Killala: Round Tower, Greenway and Coast

In Killala, historic buildings, the coast and the five-kilometre Moyne–Killala section of the Monasteries of the Moy Greenway and Cycle Route offer options for a range of travel interests. The Round Tower and the Cathedral Church of St Patrick give your plans a historical focus. At the Quay, enjoy views of the bay and a walk along the coast. When choosing a hotel, you can consider whether history, walking or cycling routes, or the coastal landscape will shape your trip.

Round Tower, cathedral and souterrain

The Killala Round Tower is 25.5 metres high and stands on a one-metre-high base made of 20 large stones. It is thought to date from the 12th century. Its dimensions make the structure easy to picture: the tower rises well above its stone base. Another historic building is the Cathedral Church of St Patrick, a Gothic structure dating from the 1670s. Via Steeple Hill and Church Street, the cathedral is less than a minute’s walk from the Round Tower. This makes it easy to include two different buildings when exploring the historic town centre.

The entrance to the Killala souterrain is in the graveyard behind the Cathedral Church of St Patrick. An important consideration for your plans is that the souterrain is often flooded and is not safe for the public to enter. The location of the entrance should therefore not be mistaken for a guarantee of safe access.

Greenway on foot or by bike

The Monasteries of the Moy Greenway and Cycle Route as a whole is a 14-kilometre cycling route with a mixed surface between Ballina and Killala. In Killala, the five-kilometre Moyne–Killala section starts at Killala Town Park, behind the Cathedral Church of St Patrick. This section is an easy route away from traffic, offering a specific stretch to include in your plans. Check the path conditions before setting out.

The Moyne–Killala section takes an estimated 50 to 90 minutes on foot and 20 to 30 minutes by bike. The two time ranges apply to different modes of travel on the same five-kilometre stretch. If you are planning your day around these estimates, use the one that fits a walk or a bike ride.

Coastal views and boat trips at Killala Quay

At Killala Quay, you can enjoy views of Killala Bay and Bartra Island. Visitors can also take a scenic walk along the coast. This offers a different focus from the Greenway section: at the Quay, the emphasis is on coastal views and walking, while the Greenway has a specific distance and estimated walking and cycling times.

From Killala Quay, visitors can take a boat into Killala Bay for sea angling or whale watching. The availability of these boat activities can vary by season. If a boat trip is important to you, check in advance whether one is offered on your travel dates.

More travel ideas in County Mayo

County Mayo also offers distinctive themes for broader travel planning. At the National Museum of Ireland in Turlough Park, objects, rare archival photographs and films provide insight into Ireland’s rural past. The museum offers workshops, talks and guided tours throughout the year. The gardens at Turlough Park are home to a diverse range of birds, flora and fauna, and are designated as a Green Heritage site.

Another historical focus in County Mayo is Knock Shrine. It tells the story of the 1879 apparition and the site’s development into an international pilgrimage destination. These regional destinations complement Killala’s themes without conflating them with attractions in the town itself.

Discover more destinations: Partry, Ballytoohy, Cornaroya, Aghamore, Ballinrobe, Kilsallagh, Dooagh, Belmullet

For the broader travel overview: County Mayo.