Visit Killybegs

Killybegs Maritime and Heritage Visitor Centre in Co. Donegal Ireland offers a unique experience in the Fishing and Carpet making history for visitors who venture to the shores of this picturesque town situated on the Donegal coastline.

Killybegs visitor centre

Situated within what was once the famous Killybegs Carpet Factory, the Heritage Centre is home to the largest hand-knotted loom in the world. Visitors will see live demonstrations of weaving of the hand-knotted carpets, a chance to meet and talk with one of the few hand-weavers remaining in this part of the country, and enjoy a step-by-step account of how each carpet is individually designed and produced. Visitors are taught the unique craft of hand-knotting, and have the opportunity to try their skills at one of the hand-looms on display in the Factory

Enjoy a fascinating insight into the history of one of the largest fishing fleets in Ireland, and take a journey into the past via audio visual and listen to the experiences of some of the Killybegs fishermen who give their own personal account of life in bygone days. Visitors will also have the opportunity to enjoy a hands-on audio visual display in a fishing trawler wheelhouse, allowing them to step into the fisherman’s shoes and imagine the wonderment of the ocean and the skills needed to live alongside nature in its true sense.

School tours are particularly welcome during the school months. Children can learn about the history of what life was like for their forefathers, the type of fish species captured by fishermen in bygone days, the knots and rope ties that were essential to fashion quality nets and creels, and compare the history with their lifestyles today. Children receive a ‘Certificate of Attendance’ after having completed the tour.

There is also a coffee shop on the premises, and visitors can enjoy browsing through some of the heritage literature and perhaps purchase some crafts designed by local craft-workers that are on display.

Be assured of a warm welcome to the Killybegs Maritime and Heritage Centre. The tour will take approximately one hour, and our staff will be on hand to help with any questions visitors may have.

OPENING TIMES:

January - June:

Monday - Friday: 10:00 – 18:00

July & August

Monday - Friday: 10:00 – 18:00

Saturday - 13.00 - 17.00

Sunday - 13.00 - 17.00

September to December:

Monday - Friday: 10:00 – 18:00

ENTRANCE FEE:

Adult €5.00/Family €15.00 (2 Adults +3 Children)

Student/OAP/Child €4.00

Group of 10+ €3.00

PRIDE OF PLACE COMPETITION

Information Notice

The Maritime & Heritage Centre entered the PRIDE OF PLACE competition, and have been successful in being chosen by the Local Authority to represent Donegal in the ALL IRELAND PRIDE OF PLACE Competition 2010 in our category [Population over 2,000].

We are delighted in our achievements thus far, and it is a wonderful honour for Killybegs town and for Killybegs businesses.

This event will be a marvellous opportunity for the Maritime & Heritage Centre to help put Killybegs onto the tourist map, and be a choice of destination for visitors to the North West.

The Judges from the PRIDE OF PLACE competition will be visiting the Centre on Wednesday 21st July 2010 when the community group have the unique opportunity to showcase our initiatives - an event which we hope will have a long lasting and positive impact on our community as a whole.

The All Ireland award session will be held in November 2010, when the successful winner of the PRIDE OF PLACE Competition will be announced.

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Visit Killybegs

OPENING TIMES:

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