|
Killala
find holiday homes in Killala
|
Killala is a lovely
seaside village located 12km north-west of Ballina in north
Mayo,Twinned with the town of Chauve in France, Killala is well
known throughout Ireland as a place of great historical importance.
The French army occupation in August 1798 is one of the landmark
events in Irish history. Killala was the first place taken from
British forces and garrisoned by a small French army unit under the
command of General Jean Joseph Amable Humbert.
The village was under
Franco-Irish rule for 32 days until the British army defeated the
French army in battle and executed the local Irish rebels.
Unsurprisingly Killala was used as the main location for the
multi-million pound television series "The Year Of The French"
(based on the novel by Thomas Flanagan).
The well preserved ancient round tower, the stone quays and
warehouses and the numerous ecclesiastical ruins and archaeological
remains in and around the village all testify to Killala’s historic
importance. 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) are both worth a visit.
Killala is just 20km from the world famous Ceide Fields – a
neolithic site that dates back over 5,000 years (before the building
of the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge). At the Ceide Fields
Visitor Centre the tourist can view the historic landscape as well
as the dramatic Ceide cliffs - 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.
The fisherman will be spoilt for choice in Killala - river, shore,
harbour and offshore. Killala Bay offers excellent fishing for over
30 different species.
There are two registered
boat owners available to take groups out deep sea angling and
sightseeing. Killala and its environs are also ideal for coarse,
river and lake fishing. The River Moy, which runs through nearby
Ballina, is world famous for salmon fishing.
The shoreline around Killala is dotted with safe beaches. Ross Beach
is located 4km north of the village and is a Blue Flag beach safe
for swimming and watersports. Killala Bay is an extensive triangular
estuary with mudflats lining the sides of the channel.
The bay offers rich
feeding for wildfowl and waders. Bird watchers will 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. Seals can also be spotted in Killala Bay and basking
on nearby Bartra Island.
There are two excellent courses within easy driving distance of
Killala. Ballina Golf Club is just 14km away and is a fabulous 18
hole parkland course. The superb 18 hole links coure in Enniscrone
is 25km away
The local pubs and restaurants in Killala offer first rate food -
much of it locally sourced where possible. At night time, the pubs
are noted for their traditional music sessions and the craic that
goes with it. |
Home
Killala Holiday Homes - County Mayo, Ireland