The Killybegs Campus of Atlantic Technological University (ATU) is a centre of excellence for education in culinary arts, hospitality, and tourism. With a long and diverse history, the building reflects the evolving story of Killybegs itself.

Originally constructed in 1896 as a Marine Industrial School, it played a key role in the town’s development—serving as the starting point for the boat-building industry that would flourish in the years to come.

Over the decades, the building has served a variety of important purposes. During World War II, it functioned as a barracks for the Irish Army, and shortly thereafter became a refuge for 88 displaced German children. In the 1950s, it operated as a Tuberculosis Sanatorium, offering care during a challenging public health crisis. Before taking on its current role, the facility was known as the Killybegs Hotel and Catering College, laying the foundation for today’s academic programmes.

Now part of the ATU network, the Killybegs campus is nationally recognized for its specialist training in the tourism and catering industries, continuing a proud legacy of service, skill, and education in the heart of Donegal.