Killybegs (Ireland)

Killybegs is a port town situated in Ireland's County Donegal, located at the head of a scenic bay harbour on the country's southern coast (north of Donegal Bay and close to Donegal Town). Killybegs is currently ranked Ireland's biggest fishing port. An annual street festival (held in the summer) celebrates fish catches and incorporates the traditional boat blessing.

The town has population around 1,300. The Port (locode IEKBS) is a natural deepwater harbor with depth / max draft 12 m (39 ft) at low tide. The GBP 50 million docking pier was completed in 2004. Killybegs is homeport to Ireland's all largest fishing trawlers (country's pelagic and whitefish fleets). The seaport also has capacity to handle various types of vessels ((including cargo ships and passenger liners / cruise and ferries). In recent years, it also became a major port for the import of wind turbines and also serves offshore gas and oil drilling rigs.

The town is famous for its carpets and tapestries, some of which are produced on the world's largest carpet plant (Donegal Carpet Factory). Donegals carpets are hand-knotted (in Turkish style) and have adorned important Irish buildings (like Buckingham Palace, Dublin Castle, Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Aras an Uachtarain). Sadly, the factory was closed in 2003, but since 2006 functioning as Maritime and Heritage Centre (providing information on carpet making and local fishing industry). Tours are organized daily. The town also has a ship simulator (Ireland's most modern) offering 3 levels of navigation skills. The Centre is open all year-round.

The blue-flagged Fintra Beach is on the town's outskirts and features fine golden sand. Fintra Beach is lifeguarded through the whole season and is regarded as one of Ireland's safest.