Kilcar – County Donegal

Kilcar near Killybegs in County Donegal is set in an idyllic location, a highly sought-after holiday destination with beautiful views of the rolling hills of Donegal. Set against the stunning backdrop of the majestic Sliabh Liag, an area of outstanding natural beauty, Kilcar is a truly unique and memorable holiday destination in Ireland. 

Kilcar or Cill Charthaigh is a Gaeltacht village in the southwest of County Donegal. Situated between the mountain and the sea – a great centre for both activity and relaxation, offering the best in culture and tradition with modern amenities. 

The village of Kilcar and the surrounding area is a renowned centre of traditional hand-woven tweeds, knitwear, and cottage industries. Studio Donegal Woolen Mill is based in Kilcar where a tradition of hand weaving and woolen textiles has been in existence, dating back to the late 1700’s and earlier, before the Industrial Revolution. 

The local area also has a reputation for lively traditional Irish music sessions in the local pubs and hosts music festivals during the summer months. The area around Kilcar offers panoramic seascapes, unspoilt beaches, hills, and mountains affording magnificent views and superb walks, impressive megalithic tombs, and historic sites largely unknown outside the area. 

Sliabh Liag, the highest sea cliffs in Europe, is popular with hill walkers and climbers and the nearby Sliabh Liag Lakes offer opportunities for trout fishing. 

Muckross Head is home to the highest sea cliffs in Europe and one of Donegal’s major tourist attractions. The spectacular panoramic views include St. John’s Point, Ben Bulben in County Sligo, and even Croagh Patrick in County Mayo. 

Rock climbing is an extremely popular sport on Muckross Head. The cliffs are composed of horizontally bedded sandstone scattered with thin bands of mudstone that have produced the distinctive overhangs that make rock climbing here excellent. 

Muckross Head has two beaches That beach has a rip tide, coming in at both sides and sucking out in the middle, and is popular with surfers. The other beach trá bán, meaning white beach in Irish is a popular family beach. That beach also has a public car park and toilets in summer. 

Regular boat trips leave from Teelin Pier for fishing, dolphin and whale watching, and scuba diving. 

The fishing town of Killybegs is 11 kms away which has a large selection of bars, restaurants, and shops. Kilcar is a truly unique and memorable holiday destination in Ireland and a wonderful base for a self-catering holiday in Ireland.