Welcome to Killybegs – Ireland’s Premier Fishing Port
Killybegs, located on the south coast of County Donegal, is Ireland’s largest and most important fishing port. Nestled at the head of a sheltered, deepwater harbour and set against a stunning backdrop of mountains and sea, Killybegs offers a unique blend of maritime tradition, natural beauty, and modern industry.
The town’s Irish name, “Na Cealla Beaga”, meaning “The Little Cells”, refers to early monastic settlements established here centuries ago—marking Killybegs as a place of community and resilience from its earliest days.
As of the 2022 census, the town has a population of 1,258. Despite its modest size, Killybegs plays an outsized role in Ireland’s marine economy and cultural life.
A Harbour of National Importance
Killybegs boasts a natural deepwater harbour, with a depth of 12 metres at low tide, enhanced by the development of a state-of-the-art €50 million pier completed in 2004. The port is home to Ireland’s largest pelagic trawler fleet, as well as a smaller whitefish fleet and an array of specialist vessels.
In addition to fishing, the harbour supports a diverse range of maritime activity, including:
- Cruise liner arrivals
- Specialist cargo handling
- Wind turbine importation
- Support services for offshore oil and gas rigs
- Heart of the Irish Pelagic Industry
Killybegs is the hub of Ireland’s pelagic fishing and processing industry, focusing on the freezing and export of species such as mackerel, herring, scad, and blue whiting. Much of the fish processed in Killybegs is shipped to markets in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe via freezer vessels.
However, the industry has faced challenges in recent years. Since 2005, strict enforcement of EU fishing regulations—combined with changes in migratory patterns of key species like mackerel—has contributed to a decline in local fish processing activity. These changes have had a significant impact on local employment, particularly among fish factory workers.
Culture, Tradition & Community
Killybegs remains a proud and vibrant community, deeply connected to its maritime roots. Each summer, the town comes alive with a street festival celebrating the fishing heritage, featuring the traditional “Blessing of the Boats”—a ceremony that honours the sea and those who work on it.
Whether you’re visiting for business, tourism, or heritage, Killybegs welcomes you with open arms—and a rich story that continues to unfold.
Killybegs and the Spanish Armada – 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.
