Discover Killygordon

Killygordon brings together several eras of architectural history, a playground, and a trace of its former railway. If you consider a place’s character when looking for a hotel, its varied buildings and architectural details offer a tangible impression of Killygordon.

Historic houses and the townscape

A house on the western edge of town was built around 1870. It incorporates an older, two-storey terraced house dating to around 1820, bringing together architectural forms from different decades. It is one of the larger 19th-century private houses still standing in the town. It may also have once served as a dispensary and rectory; today it is a private residence.

At 9 Farm Lane stands an attached, two-storey house with three window bays, dating to around 1880. Its early character and form have been preserved, including timber sash windows and a natural slate roof. The house makes a positive contribution to the townscape along the southern main approach to Killygordon. Its windows, roof, and façade composition make these architectural features tangible.

A house stands in a prominent corner location in the town centre. Despite some modern alterations, it retains much of its early character and form. Features include six-over-six timber sash windows and a centrally positioned entrance with a square-headed opening. These include a panelled timber door, plinth blocks, and a margin-glazed fanlight. At the rear stands a large, two-storey outbuilding, preserved in relatively good condition. The house thus displays details of its entrance as well as a surviving building to the rear.

Playground and former railway bridge

Killygordon Playground is on Dromore Road, beside the bridge. The refurbishment, completed in 2025, expanded the area and added new, accessible play equipment, a new fence, and completely new rubber surfacing. A reopening was announced at the time. Check current local conditions before visiting.

A single-arch former railway bridge dating to around 1863 is also located near Killygordon. It carries a road over a former section of the Strabane–Stranorlar railway line, which formed part of the Derry (Victoria Road)–Killybegs line. The former railway line is no longer in use. Alongside the houses, the bridge is a structure connected with the region’s transport history.

County Donegal: further cultural and scenic destinations

The wider destination of County Donegal offers additional historic sites. Donegal Castle was the personal stronghold of Red Hugh O’Donnell, Lord of Tír Conaill. Tours tell the castle’s story from the time of the Gaelic lords through the Plantation and its long period as a ruin to its recent restoration. Illustrated treasure hunts are available there for children. If you plan to take a tour, check its availability before travelling.

Other historic landmarks in County Donegal include Doe Castle, a medieval stronghold of the MacSweeneys, and Grianán of Aileach, a state-owned National Monument in the care of the Office of Public Works. At Newmills Corn and Flax Mills, the oldest surviving building is 400 years old; visitors can see one of Ireland’s largest waterwheels in operation.

County Donegal’s scenic destinations offer a range of experiences too. Malin Head is Ireland’s northernmost point; a circular walk follows the coast to Banba’s Crown. Visitors can hike at the Sliabh Liag cliffs, and a seasonal boat trip from nearby Teelin Harbour reaches the base of the sea cliffs. Glenveagh brings together mountains, lakes, waterfalls, valleys, and native oak woodlands with a castle featuring its original interiors. Visitors can see red deer there and look out for reintroduced golden eagles.

Discover more destinations: Burtonport, Falcarragh, Fort Stewart, Portnoo, Drumfree, Lifford, Castlecooley, Downings.

For the wider travel overview: County Donegal.