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eOceanic has been made aware of this haven. We are looking for a sailor with first-hand experience to provide their direct personal insights so that we may complete our write up. In advance of this we have posted these preliminary research notes. Do you know this location? Please contact us or click the 'Report a Mistake or Omission' button below to help share this location with the sailing community.


Killybegs is a harbour inlet off McSwyne's Bay situated on the northern shore of Donegal Bay, approximately 13 miles (21kms) west of Donegal, in the northwest of Ireland. The town of Killybegs, which is Ireland's premier fishing port, is located on the western shore of the harbour about 2 miles within the entrance. The harbour affords a choice of anchorages, the best of which is to the northeast of the town with the opportunity for a short stay alongside berthing to the west end of the town pier after contacting the Harbour Master. Another reasonable anchorage for an overnight stay is in Walkers Bay to the northwest of the slip, on the east side of the entrance to Killybegs Harbour southeast of Rough Point which gives good shelter in southwest or west winds.

Killybegs is a harbour inlet off McSwyne's Bay situated on the northern shore of Donegal Bay, approximately 13 miles (21kms) west of Donegal, in the northwest of Ireland. The town of Killybegs, which is Ireland's premier fishing port, is located on the western shore of the harbour about 2 miles within the entrance. The harbour affords a choice of anchorages, the best of which is to the northeast of the town with the opportunity for a short stay alongside berthing to the west end of the town pier after contacting the Harbour Master. Another reasonable anchorage for an overnight stay is in Walkers Bay to the northwest of the slip, on the east side of the entrance to Killybegs Harbour southeast of Rough Point which gives good shelter in southwest or west winds.

The secure natural harbour offers good shelter, but some unpleasant swell may be encountered in south to southwesterly winds. Access is straightforward by day or night in all reasonable weathers and tidal consideraions.
Please note

Consideration should be given to the large number of fishing boats that use the port, and yachts should not be left unattended except for very short periods.




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Keyfacts for Killybegs
Facilities
Water hosepipe available alongsideWater available via tapDiesel fuel available alongsideGas availableTop up fuel available in the area via jerry cansMini-supermarket or supermarket availableSlipway availableLaundry facilities availableShore power available alongsideShore based toilet facilitiesShowers available in the vicinity or by arrangementHot food available in the localityPublic house or wine bar in the areaCashpoint or bank available in the areaPost Office in the areaInternet café in the areaInternet via a wireless access point availableDoctor or hospital in the areaPharmacy in the areaChandlery available in the areaHaul-out capabilities via arrangementBoatyard with hard-standing available here; covered or uncoveredMarine engineering services available in the areaElectronics or electronic repair available in the areaSail making or sail repair servicesScuba diving cylinder refill capabilitiesBus service available in the areaTrain or tram service available in the areaTourist Information office available


Nature
No fees for anchoring or berthing in this locationAnchoring locationBerth alongside a deep water pier or raft up to other vesselsVisitors moorings available, or possibly by club arrangementNavigation lights to support a night approachUrban nature,  anything from a small town of more 5,000 inhabitants  to a large cityScenic location or scenic location in the immediate vicinityHistoric, geographic or culturally significant location; or in the immediate vicinity

Considerations
None listed

Protected sectors

Current wind over the protected quadrants
Minimum depth
2 metres (6.56 feet).

Approaches
4 stars: Straightforward; when unaffected by weather from difficult quadrants or tidal consideration, no overly complex dangers.
Shelter
5 stars: Complete protection; all-round shelter in all reasonable conditions.



Last modified
May 30th 2017

Summary

A completely protected location with straightforward access.

Facilities
Water hosepipe available alongsideWater available via tapDiesel fuel available alongsideGas availableTop up fuel available in the area via jerry cansMini-supermarket or supermarket availableSlipway availableLaundry facilities availableShore power available alongsideShore based toilet facilitiesShowers available in the vicinity or by arrangementHot food available in the localityPublic house or wine bar in the areaCashpoint or bank available in the areaPost Office in the areaInternet café in the areaInternet via a wireless access point availableDoctor or hospital in the areaPharmacy in the areaChandlery available in the areaHaul-out capabilities via arrangementBoatyard with hard-standing available here; covered or uncoveredMarine engineering services available in the areaElectronics or electronic repair available in the areaSail making or sail repair servicesScuba diving cylinder refill capabilitiesBus service available in the areaTrain or tram service available in the areaTourist Information office available


Nature
No fees for anchoring or berthing in this locationAnchoring locationBerth alongside a deep water pier or raft up to other vesselsVisitors moorings available, or possibly by club arrangementNavigation lights to support a night approachUrban nature,  anything from a small town of more 5,000 inhabitants  to a large cityScenic location or scenic location in the immediate vicinityHistoric, geographic or culturally significant location; or in the immediate vicinity

Considerations
None listed



Position and approaches
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Haven position

54° 38.100' N, 008° 26.490' W

this is the position of the harbours pierhead

What is the initial fix?

