The Story of La Girona
In 1588, Killybegs played a dramatic role in one of the most famous maritime events in European history—the ill-fated journey of the Spanish Armada. The Spanish vessel La Girona dropped anchor in the harbour after the Armada was scattered along the Irish coast during Spain’s war with England.
The crew received vital support from MacSweeney Bannagh, a local chieftain, who provided food and helped oversee the repair of the ship’s rudder. Thanks to this assistance, La Girona was able to resume her journey, setting sail for Scotland in hopes of returning to Spain.
Tragically, she was wrecked shortly after off the Antrim coast, with the loss of nearly 1,300 lives—one of the greatest maritime disasters of the time.
This remarkable episode links Killybegs to the broader sweep of European naval history and highlights the town’s long-standing connection to the sea and its stories.
