How to Visit Killary Harbour
Read our travel guide on Killary Harbour in Ireland. Includes best things to do and see, tips on where to stay, how to get, or when to go.
Ireland's only glacial fjord, Killary Fjord, also known as Killary Harbour, is a must-visit place when traveling from County Galway to County Mayo.
This 16-kilometer-long fjord is undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking places along the Wild Atlantic Way and a highlight of every Ireland road trip itinerary.
One of the main reasons to visit Killary Harbour is the stunning views, fun activities, and captivating story of the Ice Age.
We have to admit that finding out that Ireland has a fjord was quite a surprise, obviously, in a good way.
Even though a trip to Killary Harbour is fairly straightforward, we hope our personally curated guide will help you plan your trip better.
Things to Know Before You Go
Before we dive deeper, there are a few essential things you should know about Killary Harbour before you go.
Killary Harbour or Killary Fjord
Firstly, Killary Harbour is often referred to as Killary Fjord and the two names are used interchangeably, and we'll do the same throughout this post.
Is Killary Fjord a Fjord?
Even though Killary Fjord is often described as the only fjord in Ireland, the situation is a bit more complex.
Firstly, there is an argument that Lough Swilly and Carlingford Lough can also be considered glacial fjords.
And secondly, some even say that Killary is not even a true fjord as it doesn't have cliff walls.
Despite the fact that this is quite an intriguing debate, the truth is it doesn't matter much, at least from a tourist standpoint.
Sure, the mountain slopes are not as steep as we saw in New Zealand's Fiordland on Milford Track or in Iceland's Westfjords, but it doesn't take away from the fact that this is a truly breathtaking area.
Facts
The highest point is the Mweelrea Mountain which rises to 814 meters above sea level and dominates the northern side of the bay. Mweelrea is also the highest mountain in Connacht.
The southern edge is comprised of the Maumturk Mountains and the Twelve Bens, which are spectacular as well.
The main settlement in the harbor is the tiny village of Leenaun (often spelled as Leenane), where you can find a hotel room or a place to eat.
Killary Fjord is 16 kilometers long, over 45 meters deep, and is fed by three major rivers.
History
Killary Fjord is a glacial fjord formed about 20 thousand years ago when a massive glacier that covered the land at the time carved the valley.
As the climate warmed up, it melted and retreated. When the glacier was gone, it left a deep U-shaped valley behind.
Later, it was filled with seawater which concluded Killary Fjord's origin story.
What to See and Do
There are many activities to enjoy at Killary Harbour and the surrounding area, including walking, cycling, kayaking, fishing, and cruising.
This area is a perfect retreat for outdoor enthusiasts, especially during the summer.
However, even a simple scenic drive will leave you in awe. So here are our tips on the best things to do in Killary Fjord.
Killary Harbour Viewpoint
When driving along N59, make sure to stop at Killary Harbour Viewpoint, one of the many Discovery Points along Wild Atlantic Way.
It's the easiest way to enjoy some of the finest views of the fjord and the dramatic mountains that surround it.
Arguably, this is the best viewpoint in Killary Harbour, though there are more places worth stopping along the road.
From this point, you will have a chance to see the fjord in its full glory and also watch the cruises and aquaculture activities.
When driving from Clifden, it's located on your left-hand side, about two hundred meters past the Killary Adventure Company.
There is a fairly large parking area, so you don't have to worry about finding a spot even on busy summer weekends.
Killary Harbour Cruise
It won't come as a surprise when we say that taking a boat trip is one of the best ways to see Killary Fjord.
The catamaran cruises depart from Nancy's Point, approximately 1.5 kilometers west of Leenaun Village, and are relatively affordable.
Seeing the mesmerizing landscape from the top deck is a completely new and much more relaxing experience compared to driving, plus you will get a chance to see some places that would otherwise stay hidden.
