KILMORE QUAY
Kilmore Quay is a small fishing village on the eastern side of the Ballyteige
Bay. It is situated 12 miles from the international ferry at Rosslare. Kilmore
Quay is distinctive because of the unique row of thatched houses which runs through
the village.
Kilmore Quay is noted for its lobster and deep-sea fishing and indeed the Seafood
Festival held in the second week of July, which includes seafood tasting, as well
as music and dancing, draws huge crowds to the area. The village also has the
Kilmore Quay Maritime Museum which is set on the lightship Guillemot. The boat,
built in 1923, is the last boat of its type to be restored with complete cabins
and engine rooms.
However, Kilmore Quay is probably best known as the point of access for the
Saltee Islands. These islands, clearly visible from the quay, are Ireland's largest
bird sanctuary. Birds such as the puffin, gannets and gulls are present, with
Great Saltee being particularly famous for its colonies of cormorants. In spring
several million seabirds nest on the islands. Even if you are not a bird lover
it is well worth making the trip to the islands, as it is hard not to be impressed
by the sights. One boat a day goes from Kilmore Quay to the islands and depending
on the weather it leaves around 10 a.m. and returns sometime around 4 p.m.
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