Killybegs is located in County Donegal in the Republic of Ireland. It has a deep water harbor and is Ireland's largest fishing port.
In recent years, cruise ships have begun calling at Killybegs. 15 cruise ships called in 2018. Most cruise ships to visit have been small ships but medium-size ships have also begun calling there. Cruise ships dock at the Harbour Centre, which openned in 2004. Most of the area is a parking lot where the buses for the shore excursions embark and disembark passengers. There is no cruise terminal building. Since the pier is also used by cargo ships, there may be cargo awaiting shipment on the quayside. The pier is within walking distance of the town (15 minutes). You walk along the harbor where the fishing boats dock. The town is relatively small with about 1,300 residents. Its most famous landmark is the old Donegal Carpet Factory, which at one time weaved carpets for the palaces of Europe. The factory closed in 2003 but it has been turned into the Killybegs Maritime and Heritage Centre a museum covering the history of the town and of course, carpet making. Also, the Killybegs Information Centre has designed six self-guided walking tours of the area. Killybegs also has shops and cafes. Fintragh Beach is a few kilometers out of town. It is a sandy beach and has lifeguards from June to September. However, keep in mind this is the North Atlantic, not the Caribbean. Donegal has been inhabited since ancient times and there are prehistoric sites nearby. However, it is a sparsely populated area and so its wild scenery remains largely unspoiled. The high cliffs plunging into the sea at Slieve League are a popular attraction. The Glenveagh National Park and Gardens features a castle, lakes, glens and woods. There is also a castle in Donegal Town. (See separate article). Literally just across the border in Northern Ireland is the Belleek Pottery factory. (See separate article). The official currency in the Republic of Ireland is the Euro. However, due to the proximity of Northern Ireland, some shops in the area also accept British pounds. Major credit cards are widely accepted. Most people speak English. However, Donegal includes one of the largest concentrations of people who speak Irish (Gaelige) as their first language. |
Above: Cunard's Queen Elizabeth in Killybegs.
Below: The cruise ship dock. |
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Cruise destination Ireland - Killybegs, County Donegal - cruise port