Killala
Population: 587 (2022 Census)
Killala is a picturesque, seaside town situated in north Mayo with a population of approximately 587. It is believed Killala was founded in the 5th Century and has a strong ecclesiastical history. Killala also has a strong maritime history, being the principal port in the region at one stage. It features panoramic views out over the bay and has a distinctive townscape character dominated by impressive landmark buildings including the Round Tower, St. Patricks’s Cathedral (Church of Ireland), St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and a number of cut-stone mill buildings which reflect its former commercial past.
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The town is located on the regional route R314 linking Ballina to Ballycastle. The highest point of the town is located at the area of the Round Tower with the land sloping eastwards towards Killala Bay. Today Killala provides small local commercial services and industrial centre for the hinterland.
Killala town is a short distance by regional road on the R314 to the next big town of Ballina and further afield the International Airport of West Ireland. The larger county town of Castlebar is an hour to the south and Sligo Town is an hour by road to the east. The town sits in the sheltered Killala Bay at the mouth of the River Moy and provides a strategic position and gateway to the Atlantic Ocean. The River Moy itself is well known for salmon fishing.
Killala has distinctive topographies featuring a mix of coastal areas along Killala Bay, an estuary formed by the River Moy, fertile farmland, and modest elevations.
This Town Centre First Plan aims to transform and rejuvenate the town of Killala, building on the excellent community structures which have been in place for over 50 years. The plan incorporates the desires and needs of the community and takes a bottom-up approach to policy development. The results of this process will establish priorities, guide the proposals and action plan for project delivery.