Carrowkeel: Village History, Walks and Views

Carrowkeel/Kerrykeel brings together visible traces of village history with walks and views of the surrounding landscape. Fannet Presbyterian Church and a rare surviving thatched cottage shape the character of the place; the Kerrykeel Walk leads to a panoramic view of Mulroy Bay. This gives you the option of balancing a stronger interest in architectural and social history with time outdoors during your stay.

The church and historic traces of the village

Fannet Presbyterian Church stands in Kerrykeel at the northern entrance to the village and is a notable feature of the streetscape. It was built around 1913. The detached building is a single-storey, four-bay church over a basement, with a gabled front and a three-stage bell tower. As a defining feature of Kerrykeel’s built heritage and social history, it gives the village a distinctive historical character. Those interested in architecture can look at its clearly described structural details, from the bell tower to the design of the front.

The last surviving single-storey thatched cottage in Carrowkeel/Kerrykeel offers a different picture of the area’s architectural history. It dates from the mid to late 19th century and, as a rare surviving building, shapes the village streetscape. Together with the church, it makes different architectural styles and periods visible in the village, though the two buildings do not share the same architectural character.

The story of Billy Gillespie is also part of Kerrykeel’s history: he was born there on 6 August 1891 and is also known as William Ballintrae Gillespie. In 1925, he led Sheffield United to victory in the FA Cup; he was the first Irishman to captain an FA Cup-winning team. Another historic feature of the streetscape is a detached cast-iron water hydrant, installed around 1910.

Walks, views and excursions

The Kerrykeel Walk is 5.6 km long and takes approximately one hour and ten minutes. The route offers a panoramic view of Mulroy Bay; Knockalla Mountain, also known as “The Devil’s Backbone”, can be seen from there too. If you would like to include this view in your stay, you can take the stated route length and approximate duration into account when planning your day.

Gortnavern Dolmen is near the Kerrykeel Walk. This Neolithic portal tomb has a five-sided chamber and a stone roof slab more than three metres long. Permission from the landowner is required to access it. This makes a visit different from simply viewing a building in the streetscape: access to the dolmen expressly depends on obtaining this permission.

Kerrykeel is also part of the Mulroy Drive network of walking and cycling routes. The routes follow minor roads along Mulroy Drive and connect local, historic and scenic points of interest. Walkers and cyclists are welcome on all routes. If you prefer to combine several experiences while on the move, this offers a different trip idea from a stay focused mainly on individual buildings or the views on the Kerrykeel Walk.

Other places and interests during your stay

Greenfort, with its walled garden and mature trees dating from the early 19th century, is near Kerrykeel. Sturdy shoes or wellington boots are recommended for walks at Greenfort. Shilling Hill also offers a view of Mulroy Bay. Dougherty’s Thatched Cottage is near the Kerrykeel Walk and is described as beautifully restored. These places offer different points of interest: a garden and mature trees, a viewpoint or a restored thatched cottage.

When choosing a holiday apartment in Carrowkeel, you can consider which aspects of your stay interest you most: historic details of the village, the Walk and its views, or access to walking and cycling routes. These features describe different possibilities for your trip, not characteristics of any particular accommodation.

More destinations: Leabgarrow, Gweedore, Dungloe, Manorcunningham, Ardara, Inishowen, Culdaff and Kindrohid.

For the broader travel overview: County Donegal.