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Killala In BriefKillala is situated 8 miles on the road out of Ballina on the way to Belderrig. Killala is en route to the world famous Ceide Fields Neolithic site that dates back over 5,000 years (before the building of the Egyptian pyramids and Stone age). Twinned with the town of Chauve in France, Killala is well known throughout Ireland and is a popular location for historians. It was used as the major location for the multi - million pound television series ‘ The Year of The French’ (based on the novel by Thomas Flanagan). Killala is a market town, standing on gently tumulated ground. Killala exhibits a picturesque appearance and blends with venerable groves, luxuriant meadows and the brilliant bay to produce emotions that soothe and images to delight. Killala retains the Old World charm of past trade in the grey stone. It is a former ecclesiastical capital, in an area rich in archaeological remains. The Round Tower dominates the skyline. There is a wide range of things to do and see in Killala and it's surrounding area: -
There has been a strong tradition of fishing in the Killala area and the harbour in particular provides one of the many focal points for visiting tourists.Those of you who are interested in fishing, will find many locations - river, shore and offshore. Killala Bay offers excellent fishing for over 30 different species and smoking and freezing preservation facilities are available. If fishing is not your cup of tea, take a stroll round and fill your lungs with the fresh Atlantic Ocean air!
The shoreline is dotted with safe beaches - notably at Ross beach.
Ross Beach has facilities for swimming and watersports - and all beaches have magnificent scenery to enjoy while walking. The bird watchers among you will find find a great variety of waterside birds - including duck, Brent geese, waders, cormorants, gulls - and in late spring and summer the rare corncrake can be heard calling on warm nights!
Seals can also be spotted in Killala Bay and basking on nearby Bartra Island. Wherever you go in the village of Killala, the ancient round tower is always visible. It is one of the best examples of round towers in County Mayo.
Killala still retains the old charms of past trade in the grey stone quays and warehouses of its waterfront and, as a former ecclesiastical capital, it is an area rich in archaeological remains. - There is a good selection of high quality accommodation in Killala and local shops and amenities.
- There are also other numerous sites to visit - including the ruined Rosserk Abbey (founded as an early Franciscan Friary in 1400 AD) and Moyne and Rathfran Abbey (a Dominican Priory founded in 1274 AD).
- The local pubs and restaurants offer first rate food - most of it locally sourced where possible.
- At nighttime, the local bars are noted for their traditional music sessions and the craic that goes with it!
- The community has been involved in commercial development since the late 1960's and have participated in the provision of 50,000 sq ft of workspace for the food industry and precision engineering in addition a land bank is available for further development. There is a strong entrepreneurial ethos in the community.
Design.
Also Nearby-
Close to Killala, you can visit the Ceide Fields visitor centre to view the historic landscape as well as the magnificent Ceide cliffs where there is a viewing platform with stunning views. The centre offers you an informed insight to the farming Irish civilisation from 5,500 years ago - predating the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge!
- Ballina town is a short drive away.
HistoryKillala is famous for the French army occupation in August 1798. This old Irish village is remarkable in Irish history as the first place taken from the British and garrisoned by a small French army under the command of General Jean Joseph Amable Humbert.The village remained under Franco-Irish rule for 32 days until the British army defeated the French army in battle and executed the local Irish rebels. The most striking feature at the heart of Killala is the Round Tower. It is of late date - probably the 9th to 11th century - and is by far the best example of a Round Tower in Mayo. It is also considered to be one of the best in the country and indicates the ancient celebrity of the place as an ecclesiastical centre. The foundation of the Killala diocese dates from the time of St Patrick who placed his disciple St Muredach over the church - called in Irish Cell Alaid.
Muredach's appointment to the Church of Killala dates back as early as 442 or 443 AD. In the centre of Killala stands a Church of Ireland Cathedral. This was built in 1670 using the rubble and stone from the remains of the ruined medieval Catholic Cathedral, which stood, on the same site.It is furnished with boxed pews and the graveyard contains a 9th century souterrain with numerous chambers. Getting to Killala-
By Rail: Ballina is on the main Dublin-Westport route, which is a short distance from Killala. For timetables and more information, visit Irish Rail.
- By Car:
- from Dublin, take the M4 as far as Longford. Take the Charlestown , Swinford, Foxford, Ballina and enter killala.The journey takes 3hrs 37mins.
- By Bus: Killala is served by Bus Eireann routes. For timetables and more information, visit Bus Eireann.
- By Air: You can fly to Knock Airport (IWAK) from a number of UK and European locations. Visit the Ireland West Airport Knock website for schedules and carriers.
Education- Killala N.S (096) 32421
- Killala Playschool (096) 32339
- St Patrick’s College (096) 34105
- Newtownwhite N.S (096) 32728
SportThe Community Centre (one of the largest in Mayo) has extensive facilities and indoor courts for activities that include squash, handball, soccer, badminton, meeting rooms, day centre, internet access, tourist information etc. Sporting clubs include: Killala G.A.A. Club, Killala Soccer Club, St Bridget’s Ladies G.A.A. Club, Killala Squash Club, Killala Handball Club.
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