Don't forget that Killary Fjord is also a great spot for wildlife watching as it's home to seals, otters, dolphins, and many bird species such as oystercatchers, grey herons, seagulls, and cormorants.
Some of the animals can only be seen from a boat as they live further out into the ocean.
In the peak season, the local operator Killary Fjord Boat Tours usually runs three tours a day.
The good news is that the boat trips to Killary Harbour run even in winter but only on weekends.
Water Activities
In addition to driving, cruises, and walking, there are plenty of water activities to enjoy at Killary Fjord, such as kayaking, SUP, wild swimming, or fishing.
Kayaking
More adventurous souls would argue that kayaking at Killary Fjord is definitely a more rewarding experience than the cruise.
The easiest and safest way is to join an organized kayaking trip with an experienced instructor who will guide you through unknown waters, hidden coves, and epic coastlines.
The main upside of these two to three hours long tours is that they will teach you the basics of paddling and turning the closed-cockpit sea kayaks, so they are suitable even for complete novices.
If you're still not sure, they also do have standard sit-on-top kayaks for beginners, which still offer a great way to see the fjord but don't go as far as the closed ones.
Guided tours at Killary Harbour run year-round but are weather dependent.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
If you're looking for a fun activity to try in Killary Fjord, stand-up paddleboarding is not only a great workout but also a great way to explore this stunning inlet.
You can rent paddleboards at Killary Adventure, and they also have Giant SUPs that can hold eight to ten people.
Wild Swimming
Some say that Killary Fjord is among the best wild swimming places in Ireland.
Even though we know that only a handful of international visitors will indulge in wild swimming, it's good to know this option exists.
If you're looking for a real challenge, the Great Fjord Swim is an open-water swimming event annually held at Killary Harbour.
The race has three swim distances to suit all swimmer's fitness levels and includes a boat ride to the start line.
We don't have to mention that if you want to go for a swim in the open sea, always stay safe, and also check the Irish Water Safety for more information on this topic.
Scuba Diving
Sheltered by the tall mountains, the waters at Killary Fjord are home to abundant marine life and many beautiful dive sites.
We have a feeling that when one is mulling over cool diving sites, Ireland's Connemara is not a destination that comes to mind.
The fully qualified guides at Scubadive West, which offers offshore dive safaris and also PADI courses for beginners at Killary Harbour, will prove you otherwise.
The dive center is open year-round.
Fishing
Fed by the rich waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Killary Harbour is home to a diverse array of fish species, including mackerel, salmon, sea trout, herring, pollock, and more.
This sheltered inlet provides plenty of great fishing opportunities for experienced anglers or complete novices.
Fishing boat tours are also available in Killary Fjord.
Hiking in Killary Harbour
If you want to stay active and water sports are not your thing, exploring Killary Fjord on foot is always a good alternative.
Luckily, there are several hikes to choose from for all ages and abilities.
Killary Fjord Coastal Walk
Also known as the Killary Harbour Loop Walk or Leeane Famine Walk, Killary Fjord Coastal Walk is arguably the best hike in the area.
This 14-kilometer trail connects the Rosroe Pier in the west part of Killary Harbour with the Leenaun village and offers incredible views and a good insight into local history.
However, hikers will need to arrange transport at the end (or hitch a ride back), which makes things much more complicated.
Some hikers decide to leave their vehicle on a small gravel parking on N59 at the Bunowen L51022 close to the Tullyconor Bridge in order to skip the trail's east section.
This partially looped trail is 14 kilometers long, and the first part is on a paved road.
However, we believe it's best to leave your car at Rosroe Pier and do just the 5-kilometer loop that starts and ends there, as this is the most scenic part of the hike.
Either way, this hike goes along a historical Green Road that was part of the famine relief efforts in the 19th century.
The road remains fairly intact, and you can also see some original potato ridges along the way. If you want to learn more about the Great Famine in Ireland, don't forget also to visit the nearby Doolough Valley.
