KILLALA

• IEKLA
• Latitude: 54.2168
• Longitude: -9.21476
• UK Coast & Atlantic
• Marina in Ireland

Location: Ireland

Killala is a small port located in County Mayo on the west coast of Ireland. While it is not one of Ireland’s major commercial ports, it plays a significant role in the local community, particularly for fishing, tourism, and small-scale cargo activities.

General Description:

• Location: Killala, County Mayo, Ireland
• Coordinates: Approximately 54.2070° N latitude, 9.2180° W longitude
• Accessibility: The port is accessible by road, with connections to the N26 road and further links to the N5 and N17 national primary roads.

Port Specifications:

• Harbor Type: Natural/Small harbor
• Draft Depth: Variable, typically accommodating vessels with a draft up to 3 meters. However, this is subject to tides and local conditions.
• Berthing Facilities: Limited facilities primarily designed for small fishing vessels and leisure craft. Berths may not support larger commercial ships.
• Mooring Buoys: Available for securing vessels as needed, but limited in number.
• Anchorage: Anchorage with sufficient shelter is available in nearby waters, suitable for small to medium-sized vessels.
• Services:
  • Fuel and Provisions: Basic services are available, catering mainly to local fishing and leisure vessels.
  • Repairs and Maintenance: Limited, primarily minor repairs and routine maintenance services.

Maritime Services:

• Pilotage: Not typically required for small vessels but may be arranged if necessary.
• Tides: The port experiences significant tidal variations, which can impact access and berthing schedules.
• Navigation: Adequate signage and navigational aids for safe entry and exit, suitable for smaller vessels.

Cargo Handling:

• Main Cargoes: Generally minimal, focusing on local needs and some import/export goods.
• Fishing Industry: A vital part of the port's activities, with several local fishing vessels operating out of Killala.

Connectivity:

• Road Network: Good local road connections, though not suited for high-volume heavy transport due to the rural nature of the surrounding area.
• Public Transport: Limited public transport options. The closest major transport hubs are in larger towns and cities such as Ballina.

Economic and Community Role:

• Fishing: A key activity, supplying local markets and supporting the local economy.
• Tourism: The port and surrounding coastal area attract tourists, particularly for boating, fishing, and scenic visits.
• Local Economy: The port supports local businesses and contributes to employment in the region.

Potential for Future Development:

• The port could see development aimed at improving facilities for the fishing industry, leisure boating, and possibly small-scale commercial activities.
• Any development would need to balance growth with environmental and community considerations, given the port's natural and relatively untouched surroundings.

Killala represents a quaint, community-focused harbor with a rich history and potential centered around its traditional and tourism-related activities.