Steeped in rich heritage and historical importance, pretty Killala offers the local and visitor alike both a wild and tranquil experience. Whether it is walking in the same steps of the 1798 Rebellion or discovering one of the many hidden golden strands, Killala and its surrounding areas, nestled along the North Mayo coast on the Wild Atlantic Way has much to offer for all. See below to discover the top ten things to do in Killala.
1. Soak up Killala’s ecclesiastical history
In Killala you are surrounded by history, heritage and archaeology at every turn. Ramble around the town and see Killala Round Tower, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, graveyard & souterrain. Spot the green historical place plaques identifying buildings of historical importance. Explore the Neolithic landscape from Carrowmore Lacken to Céide, and try to imagine living here 6,000 years ago as the first cultivators did!
2. Cast a line under amazing Mayo skies
Killala is a fishing paradise, rich with maritime history. Hire a rod and reel for shore or beach angling, or try a day of deep-sea angling for a multitude of species on glorious Killala Bay. There is excellent sea trout fishing along the coastline – bring the kids and head for Lacken or Kilcummin Pier. Stroll along the winding shores of Palmerstown River, watching for kingfishers and dippers as you cast for trout and salmon.
Check out our pages on Sea Angling in Killala and the complete guide to Fishing and Angling in North Mayo and West Sligo. For a full list of fishing guides and instructors in Mayo, please visit the Fishing Ireland website here.
3. Things to do in Killala – On your bike!
Explore the Wild Atlantic Way with the sun on your face and the wind at your back.
Cycle the Killala to Ballina Greenway and explore the Monasteries of the Moy – Rathfran, Moyne and Rosserk, while taking in Tobar Mhuire Holy Well at Rosserk; spin to Kilcummin and step back in time at St. Cummin’s Church with its ancient graveyard & Holy Well, while enjoying stunning coastal views.
Don’t have your own bike? That’s no problem, Ballina Bike Hire are just 20 mins away from Killala, based in the Quay’s Ballina, they have a range of top quality bikes for hire for the whole family.
If you are planning on exploring the North Mayo coast by bike, check out our page Explore Mayo Norths Many Cycling Trails. For more about the Abbeys of North Mayo, check out our dedicated Abbeys of North Mayo page here.
4. Enjoy secret beaches, golden sands and clear blue seas
A visit to Ross Strand is one of the best things to do in Killala. This strand is a fully serviced beach with lifeguards (high season), picnic area, parking, WCs and shower facilities – don’t forget to bring your buckets and spades! Head to the vast Lacken Strand for some kitesurfing or find your own spot of deserted beach. Hire kayaks for a fresh new perspective, or try scuba/snorkel diving and surfing at Kilcummin. Find your inner calm with beach yoga on cool summer mornings.
(North Mayo is a haven for beautiful beaches, be sure to check some of our other great beaches out here.)
Killala is also great for kayaking, yoga and diving, so be sure to check these out on your journey.
5. Forage for your food along the coast
Take a guided tour, including wild food foraging and outdoor feasting in one of the most scenic parts of the country. Feed your body and sate your curiosity on one of Denis’ foraging forays, all of which culminate in a seafood feast. Or spend a few hours with the kids on a family foraging trip to Bartra Island.
Tel: Denis +353 83 0241570 | Email: [email protected] | Visit: Wild Atlantic Cultural Tours
6. Walk right back to happiness
One of the top things to do in Killala is to enjoy one of the many walking routes on offer. These include the Kilcummin Loop walk – follow the arrows from Kilcummin Head, along the rocky shoreline and onto the vast strands of Lacken back beach sand hills, passing two of the Tír Sáile (North Mayo Sculpture Trail sites), and find amazing fossils on the headland!
Try the Ross Loop (left from car park) and enjoy an hour’s walk/gentle climb past the coastguard station, along tiny deserted beaches before arriving at the glorious CBI beach, then back through the dunes to the road and back to Ross.
Visit: North Mayo Walking Trails
7. Explore the French and Yeats 1916 Connections
Learn about the fascinating heritage of the town that played a big part in the 1798 Rebellion by reading up on some local history like Stephen Dunford’s ‘In Humbert’s Footsteps: 1798’, or Guy Beiner’s ‘Remembering the Year of the French’. Make sure to visit gorgeous Kilcummin Harbour where General Humbert landed with 1,100 French soldiers to support the Irish in their revolution – you can even see the stone on which he first set foot.
8. Grab a bite to eat
There are a number of great places to eat when you’re visiting Killala, from Cosy pub grub to delicious takeaways, you’ll find something to temp the taste buds. If you need something on the go head for Campbell’s Centra Killala. They are your premier stop for all your travel requirements and more, making exploration of North Mayo hassle-free. Whether you’re heading for one of the regions beaches, or need supplies when staying in the area, you will find all your essentials and more.
9. Bring a song to share
Enjoy an evening of folk music, song and story at the Killala Bay Folk Club (first Friday of the month). Listen to local traditional, bluegrass and rock music at the weekend in the friendly, welcoming local pubs. Try your hand at bingo on Wednesdays at Killala Community Centre.
For Killala Bay Folk Club’s latest goings on, check out their Facebook Page
10. Check out the Killala Live Festival
During the summer, festivals take place regularly around the region, and every August, you can jive to the best Irish country music at Killala Live Festival. It usually takes place mid – late August, so keep an eye on the Killala Live Events Facebook page for more details.
Other things to do in the area
There is so much to do in this beautiful quaint village. The above is just a selection. Don’t forget if you have children, why not let them run, climb, swing and have a great time at the new playground, tennis and basketball courts at Killala’s town park. Feed the ducklings and look for unusual birds along the protected shoreline. Take part in one of the regular kids/adults aquathlons from the small pier, and enjoy an autumn night swim.
If you are looking to explore the area and surrounds a little further, why not check out our guide to the 15 great things to do in North Mayo.
