Description
Easkey is a small town along the Wild Atlantic Way which has established itself as one of the top surf destinations in Ireland.
The village is small, still it is a popular place to stay during the long summer days. From a camping to a hostel to many B&B's and self catering accommodation, its a great village for a holiday along the Wild Atlantic. The Easkey river runs through the heart of the village and reaches the Atlantic a short distance away. There is a great walk beside the river which brings you to Easkey pier and Roslee Castle, a dominant landmark in West Sligo. Much of the original structure of the castle has been lost over time, yet the main body of the castle remains.
Nearby Easkey is the split rock, an unusual Ice Age boulder left behind in a field. Easkey is also home to Poll Gorm, a magical place to go for a swim.
The village is small, still it is a popular place to stay during the long summer days. From a camping to a hostel to many B&B's and self catering accommodation, its a great village for a holiday along the Wild Atlantic. The Easkey river runs through the heart of the village and reaches the Atlantic a short distance away. There is a great walk beside the river which brings you to Easkey pier and Roslee Castle, a dominant landmark in West Sligo. Much of the original structure of the castle has been lost over time, yet the main body of the castle remains.
Nearby Easkey is the split rock, an unusual Ice Age boulder left behind in a field. Easkey is also home to Poll Gorm, a magical place to go for a swim.
Location
Public Transportation
Bus Eireann Enniskillen to Ballina (Route 458)
Every day, there is the bus Eireann route 458 bus that services Ballina to Enniskillen. This bus stops in Dromore West as well, hence providing a handy link to Ballina, Sligo or Enniskillen with options to return on the same day
Website: Link
Website: Link
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Walking in Easkey
Easkey river / coastal walk
This walk starts in the village and brings you along the river bank towards Easkey castle. This 2km loop is a lovely walk that brings you towards the stunning Atlantic Ocean.
Right beside Easkey pier, you can admire the castle. Walk along the coastal route and watch the many surfers tackle those Atlantic waves. On a warm summer day, bring your swimming trunks and go for a refreshing swim in Poll Gorm.
Right beside Easkey pier, you can admire the castle. Walk along the coastal route and watch the many surfers tackle those Atlantic waves. On a warm summer day, bring your swimming trunks and go for a refreshing swim in Poll Gorm.
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Rathlee (Easkey) Castle
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Built in 1207, the castle became home to the O'Dowd chieftans of Tireragh. The castle was originally built for Oliver McDonnell who came to the area to marry an O'Dowd widow. A dominant landmark in West Sligo, the castle is beside Easky pier. Much of the original structure of the castle has been lost over time, yet the main body of the castle remains.
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The split rock of Easkey
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The huge boulder, which is split in 2 is approx 6.5 meters by 2.5 meters, and it is believed that the rock was carried down from the Ox Mountains by the retreating glaciers at the end of the ice age. But local folklore tells the story of Fionn Mac Cumhaill who arrived on top of the Ox Mountains where he was challenged by another strong man called Cicsatoin to compete in a rock throwing competition.
The challenge was to reach the sea, but Fionn's rock fell short which made him angry. In anger, he pulled his sword and split the rock in two. |
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Poll Gorm
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Poll Gorm in Easkey is a great swimming spot. In 1967, Dr. Walter McGuire, Gerry Donagher and Willie and Marty Gordon built a retaining wall that created a natural swimming pool whenever the tide went out. In those years, the pool was used as a safe place to learn to swim. In 2017, when the pool celebrated its 50th anniversary , it was rejuvenated by the local LEAP project.
Where the pool provides a safe place to swim, make sure the tide is out to swim in this magical place. |
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Easkey Abbey
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Situated in the centre of Easkey, Easkey abbey dates back to medieval times. The east facing window has a lintel which is more than likely whale bone. The arch doorway is of cut stone and had a bishop's head with mitre. The stone fell down from the building, but was recovered. it can now be seen in Easkey Heritage centre.
The little house known as the priests house on the perimeter wall has a holy water font to the right side of the door. Inside the priests house are 2 graves engraved with Latin. The graveyard around the ruins was in use until Roslea graveyard opened in 1888. There are some excellent examples of box and table top tombs. |
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Easkey's historical buildings
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In Easkey, you can find many historical buildings. Within the village are many signs explaining all the different buildings and providing some historical background.
As an example, there was once a corn mill in Easkey. This corn mill dates back to pre-famine times and was a great source of employment. Another building is the court House Building dates back to famine times and was attacked during the Irish Civil War. Step back in history and discover the interesting background behind some of Easkey's buildings |
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Surfing in Easkey
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Easkey is famous for its great surf. The best waves are produced here by north swells and large west swells.
Easkey left is a rivermouth which works itself over rock boulders against the tide. Best conditions are the incoming high tide. Easkey right is a righthander over reef. On good days, it will form great barrel sections. There are always some surfers around enjoying the great waves. There is plenty of carpark space at the castle |
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For the Community
Public toilets are located at the car park beside Easkey castle
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Next to the river are great picnic benches allowing you to relax and watch the world go by.
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