Kilmacrennan is a village which stands on the Leannan River on the road between Creeslough and Letterkenny. A monastry was founded there by St Columbcille sometime in the 6th century. It was endowed by Columba's brother-in-law Nennan and his four sons entered it and it is because of them that the place got its name: Cill Mhic Neanain (Church of the Sons of Nenan). The monastry was desctoyed in the 12th century. At the instigation of the local O'Donnell chieftains, the Franciscans founded a Friary near the village in the 16th century. This survived until the first decade of the 17th century when the lands were granted to James Fullerton by King James I. Much of the village and surrounding area came under the ownership of the Earls of Leitrim later.
There is a thatched cottage and folk village at the bottom of Kilmacrennan village which is worth a visit. The Kilmacrennan Races in July are also a great attraction. The unwary should however resist the temptation to have a flutter unless they personally know all of the horses and all of their connections! The races are not held under the auspices of the Turf Club.
The area around Kilmacrennan is rich in ancient sites and interesting flora and fauna. For an excellent treatment of the area see Margaret Carton's book.
For other areas of interest around Kilmacrennan see Termon and Doon Well.