The following Killybegs initial fix will set up a final approach:
54° 35.180' N, 008° 28.140' W
This is set at the centre of the entrance to Killybegs Harbour midway between Port Roshin and Rotten Island



Not what you need?
Click the 'Next' and 'Previous' buttons to progress through neighbouring havens in a coastal 'clockwise' or 'anti-clockwise' sequence. Below are the ten nearest havens to Killybegs for your convenience.
Ten nearest havens by straight line charted distance and bearing:
  1. Teelin - 6.6 nautical miles W
  2. Donegal Town Harbour - 8.2 nautical miles E
  3. Mullaghmore - 10.2 nautical miles S
  4. Dawros Bay - 11.5 nautical miles NNW
  5. Glen Bay - 11.7 nautical miles WNW
  6. White Strand Bay - 11.7 nautical miles W
  7. Malin Beg Bay - 12.1 nautical miles W
  8. Church Pool & Portnoo - 12.7 nautical miles N
  9. Rathlin O'Birne Island - 13.4 nautical miles W
  10. Inishmurray - 14.5 nautical miles SSW
These havens are ordered by straight line charted distance and bearing, and can be reordered by compass direction or coastal sequence:
  1. Teelin - 6.6 miles W
  2. Donegal Town Harbour - 8.2 miles E
  3. Mullaghmore - 10.2 miles S
  4. Dawros Bay - 11.5 miles NNW
  5. Glen Bay - 11.7 miles WNW
  6. White Strand Bay - 11.7 miles W
  7. Malin Beg Bay - 12.1 miles W
  8. Church Pool & Portnoo - 12.7 miles N
  9. Rathlin O'Birne Island - 13.4 miles W
  10. Inishmurray - 14.5 miles SSW
To find locations with the specific attributes you need try:

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Chart
Please use our integrated Navionics chart to appraise the haven and its approaches. Navionics charts feature in premier plotters from B&G, Raymarine, Magellan and are also available on tablets. Open the chart in a larger viewing area by clicking the expand to 'new tab' or the 'full screen' option.

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How to get in?
Route location 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 Route location sequenced description; vessels approaching from the north should select the southwest bound Route location sequence; western approaches may use either description.


Why visit here?
Killybegs – Irish : Na Cealla Beaga, the name is believed to have been taken in early Christian times from a group of monastic cells. The town is located in County Donegal and is situated at the tip of a deep fjord like inlet which makes it one of the safest most sheltered deep water harbours on the Irish coast. Sitting at the base of a vast mountainous tract which extends northwards, the natural scenic deepwater harbour has a new pier that was completed in 2004 at a cost of 50 million Euros. Killybegs is Irelands premier fishing port and its harbour is often very full with trawlers as it is home to the largest Irish midwater trawler fleet and also to the whitefish fleet, but it also handles other types of shipping including passenger cruise liners and has more recently become the favoured port for the importation of wind turbines, and is also a service port to the offshore oil and gas drilling rigs. The town specialises in the processing and freezing of species of fish such as mackerel, herring, scad and blue whiting, which when finished is then exported to overseas markets in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

From the 17C onwards the town continued to prosper as a seaport and market town although today the area is equally important for tourism, as in the summer months it is a mecca for visitors who come to enjoy the beautiful scenery, golden beaches and rich cultural interests. Visitors spend many happy hours at the harbour just watching the fishing boats land their catches and the fishermen mending their nets. Fishing is not the only industry that Killybegs is famous for as it was renowned for its carpet and tapestry making some of which were produced on the biggest loom in the world at the Donegal Carpet Factory. The carpets known as Donegals are hand knotted in the Turkish style and have adorned many famous buildings such as The White House, Buckingham Palace, 10 Downing Street, The Vatican, Dublin Castle and many other prestigious buildings around the world. Sadly the factory closed in 2003 but since 2006 it reopened as the Maritime and Heritage Centre which provides information and demonstrations of carpet making and the fishing industries. Visitors are encouraged to try their hand at making a carpet or repairing a fishing net or sail.

The Hidden Gems Tour which departs with local tour guides from the Information Centre on Shore Road, is a leisurely tour along the magnificent coast of southwest Donegal to the spectacular Sea Cliffs at Sliabh League, a trip well worth a visit. Less than a ten minute drive from Killybegs is the very safe blue flag bathing beach at Fintra Bay. The beach consists entirely of golden sand and is a favourite spot for tourists, and it is reputed to be the safest beach in Ireland, no fatalities ever having occurred there.

In August Killybegs holds its annual Street Festival which celebrates the fish catches and incorporates the tradition of the Blessing of the Boats. The Festival lasts three days with fun and games, plenty of music, song and dance and much craic for the visitor to enjoy.

Killybegs is brilliant for water sports such as surfing, canoeing, wind and kite surfing, water skiing and diving. A new dive centre has recently been opened with a resident teaching professional.

