Killybegs

Killybegs is a town in Co Donegal. It is the largest fishing port in the county and on the island of Ireland. It is located on the south coast of the county, north of Donegal Bay and near to Donegal Town. The town is situated at the head of a scenic harbour and at the base of a vast mountainous tract extending northward. Killybegs is a natural deepwater harbour with a depth of 12 meters at low water spring tide. The harbour is home to all the largest Irish midwater pelagic trawlers, and a modest whitefish fleet, but it handles many other types of shipping as well. These include passenger cruise liners and mixed specialist cargoes. In recent years Killybegs has become the favoured port for the importation of wind turbines, and is a service port for the offshore gas/oil drilling rigs. The town is the centre of the Irish pelagic fishing and processing industries, as it specialises in the processing and freezing of species such as mackerel, herring, scad, and blue whiting. There are three national schools and one second level school in Killybegs, as well as a third level institution – Tourism College Killybegs, which is the only dedicated tourism institute in Ireland, offering courses in hospitality and culinary skills. Other local amenities include a selection of shops, pubs and restuarants, as well as Fintra Beach which is located on the outskirts of town. There is also a soccer club and GAA club in the town.