13 Best Things to do in Killybegs + Nearby (With Map)

Although there’s only a handful of things to do in Killybegs, there’s endless places to visit a short spin away.

Which is why the busy fishing town can make a good base to explore from (the fact that there’s some great pubs and restaurants in Killybegs also helps!).

However, you can ramble along the harbour, take a boat tour out under Slieve League and visit heaps of nearby attractions, as you’ll discover below.

The best things to do in Killybegs

The first section of this guide is packed with what I think are the best things to do in Killybegs along with plenty of nearby attractions.

Below, you’ll find everything from breakfast options and walks to unique tours and much more.

1. Kick-start your visit with coffee at Ahoy Cafe

Right on the harbour, the Ahoy Cafe specialises in breakfast and brunch.

It’s a good place to start the day with a hearty full Irish to fuel up for the day ahead.

They also do a menu of speciality teas and coffee and sweet treats. See my Killybegs food guide for more places to eat.

2. Then see the Slieve League Cliffs from the sea

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Killybegs, climb aboard this boat tour (affiliate link) and see the Donegal coastline like never before from just €33 per person.

The cruise lasts 2 hours and it takes in everything from the stunning Slieve League Cliffs to lighthouses and beaches.

You’ll also see plenty of wildlife along the way along with Muckross Head, Carrigan Head, Donegal Bay and more.

3. Or keep your feet on dry ground on the Killybegs Walk and Talk Tour

Don’t miss out on the history and highlights of Killybegs by taking the 1¾ hour Killybegs Walk and Talk Tour.

The circular route provides lots of interesting facts about Killybegs’ fishing and carpet-making industries.

Visit many significant medieval sites such as the 16th century grave slab of the Chief Neil Mor MacSuibhne.

Historic buildings include St. Mary’s Church of the Visitation, “Bruach na Mara” home of the late Bishop Mc Ginley, the 18th century Corn Store, St Catherine’s Well and the remains of St. Catherine’s Church and Graveyard.

4. Spend a fine morning at Fintra Beach (5 minutes away)

The curving light golden sands of Fintra Bay are just 2.5km west of the town.

It’s a beautiful beach with plenty of room for sandcastles, ball games and walking. It is backed by rolling dunes that are home to nesting birds, flora and wildlife.

Fintra Bay has clean Blue Flag waters and there are showers and a lifeguard service in summer.

There’s a handy car park with easy access to the gently sloping beach.  

5. Or visit the secret waterfall (5 minutes away)

Access to Largy Waterfall, aka “Donegal’s secret waterfall” is just a 5-minute drive from Killybegs.

It’s on a narrow road with very limited parking and it gets very busy during the summer.

It’s a bit of a walk along the coast and it’s only accessible at low tide. The walk to it is also very slippery so great caution is needed.

This is only for those that know how to read tide times.

6. Or the beautiful Malin Beg Beach (35 minutes away)

It’s well worth taking the 30km drive to Malin Beg Beach as it is one of the best beaches in Donegal.

Also known as Silver Strand Beach, Malin Beg is a sheltered horseshoe-shaped cove with turquoise waters and a sweep of light golden sand.

It has limited parking and is accessed down 174 steps carved into the cliff.

The headland rises up steadily to the summit of Slieve League Mountain (601m) with mighty views from the Discovery Point on the Wild Atlantic Way.

The best things to do near Killybegs

There are near endless things to do near Killybegs.

Below, you’ll find an itinerary to follow from the town and what to see en route.

1. Follow the Slieve League road trip route

While there are many things to do in Donegal, it’s easy to miss stops along the way.

I’ve been recommending the Slieve League Peninsula itinerary to people for several years now, as it follows a clear, logical route.

You’ll need a day to do it but the beauty is that there isn’t much driving between stops.

2. See Muckross Head (15 minutes away)

Muckross Head is a headland flanked by two beaches on either side.

However, the big attraction here is the viewpoint – a key Wild Atlantic Way discovery point.

You can pull in on the road leading away from the beach and enjoy one of the most impressive views in the area.

There’s also the old Eire sign, some gorgeous coastal scenery and you’ll often have the whole place to yourself.

3. Spin along Glengesh Pass (20 minutes away)

The snaking route through the wild Glengesh Pass is magnificent regardless of whether you’re walking, cycling or snaking around the bends in a car.

Connecting Glencolmcille with Ardara, the Glengesh Pass is one of the highlights on many Donegal road trips.

Stop at the viewpoint at the top of the pass and then proceed slowly through this scenic high mountain pass.

3. Then pull over at Assaranca Waterfall (25 minutes away)

After navigating through Glengesh Pass, you’ll soon arrive at Assaranca Waterfall.

It’s one of the most beautiful in Donegal with its torrent of white water cascading down the rocks to the pool below.

The waterfall is located close to the road and there’s a handy free lay-by for parking about 10 vehicles.

You can views the falls from the car park before continuing on for two minutes to reach Maghera Beach.  

4. Visit the magnificent Slieve League Cliffs (30 minutes away)

Forget the Cliffs of Moher; the Slieve League Cliffs are just as memorable and almost three times taller!

View the cliffs from the viewpoint or hike the Pilgrim’s Path to the summit (navigational experience needed!).

From the clifftop it’s a vertiginous drop down to the Atlantic waves breaking on the rocks far, far below.

Reaching a height of 1,9782 feet/601 metres above sea level, it’s not surprising that the Slieve League Cliffs are the highest accessible sea cliffs in Europe. 

5. Or stroll along the stunning Maghera Beach (30 minutes away)

Maghera Beach and caves are one of the more unique things to do near Killybegs.

There’s access to the impressive beach from the private car park (€3) and it’s a 200-metre walk to the caves.

You need to visit at low tide and be aware of strong currents and riptides which make it unsuitable for swimming.

he sandy beach stretches for 5km and is edged with 20 caves, 8 arches and 5 tunnels carved out by the sea.

6. See the often-missed Glencolumbkille cliffs (25 minutes away)

Located on the narrow headland known as Sturrall Ridge, the Glencolumbcille Cliffs stand in a remote rural spot reached via a 2.5km clifftop walk from Glencolumbcille.

The peninsula reaches out into the surf at a height of 750m but wave erosion has whittled it down to just one metre wide in places.

Topped with a Napoleonic watchtower, it’s an incredible spot to stand in awe and watch the powerful surf on the rocks.

If you don’t fancy the hike, the Glencolumbcille Folk Village is worth exploring.

7. Or explore the ancient Donegal Town (25 minutes away)

The largest little village in northwest Ireland, Donegal Town is a nice spot for a wander if you’ve ticked off the various things to do in Killybegs.

Once the seat of the ruling O’Donnell clan from the 15th to 17th centuries, it sits at the head of Donegal Bay.

It’s home to Donegal Castle along with a mix of shops, pubs, restaurants and hotels.

Explore Donegal beyond Killybegs

There are many things to do in Donegal once you’ve explored around Killybegs.

Here are some key attractions:

• Historical sites: Glenveagh Castle, Fanad Lighthouse, Grianan of Aileach and Arranmore Island
• Hikes/walks: Mount Errigal, Ards Forest Park and Glenveagh National Park
• Natural beauty: Malin Head, Mamore Gap, Boyeeghter Bay and the Inishowen Peninsula