Kilmacrennan

Kilmacrennan is a small village in County Donegal, Ireland. The village had a population of 685 in the 2011 census, however the village's population has increased steadily over the last decade with many new housing developments catering, in particular, for overspill population from Letterkenny. Kilmacrennan was historically the caput of its eponymous Barony of Kilmacrennan, of the eight Baronies of Donegal.The Battle of Kilmacrennan was fought near the village in 1608 during O'Doherty's Rebellion.GeographyKilmacrennan lies on the N56 10 km northwest of Letterkenny, which is the largest town in County Donegal. The village's name 'Cill Mhic nEanain' means 'the church of the sons of Eanan'.Two rivers flow through the village, the Lennon and the Lurgy. Traditionally, the river Lennon was renowned for salmon fishing; however, the salmon numbers have dropped dramatically in recent years. Most anglers blame pollution for this. The salmon and trout population is slowing increasing but will take a number of years for it to reach its old level.AmenitiesThere are two pubs in the village – The Anglers Haven and Norá's which recently opened at the end of 2013 – and a post office, supermarket and petrol station, Millbridge Meats butchers, and Cut 'n' Styles hairdressers. There is also the Hilltop Cafe and Take-Away located in the centre of the village, which serves food all year round. There are three churches: a Catholic church and the Church of St Finian and St Mark Church of Ireland in the village itself, as well as a Presbyterian Church in the townland of Leiter about 3 km away. Kilmacrennan national school is also located beside the Catholic church. It has approximately 185 pupils. It opened in 2008. The old national school is across the road which opened in 1935 until 2008.