At Rosroe, this trail also features a modest house where a famous 20th-century philosopher, Ludwig Wittgenstein, lived after World War 2.
The unpaved section features rugged terrain, so good hiking shoes will come in handy here.
Aasleagh Falls
One of the easiest, shortest, and most rewarding hikes in Killary Harbour is Aasleagh Falls Trail.
From a designated parking area that features also yet another Discovery Point, a short 200-meter trail will bring you in less than five minutes to lovely falls on the Erriff River.
The only shortcoming of this trail is that you can actually see it from the road, so most visitors just take in the views from the narrow bridge on R335.
Killary Fjord Shellfish
While tourism has been playing an increasing role in this area, the main industry in Killary is shellfish, such as mussels, oysters, clams, and razor clams.
This is a great place to learn about mussel farming, the mussel life cycle, and the Irish aquaculture industry in general.
Plus, you will also have an opportunity to get on board the workboat and experience the routine and work of a mussel farmer.
We don't have to mention that this is one of the best places in Ireland to try fresh mussels.
Staying at Killary Harbour
Thanks to its relatively remote location and absolutely breathtaking scenery, Killary Harbour is an ideal place to base yourself for exploring this area that stretches over County Mayo and County Galway.
The closest large cities, such as Galway or Limerick, are miles away, and if you visit in the off-season, the crowds will be long gone, and you will have the fjord just for yourself.
Well, there will probably be a few more tourists around, but we believe you get the gist.
There are quite a few nice hotels in the area where you can easily unwind and escape the noise and clutter of everyday life.
Here you can find the best rates on accommodation in Killary Harbour, or just scroll down and see our recommendations for hotels in the where to stay section.
Opening Hours
You can visit Killary Harbour any time of the day, but the fjord area is especially beautiful early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Entrance Fee
There is no entry fee to Killary Harbour as it's easily accessible via a public road.
How Much Time Do I Need
If you just want to drive around the fjord area, take a short walk to the falls, and occasionally stop at the viewpoints, an hour or two should be more than enough for Killary Harbour.
In fact, the scenic drive with a single stop at the main viewpoint takes only about 30 minutes.
On the other hand, it's easy to spend a day or two in this area, especially if you plan to visit places such as Connemara National Park, Croagh Patrick, or Kylemore Abbey from here.
When to Go
There is no best time to see Killary Harbour, as this area is spectacular regardless of the season and can be explored all year round.
However, summer is often considered to be the best time of the year to see Killary Fjord for multiple reasons.
The weather is warm and pleasant, the days are long, and you can enjoy all the activities this area has to offer.
Things slow down during autumn and spring, and you won't meet as many people along the way as in summer.
We visited the Killary Fjord in May, and everything looked still fairly quiet here. Moreover, the weather was windy but sunny, so we could enjoy uninterrupted views.
However, we have a feeling that the fjord will be impressive even on a rainy day when the clouds and mist roll off the mountains.
Obviously, boat trips may be canceled due to rough seas and high winds.
Visiting Killary Harbour in winter is ideal for those looking for a peaceful experience, stunning views, and no crowds.
It's really wise to resolve the good old question of when to visit Ireland before you go, as the weather will hugely determine what kind of experience you will have.
What to Pack
Aside from your usual road trip travel clothes, a quality rain jacket, sturdy footwear, and a comfortable daypack are staples of every Ireland packing list.
In summer, you will need strong sunscreen and plenty of water with you, but also don't forget to bring an extra layer or two, as some days might not be as warm as you would expect.
It's often windy in Ireland, and a good windbreaker comes in handy even on a sunny day or if you decide to take a boat trip.
By the way, bringing a pair of binoculars may be a good idea to get a closer look at local wildlife.
How to Get There
Although this depends on your preferences, we believe the best way to get to Killary Harbour is by car. Together with organized trips, it's definitely the easiest one.
We can't fail to mention that having a car in this area is a huge advantage, as there are many stops and detours along N59.
