Welcome to the hidden gem of Killala on the North coast of Mayo - an area steeped in history and culture, yet still wild and undiscovered.  Located on the west  side of Killala Bay, the village has a unique heritage and history.

Killala's skyline is dominated by the 12th century Round Tower - suggesting that it was an ecclesiastical seat and centre of learning in pre-Medieval times - and St. Patrick's Cathedral, built on the remains of a fifth century chapel, and famous for its elaborate souterrains, dating from pre-Christian times.

Steeped in history and heritage, the North coast of Mayo is still one of the best kept secrets of Ireland.  From glorious sandy beaches to sea stacks and fort sites, there is a wealth of natural beauty and historical knowledge to be enjoyed and appreciated.

The area , is rich in archaeological remains, combines an outstandingly beautiful and wild landscape, and a friendliness and kindness from its citizens that you will find hard to match anywhere else.

While Killala seems like a secret  place of peace and tranquility, it is only forty minutes from Knock Ireland West Airport, 10 minutes from Ballina town, with easy access to national bus and rail routes.  Castlebar, Westport and Belmullet are all within an hour's drive.

The Year of the French
Killala is probably best known for the role it played in August 1798, as it was the first town garrisoned by a small French army under the command of General Humbert.

Having travelled from France to help Ireland win her independence from Britain, Humbert's men quickly defeated the British soldiers holding the town.

The Bishop's Palace was commandeered as the French headquarters. For 32 days, the town remained under Franco-Irish rule, and hundreds of volunteers poured into the area. The French/Irish army got as far as Ballinamuck, Co. Longford before they were  finally defeated by a massive army led by the Viceroy, Lord Cornwallis - the allies were outnumbered 35 to 1.

The story of 1798 was immortalised by the book and television series "The Year of the French" which was filmed on location in Killala. To this day Killala continues to strengthen its links with France, having been twinned since 1998 with the French town of Chauve.