when visiting nearby sea cliffs at Slieve League.
The most important rule is to stay on the designated trails.
Getting close to the cliff's edge is tempting to get a better photo, but it's simply not worth the risk.
Also, be aware of the weather, and make sure to check the forecast before you go.
Here you will find additional tips on staying safe in Ireland.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is Killybegs Worth Visiting?
Killybegs is an interesting place to visit while exploring County Donegal.
It's not a regular tourist destination, and most Ireland road trip itineraries won't even mention it. That doesn't mean it's not worth seeing.
It has a fantastic location for exploring the southwestern corner of County Donegal, which is great news for those who don't like to change hotels every day.
And while this is highly subjective, the local shops and restaurants serve some of Ireland's best fish and chips.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
