A Sacred Landmark Overlooking the Harbour
Perched above the harbour, the area encompassing St. Catherine’s Church and Graveyard, St. Catherine’s Well, and Kit’s Castle forms one of Killybegs’ most treasured heritage locations. Together, they make up a designated National Heritage Monument, offering a remarkable window into the town’s deep and layered past.
At the heart of the site stands St. Catherine’s Church, dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria. Dating back to the 12th century, it is the oldest surviving man-made structure in the Killybegs area. The church is believed to have been built by the ruling Mac Sweeney clan, Gaelic lords of the region and ancestors of Niall Mór, for a community of Franciscan friars who served the local population.
The adjacent graveyard contains headstones that trace back as far as the 17th century, including graves from early Plantation families. A poignant reminder of the area’s more recent history is the grave of a British soldier from World War II, whose body was recovered from the sea in 1943 and laid to rest here.
Rich in spirituality, history, and natural beauty, the St. Catherine’s Heritage Site continues to be a place of reflection and significance for locals and visitors alike.