For the passing yachtsman Killybegs is a great place to drop into to stock up with new provisions and to enjoy some of the many local amenities, it also has good transport connections and Donegal Airport at Carrickfin is only 46 miles (74kms) away which takes about an hour to drive.


With thanks to:
Inyourfootsteps.com research


















Aerial overview of Killybegs Harbours


About Killybegs

Killybegs – Irish : Na Cealla Beaga, the name is believed to have been taken in early Christian times from a group of monastic cells. The town is located in County Donegal and is situated at the tip of a deep fjord like inlet which makes it one of the safest most sheltered deep water harbours on the Irish coast. Sitting at the base of a vast mountainous tract which extends northwards, the natural scenic deepwater harbour has a new pier that was completed in 2004 at a cost of 50 million Euros. Killybegs is Irelands premier fishing port and its harbour is often very full with trawlers as it is home to the largest Irish midwater trawler fleet and also to the whitefish fleet, but it also handles other types of shipping including passenger cruise liners and has more recently become the favoured port for the importation of wind turbines, and is also a service port to the offshore oil and gas drilling rigs. The town specialises in the processing and freezing of species of fish such as mackerel, herring, scad and blue whiting, which when finished is then exported to overseas markets in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

From the 17C onwards the town continued to prosper as a seaport and market town although today the area is equally important for tourism, as in the summer months it is a mecca for visitors who come to enjoy the beautiful scenery, golden beaches and rich cultural interests. Visitors spend many happy hours at the harbour just watching the fishing boats land their catches and the fishermen mending their nets. Fishing is not the only industry that Killybegs is famous for as it was renowned for its carpet and tapestry making some of which were produced on the biggest loom in the world at the Donegal Carpet Factory. The carpets known as Donegals are hand knotted in the Turkish style and have adorned many famous buildings such as The White House, Buckingham Palace, 10 Downing Street, The Vatican, Dublin Castle and many other prestigious buildings around the world. Sadly the factory closed in 2003 but since 2006 it reopened as the Maritime and Heritage Centre which provides information and demonstrations of carpet making and the fishing industries. Visitors are encouraged to try their hand at making a carpet or repairing a fishing net or sail.

The Hidden Gems Tour which departs with local tour guides from the Information Centre on Shore Road, is a leisurely tour along the magnificent coast of southwest Donegal to the spectacular Sea Cliffs at Sliabh League, a trip well worth a visit. Less than a ten minute drive from Killybegs is the very safe blue flag bathing beach at Fintra Bay. The beach consists entirely of golden sand and is a favourite spot for tourists, and it is reputed to be the safest beach in Ireland, no fatalities ever having occurred there.

In August Killybegs holds its annual Street Festival which celebrates the fish catches and incorporates the tradition of the Blessing of the Boats. The Festival lasts three days with fun and games, plenty of music, song and dance and much craic for the visitor to enjoy.

Killybegs is brilliant for water sports such as surfing, canoeing, wind and kite surfing, water skiing and diving. A new dive centre has recently been opened with a resident teaching professional.

For the passing yachtsman Killybegs is a great place to drop into to stock up with new provisions and to enjoy some of the many local amenities, it also has good transport connections and Donegal Airport at Carrickfin is only 46 miles (74kms) away which takes about an hour to drive.

Other options in this area


Click the 'Next' and 'Previous' buttons to progress through neighbouring havens in a coastal 'clockwise' or 'anti-clockwise' sequence. Alternatively here are the ten nearest havens available in picture view:
Coastal clockwise:
Teelin - 4.1 miles W
White Strand Bay - 7.3 miles W
Malin Beg Bay - 7.5 miles W
Rathlin O'Birne Island - 8.3 miles W
Glen Bay - 7.3 miles WNW
Coastal anti-clockwise:
Donegal Town Harbour - 5.1 miles E
Mullaghmore - 6.3 miles S
Inishmurray - 9 miles SSW
Brown Bay - 12.3 miles SSW
Rosses Point - 12.6 miles SSW







Aerial overview of Killybegs Harbours



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Add your review or comment:


Iain Miller wrote this review on Oct 19th 2017:

Along the coast from Killybegs you will find two of Donegal's oldest established rock climbing venues.

http://uniqueascent.ie/muckross_guide

http://uniqueascent.ie/sail_rock_guide

Average Rating: Unrated

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Please note eOceanic makes no guarantee of the validity of this information, we have not visited this haven and do not have first-hand experience to qualify the data. Although the contributors are vetted by peer review as practised authorities, they are in no way, whatsoever, responsible for the accuracy of their contributions. It is essential that you thoroughly check the accuracy and suitability for your vessel of any waypoints offered in any context plus the precision of your GPS. Any data provided on this page is entirely used at your own risk and you must read our legal page if you view data on this site. Free to use sea charts courtesy of Navionics.