History of Easkey

Easkey is a very historical village, and has the only Heritage Centre in West Sligo

Easkey is an attractive coastal village on The Wild Atlantic Way off the N59, on R297 in West Sligo, in Ireland situated at the mouth of the Easkey River, famous for its salmon and sea trout fishing.

Easkey is regarded as a top-class surfing destination. The rocky coastline is rich in fossils and rock formations. There are many historical sites of interest including forts, old buildings and ruins. Easkey is an excellent example of a small West of Ireland village.

In 1418 the parish name of Easkey was Imleach Iseal. (The low-lying border or fringe). Probably the main attraction to the many tourists is the peace and quiet, and the surrounding of beautiful scenery which lay in the tranquillity of Easkey.

The sea brought much wealth to the area in the past. Seaweed was harvested and saved for burning as kelp or used as manure for crops. Many people made a livelihood as fishermen along the North West Coast.

The scenic beauty of Easkey is not to be forgotten. Take a high point of the area, and looking to the North, here the Donegal Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean can be seen. To the North West is Killala and Killala Bay. To the West is Nephin Mountains and Croagh Patrick can be seen on a clear day. To the South East are the Ox Mountains. Although Easkey has these beautiful sights, it also offers many other attractions throughout the village.

The geologist, the archaeologist and the historian will find much interest in the rock formation, fossils, forts, and old buildings and ruins. Many exciting stories are told about the famine times, the troubles, the civil war, the landlords and the hangings, but many alas have also gone with their tellers, to rest in the cemetery at Roslee.