Killybegs

Killybegs ( Irish: Na Cealla Beaga ) is an important harbor town in County Donegal ( Republic of Ireland) with 1,280 inhabitants ( 2006). Killybegs is situated on the north coast of Donegal Bay to the west of Donegal town. The fishing port of Killybegs is the most productive in Ireland - at all times be at least 60 boats at anchor.

In summer, a street festival takes place in Killybegs, in celebration of fishing and the traditional " Blessing of the Boats" ( blessing of the boats). In the city and the Tourism College Killybegs, the only tourism school in Ireland is.

Killybegs was probably the seat of an early Christian monastery and an associated source, which have been subsequently taken over in the 16th century by the Franciscans. The monastery and the source have since dedicated to Catherine of Alexandria, which is honored as patroness of Killybegs.

Fishing

Killybegs is a natural harbor with a minimum water depth of 12 meters. In 2004, a new pier was built here for € 50 million. Killybegs is the home port of many of the largest Irish fishing boats, but also hosts all other types of ships, such as pleasure boats or cargo or container ships.

The port is a key point for the mass-produced fish, because he is (eg mackerel or herring ) specializes in the processing and Befrosten large quantities fish that are transported from here via cargo ship to Africa, the Middle East and Europe.

But in 2005 there was due to more stringent EU directives a significant decline of the fishing industry in the city. On the EU side were laid down stricter fishing quotas, and both the EU and the Irish government investigated irregularities in the reported catch quotas. Many workers lost their jobs during this time.

Donegal Carpets

Killybegs is also known for its tapestries and its carpets, which are partly made on the world's biggest carpet loom in the Donegal Carpet Factory. The carpets, the so-called Donegal, are hand-knotted after the Persian style and grace many important buildings in Ireland (such as Dublin Castle, Áras an Uachtaráin ), and around the world (eg, the White House, 10 Downing Street and Buckingham Palace ). The factory has long been closed, but was reopened after a public petition in 1999.