Kilkeel is the most southerly fishing village on the Co Down Coast and is the principal town of the "Kingdom of Mourne".

Its name signifies "the church of the narrows", referring to the old Parish Church of St Colman, the ruins of which still stand on Bridge Street. Located in the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, The Kilkeel area is noted for its mountains, granite production, panoramic views, and dry stone walls.

The existence of several Early Christian "forths" (raths) indicate that farming communities were present in the area since around 3000BC. However, it was in the vicinity of the church that the present day town gradually developed. Steeped in a strong history of being the kingdom's principal market town and fishing port, it is hard to imagine that for three quarters of the 19th century, Annalong boasted a far superior port.

It was not until the late 19th century that, following the erection of a small pier and dock, Kilkeel proved to be a particularly convenient location to land catches and quickly attracted boats from all over the British Isles.

This resulted in further growth and physical development at the Harbour and in 1890 alone, more than one third of all herring landed in Ireland came through Kilkeel.

The first decades of the 20th century brought the recession, but with the inception of motorised boats more powerful than any sail-assisted vessel, with seine nets, the decline was reversed. The 1970s saw a substantial extension of the harbour to the west and the diversion of the river into its upper end.

Now with over 100 boats, ranging from small skiffs to deep sea trawlers worth over £2 million, Kilkeel boasts the largest fishing fleet in Ireland.

Its harbour is a hive of industry with fish processing factories, a marine engineers, ice factory, fish market, and ship repair works.

The Nautilus Centre located at the Harbour has retail facilities where freshly caught fish can be purchased daily and where a wide range of nautical craft and fishing tackle can be sourced.

This major tourism centre also has a cafe/restaurant overlooking the harbour which is ideal to watch the activity at the Harbour while enjoying the fine cuisine.

Just South of Kilkeel, Cranfield Beach has been awarded the prestigious European Blue Flag standard and is a popular summertime destination with holidaymakers.

The water temperature at Cranfield is also considered the warmest in Ireland. The nearby Mill Bay is an area of special scientific interest and is rich in marine life, flora and fauna.