Killala: History, Coast and Greenway

Reasons to visit Killala include impressive buildings, a cycling route and the coastal landscape of Killala Bay. The Round Tower and the Cathedral Church of St Patrick tell the story of the town’s history; at Killala Quay, you can look out over the bay and Bartra Island. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, there is also a Greenway section to explore on foot or by bicycle. You can decide whether historical landmarks, outdoor activity or the view over the water will shape your stay.

Round Tower and Cathedral Church of St Patrick

The Killala Round Tower is 25.5 metres high and stands on a 1-metre-high plinth made of 20 large stones. The tower was probably built in the 12th century. Its clearly specified dimensions give the distinctive building a striking presence in the townscape. The Cathedral Church of St Patrick dates from the 1670s and is a Gothic-style building. Via Steeple Hill and Church Street, it is less than a one-minute walk from the Round Tower. If you are interested in historic buildings, you can include both in your exploration of Killala and take into account the short walking distance between them.

Greenway: on foot or by bicycle

The Monasteries of the Moy Greenway and Cycle Route is a 14-kilometre cycling route with a mixed surface between Ballina and Killala. The Moyne–Killala section is 5 kilometres long, follows an easy route away from road traffic and starts in Killala Town Park, behind the Cathedral Church of St Patrick. It takes an estimated 50 to 90 minutes to walk this section and 20 to 30 minutes to cycle it. You can take these walking and cycling times into account when planning your day. The route is one way to include an active outing in your visit to Killala; the historic town centre, meanwhile, remains a separate focus.

Views and activities at Killala Quay

At Killala Quay, you can enjoy a scenic walk along the coast. The quay offers views of Killala Bay and Bartra Island. If you would rather spend time on the water by boat, you can head out from there into the bay for sea fishing or whale watching. A walk, the views and a boat trip are different ways to experience the coast. When planning your trip, you can therefore consider whether you would rather discover Killala through its buildings and walking routes, or through its coastal landscape and activities on the water.

Choose accommodation to suit your travel priorities

When looking for a holiday rental in Killala, you can start by considering which experiences matter most to your trip: historic buildings, the Greenway on foot or by bicycle, a walk at the quay or a boat trip into Killala Bay.

One important limitation concerns the Killala souterrain: its entrance is in the cemetery behind the Cathedral Church of St Patrick. The souterrain is often flooded and is not safe for public access. It should therefore not be planned as an attraction that visitors can enter.

Discover other places

You can also consider these places in your further search: Valley, Glencorrib, Finny, Ballyglass, Toormakeady, Bunnacurry, Claggan and Hollymount.

For the broader travel overview: County Mayo.