Donegal Bay

Donegal Bay is a broad Atlantic inlet between the coasts of Donegal and Sligo. Its shores contain sheltered harbours beneath steep hills, while Donegal town stands near the head of the bay. Killybegs, on the northern shore, offered a safe anchorage for ships arriving from overseas. During the late sixteenth century vessels from Spain came to Killybegs, whose harbour connected the O'Donnells' territory with maritime routes beyond Ireland. Beyond the bay's shelter, vessels faced the full weather of the Atlantic coast.