Dating back to the early 18th century and steeped in history, Killala Lodge is the oldest building in the town. There are many interesting features in this two storey, late Georgian house which overlooks Killala Bay.

In 1700, the house was owned by Dr. Clayton, Bishop of Killala and a Mrs Delaney who was a guest of the Claytons later wrote in some detail about her stay in Killala. She and the Claytons collected shells at Bartragh Island to make her first shell house (now in ruins) in the garden. It is reputed that the Lodge was occupied by General Humbert following the French landing at Kilcummin.

The original copy of the following letter, sent to James Stewart Moore in 1798, is in the Lodge.

CIRCULAR
Belfast, 24 August, 1798
Sir, I desire that you will put the whole of your Corps, on permanent duty and hold yourself in readiness to move at a moment’s warning, the French, having landed in force at Killala in the County of Mayo.
I am Sir,
Your faithful St.
General Nugent
N.G.

Killala Commemorative Programme 1998