Luckily, renting a car in Ireland is easy, fast, and even doesn't cost that much.
Car
If you're traveling from the south, Clifden is located less than 45 minutes away from Leenaun.
However, it's highly probable that you'll also make a stop at Kylemore Abbey and Connemara National Park en route.
The fastest route from Killary Fjord and Galway leads along N59 and R336.
We suggest staying on the N59 the whole time, as you would otherwise miss places such as Sky Road, Clifden, Dog's Bay, and the abbey with the national park we have already mentioned above.
Dublin is located on the opposite side of the island, so be prepared to spend at least four hours when traveling between these destinations.
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Public Transport
Bus Eireann services a route between Clifden and Westport. Bus 423 departs three times a day, runs even on weekends, and stops in Leenaun.
Taking a bus is a relatively affordable way to get to Killary Fjord for solo travelers or those without a car.
Tours
Alternatively, you can consider taking a guided tour that features some of the most beautiful places in Connemara, such as this fjord and village of Leenane or Kylemore Abbey.
Here you can reserve Connemara Day Trip from Galway that also includes Killary Harbour.
Where to Stay
When it comes to accommodation in Killary Harbour, there are plenty of great options for all types of travelers to choose from.
Whether you're looking for a luxurious resort hotel or a cozy family-owned bed and breakfast, you'll find something to suit your needs.
The village of Leenaun is arguably the best base for your Killary Fjord trip, but it's not the only place to stay overnight.
There are plenty of great places to stay along the N59 on the way from Galway to Westport, so it mostly depends on your itinerary and preferences. Speaking of which, both towns offer the widest range of accommodation in this entire area.
No matter whether you choose to stay in Killary Harbour or somewhere else, you're sure to have a wonderful time exploring this stunning part of the Emerald Isle.
Hostel | The Connemara Hostel - With an ideal location, affordable rates, both private rooms and dormitories, and a shared kitchen, this hostel is a good choice for budget travelers.
Budget | Portfinn Lodge - Set in a landscaped garden, this lovely lodge boasts cozy rooms with sea and mountain views, serves traditional Irish breakfast, and features a fantastic location in the village of Leenaun.
Mid-range | Leenane Hotel - One of the most popular options in the Killary Harbour area, this Ireland's oldest coaching inn has a superb location, traditional decor, antique furniture, and on-site free parking.
Luxury | Delphi Resort Hotel and Spa - Situated in an offbeat location away from the hustle of city life, this 4-star resort hotel offers beautiful rooms, an adventure center, tasty breakfast, free private parking, and a relaxing experience.
Staying Safe
Killary Harbor is generally safe to visit, and traveling around it's easy.
Even though driving in Ireland can be tricky from time to time, the N59 that goes along the southern side of the fjord has two lanes and is easy to navigate.
The R335 on the opposite side of the valley is a bit narrower and more winding but still has two lanes and is easy to navigate as well.
The rule of thumb is to drive carefully and always have eyes on the road.
Renting a kayak or bike is always a great way to enjoy outdoor activities at Killary Harbour. Just make sure to check the gear is in good condition before you set off.
Whether you go hiking or just want to drive through, never underestimate the local weather, as it can be quite unpredictable and changes frequently.
Here are tips on staying safe in Ireland.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is Killary Harbour Worth Visiting?
Killary Harbour is one of the most remarkable places you can visit in Ireland, and we believe it's definitely worth seeing.
The views, nature, peaceful atmosphere, and plenty of activities are what make Killary Harbour so magical.
Obviously, you will appreciate it even more if you're into water sports, take a boat trip, or decide to spend a night or two in one of the local hotels to soak up the atmosphere.
Otherwise, it will be just a short scenic drive around the bay, though through one of the most dramatic sceneries in Ireland.
Furthermore, if you just want to explore the island's southern half and focus on County Cork or County Kerry, then the detour is probably not worth it, as you can find plenty of great scenic drives without driving across half a country.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
