Killary Adventure Company

Founded in 1981 by Mary and Jamie Young, Killary Adventure Co. is celebrating 30 years at the forefront of the Irish Adventure Industry. From humble beginnings in a few converted cow sheds in Little Killary Harbour to the new purpose built site overlooking the Killary Fjord the business has weathered many storms, natural and economic!

Mary & Jamie Young visited the stunning Little Killary harbour and decided that this was the best spot to start up an adventure centre in Ireland. This was back when there were no transport links to the wilds of west Connemara, bookings were taken by letter and central heating was provided by an old stove! 30 years on and over one hundred thousand people from all around the globe have passed through our centre seeking adventures big and small!

View all Holiday Homes in Mayo

Over the last 30 years the company has grown into Killary Adventure Co, moved to a new location and every year has been innovative in the activities on offer, our impact on the environment and dynamic in how we do business in the every changing economic climate. The business started off as the first privately owned centre in the country and has continued this tradition – building the first High Ropes Course, having Irelands first fixed Bungee Jump, the highest climbing tower and the first wind generator of its kind in Ireland to provide power for the centre, to name a few.

When asked what the key was to surviving 3 recessions “Consolidation & innovation” answers Mary Young, “In a recession, as the income stream decreases, it is essential to ensure that there is a rapid response with the costs going down as well. Bitter experience makes for a great teacher!”

Over its 30 years in business many people have passed through the doors of Killary. Many families, friendships, memories and marriages were made and started here. “We started off just wanting to build a business in the outdoor field and live in the West of Ireland for a while. Then came the desire to make it a sustainable business into the future, so when Jamie & I will have had enough and want to sail away, it will allow our children and other families to live and work with a quality of life that is pretty unique.”