Killybegs is a harbour inlet off McSwyne's Bay situated on the northern shore of Donegal Bay, approximately 13 miles west of Donegal, in the northwest of Ireland. It is an extensive port located on the western shore of the harbour, about 2 miles within the entrance, and is Ireland's premier fishing port. It offers a marina in the harbour with options to anchor outside.

The secure natural harbour provides good shelter, but some unpleasant swell may be experienced in south to southwesterly winds. Access is straightforward by day or night in all reasonable weather conditions and tide levels.

Keyfacts for Killybegs

Position and approaches

Haven position

54° 38.100' N, 008° 26.490' W

This is the position of the harbour's pierhead

What is the initial fix?

This is set at the centre of the entrance to Killybegs Harbour midway between Port Roshin and Rotten Island

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What's the story here?

Killybegs (Irish: Na Cealla Beaga) is a town on Ireland's northwest coast, approximately 7 km southwest of Donegal Town, with Killybegs about 1 km from the main pier. Situated at the head of a sheltered, deepwater fjord-like inlet, it boasts one of the safest and most protected harbours along the Irish coast. It is widely recognised as Ireland's leading fishing port and a vital centre for the nation's marine economy.




It has a depth of 12 metres at low tide, even at the new pier, enabling it to accommodate large vessels, including deep-sea trawlers and factory ships. While Killybegs Harbour is primarily known as a major commercial fishing port, it also welcomes leisure craft into its designated "Small Craft Harbour," which functions as a marina. The marina offers berths for boats up to 15 metres (around 49 feet) in length.





Typically, at least four berths are available for visiting boats up to 16 metres in length with a maximum draft of 6 metres. Larger vessels may be accommodated by special arrangement with the Harbour Master. Harbour fees are €2.00 per metre.




It is highly advisable to contact the Harbour Superintendent beforehand to confirm berth availability, especially for larger leisure craft. Contact via Ch. 16, [Killybegs Harbour], Berthing Superintendent +35386 048 4175, Berthing Superintendent +353 (0)86 048 4175, +353 (0)74 973 1032, or Killybegs.Harbour@agriculture.gov.ie. Typically, the hammerhead and the berths inside are designated for visiting yachts.

The harbour affords a choice of anchorages, the best of which is to the northeast of the town. Another reasonable anchorage for an overnight stay is in Walkers Bay, located to the northwest of the slip, on the east side of the entrance to Killybegs Harbour, southeast of Rough Point. This location provides good shelter from southwest or west winds.

How to get in?

The 'Erris Head to Malin Head' coastal description provides approach information to the suggested initial fix. Vessels approaching from the south should select the northeast bound sequenced description; vessels approaching from the north should select the southwest bound sequence; western approaches may use either description.

Why visit here?

The name Killybegs comes from the Irish "Na Cealla Beaga", which translates to "the little cells". This poetic name harks back to the early Christian period, when monks settled in the area and built small stone dwellings, or "cells," for prayer and contemplation. These monastic cells were likely part of a religious community that laid the spiritual foundations of the town. Over time, the name evolved into its anglicised form, Killybegs, but the original Irish still echoes the town's tranquil and sacred beginnings.

Nestled at the foot of a vast mountainous area extending northwards, the naturally scenic harbour has always been an obvious safe haven. From the 17th century onwards, Killybegs thrived as a seaport and market town. It features a new pier, completed in 2004 for € 50 million. Killybegs is Ireland's premier fishing port, often bustling with trawlers, as it hosts the largest Irish midwater trawler fleet as well as the whitefish fleet. It also accommodates other types of shipping, including passenger cruise liners, and has recently become the preferred port for importing wind turbines. Additionally, it serves as a service port for offshore oil and gas drilling rigs. The town specialises in processing and freezing species such as mackerel, herring, scad, and blue whiting, which are then exported to markets across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

Today, the area is also a popular tourist destination, especially in summer when visitors come to enjoy the stunning scenery, golden beaches, and rich cultural heritage. Tourists often spend hours at the harbour watching fishing boats land their catches and fishermen mend their nets. Killybegs is renowned not only for its fishing industry but also for its carpet and tapestry making, with some producing works on the world's largest loom at the Donegal Carpet Factory. Known as Donegals, these hand-knotted carpets in the Turkish style have adorned many prestigious buildings, including The White House, Buckingham Palace, 10 Downing Street, The Vatican, Dublin Castle, and other notable sites worldwide. Sadly, the factory closed in 2003 but reopened in 2006 as the Maritime and Heritage Centre, offering exhibitions and demonstrations of carpet making and fishing industries. Visitors are encouraged to try making a carpet or repairing a fishing net or sail.

The Hidden Gems Tour, departing from the Information Centre on Shore Road with local guides, takes visitors along the spectacular southwest Donegal coast to the Sea Cliffs at Sliabh League—a trip well worth undertaking. Less than ten minutes' drive from Killybegs is the very safe, Blue Flag bathing beach at Fintra Bay, composed entirely of golden sand and a favourite spot for tourists. It is reputed to be the safest beach in Ireland, with no recorded fatalities.

In August, Killybegs hosts its annual Street Festival, celebrating the local fish catches and featuring the tradition of the Blessing of the Boats. The festival spans three days, offering fun and games, music, song, dance, and plenty of craic for visitors. Killybegs is also ideal for water sports, including surfing, canoeing, wind and kite surfing, waterskiing, and diving. A new dive centre has recently opened, staffed by a resident professional instructor.

For passing yachtsmen, Killybegs is an essential port. Located at the tip of a deep, fjord-like inlet, it is one of the safest and most sheltered deep-water harbours along the Irish coast. Additionally, it is a prime port for provisions and enjoying local amenities. It also benefits from good transport links, with Donegal Airport at Carrickfin only 46 miles (74 km) away, which is about a one-hour drive.

What facilities are available?

Continuous concrete pontoons with water and metered electricity which can be accessed with a card from the harbourmaster (approx. €0.28/kWh). Power is available in 220V (Euro plug), 380V, and even 110V!




The modern marina building and facilities (due to be completed or very near completion by 2026) will offer a reception area, laundry facilities, a meeting room, a terraced area, shower pods, and a sluice (with external access, making them available outside reception hours). There's a laundrette at the SuperValu, and another one is located in town, although that one is currently undergoing renovation [2025]. Eventually, these facilities will be included in the new building.

Fuel is available by road tanker at the harbour. Waste and recycling: comprehensive waste and recycling facilities, including oil disposal, through the Harbour Office. There is a small Centra supermarket nearby, and a larger SuperValu about 20-minute walk from the quay — you can also get diesel there.

With thanks to:

Ron en Jocé, Sy-de Verleiding"