Carrowkeel: Village History and Views of Mulroy Bay

Carrowkeel/Kerrykeel combines distinctive buildings, local history and routes with views of Mulroy Bay. You can get to know the place through its architecture and historical memories, or set aside time for the Kerrykeel Walk and its surroundings.

Buildings and history in the village streetscape

Fannet Presbyterian Church in Kerrykeel is a detached, four-bay, single-storey Presbyterian church over a basement. Its features include a gabled front and a three-stage bell tower; it was built around 1913. It is part of Kerrykeel’s built heritage and social history, and a landmark in the streetscape at the northern entrance to the village.

Another distinctive building is the last surviving single-storey thatched cottage in Carrowkeel/Kerrykeel. Dating from the mid to late 19th century, the single-storey thatched cottage is a rare surviving building that shapes the village streetscape. Dougherty’s Thatched Cottage is near the Kerrykeel Walk and is considered beautifully restored. A detached cast-iron water hydrant in Carrowkeel/Kerrykeel was installed around 1910.

Kerrykeel is also connected with the story of Billy Gillespie. He was born there on 6 August 1891 and is also known as William Ballintrae Gillespie. He was the first Irishman to captain an FA Cup-winning team: in 1925, he led Sheffield United to victory. Cow Hill was once the centre of a monthly livestock and goods market, held on the sixth day of each month. The now-closed Old National School hosts local events. Before your trip, check whether the Saturday Country Markets there are taking place.

Exploring on foot

The Kerrykeel Walk is 5.6 kilometres long and takes approximately one hour and ten minutes. These details give you a specific timeframe for the walk without making any claims about its difficulty. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of Mulroy Bay; Knockalla Mountain, nicknamed “The Devil’s Backbone,” can also be seen from the route. Shilling Hill offers another view of Mulroy Bay.

Kerrykeel is also part of the Mulroy Drive network of walking and cycling routes. The routes follow minor roads along Mulroy Drive and connect local, historical and scenic sites. Walkers and cyclists are welcome on all routes.

The Gortnavern Dolmen, a Neolithic portal tomb with a five-sided chamber and a stone capstone more than three metres long, is near the Kerrykeel Walk. Permission from the landowner is required to access it, so arrange a visit in advance. Sturdy footwear or wellington boots are recommended for walks at nearby Greenfort, which has a walled garden and mature trees dating from the early 19th century.

County Donegal in the wider context

The wider destination of County Donegal has more distinctive cultural and scenic attractions. Donegal Castle was the personal stronghold of Red Hugh O’Donnell, Lord of Tír Conaill. Tours cover the castle’s history, from the time of the Gaelic lords through the Plantation and its long period as a ruin to its recent restoration; check tour availability before your trip. A guided tour at Fanad Lighthouse lasts 45 minutes, and the “The Storm, The Sea, The Saldanha” virtual reality experience is also offered there. Malin Head is Ireland’s northernmost point; a circular route follows the coast to Banba’s Crown.

Discover more destinations: Dunkineely, Lettermacaward, Rosnakill, Lifford, Glenties, Doocharry, Convoy, Termon.

Return to the main travel guide: County Donegal.