Killala
in County Mayo in the West of Ireland
Location
Killala is a picturesque seaside village six and a half miles north-west of Ballina in north Mayo, famous in Irish history for the part it played in the 1798 rebellion.
History
In August of 1798 General Humbert arrived into Kilcummin pier from France and combined with the Irish forces against the English forces in the area. This year is chronicled in Irish history as the Year of the French and a book and television history celebrate this unique event.
Consequently, Killala has become a popular location for the historian and in fact was used as a major location for the 1981 multi million pound film "The Year of the French". In 1998 Killala celebrated the bicentenary by twinning with a town in Chauve in France.
Killala's skyline is dominated by a round tower, dating to the twelth century. There is a Church of Ireland cathedral, which was built in the 17th century over the remains of a ruined Catholic cathedral.
The area is rich in archaelogical remains such as:
- Moyne Abbey
- Rosserk Abbey
- Rathfran Abbey
- Meelick Castle
- Humberts Rock
- Céide Fields (the oldest enclosed farms in the world) are a short distance away near Ballycastle.
Photo: Rosserk Abbey on the Moy Estuary
between Killala and Ballina © Michael O'Sullivan
Population from Census
- 569 (2006)
- 650 (2002)
- 657 (1996)
Accommodation
Of course you will find Bed and Breakfast or Rental Accommodation with an excellent choice of Pubs and Restaurants with traditional music and food including fresh seafood dishes.
Other services include a Post Office, Taxis, Chemist, Garage and there is a daily bus service in the town.
Community Centre
Killala Community Centre is one of the largest centres in the north west catering for handball, football, soccer, badminton, volley ball, squash and tennis. It has a fully equipped kitchen, meeting rooms, tourist office and community council offices.
For further information contact the Community Council office:
Tel: + 353 (0) 96 32166
Fax: + 353 (0) 96 32484
