Skip links

GEOSITE

KILLARY FJORD

Stunningly beautiful, it is Ireland’s only fjord

When the glacier that covered Ireland retreated at the end of the Quaternary, the sea came in and filled the resulting valley floor. This formed an inlet of water that is steep, narrow and deep. To be a true fjord, the water within needs to be deeper than the sea it drains in to. This is true for Killary Fjord where the water is -40m behind the terminal moraine of the fjord and -20m in Killary Bay, the sea in which it drains in to.

  • Killary Fjord geological map
  • Kylemore geological map

Our Code of Conduct

Whilst exploring our geosites, remember to follow these simple principles to help keep our beautiful landscape spotless and to preserve it for generations (those living here and those visiting here) to come.

  • Ask landowner permission before walking on their land as most of the region, including the uplands are in private ownership.
  • Leave No Trace by following the 7 principles highlighted to the right
  • Do not hammer or remove rocks without permission
  • Follow our Fossil Code

More information on our code of conduct is available here.

EN
EN GA FR DE ZH