The county of mountains & poets has a little known destination just waiting to be discovered.
Sligo is a place filled with stories and activities to do. Important to the famous poet W.B. Yeats, the county has beautiful natural scenery which can be explored. Such as the Lake Isle of Innisfree to Benbulben.
An emerging destination for people to visit on the west coast of Ireland, County Sligo has a little something for everybody.
Receiving recognition through recent media such as the show Normal People. However, while the town of Sligo itself has become a hotbed destination for culture and tourism, there are still some little-known towns you should keep an eye on.
The town of Easkey is just that place as one of Ireland’s next big destinations. Located directly to the west of Sligo town along the Wild Atlantic Way, Easkey is worth the visit. Read on to see why this little-know Sligo town needs to make it onto your bucket list of places to visit in Ireland.
Where does the name come from? – local stories
Taking its name from the popular salmon fishing river that runs into the ocean nearby, it will not surprise you to hear that the ocean and fishing are important to the history of Easkey. Deriving its name from the Irish word for fish, iasc.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Irish language, you might be interested in our article on some beautiful Irish words that don’t translate to English.
The Irish name for Easkey, Iascaigh, translates to “abounding in fish”. Something which can still be seen around the town today. Whether canoeing up the Easkey River, or surfing along the strand, there are plenty of opportunities to reconnect with nature in the town.
A mile south of Easkey, you can come across a most peculiar destination. A boulder from the Ice Age split neatly in two. Naturally such an oddity has some interesting folk lore attached to it. ‘Split Rock’ as it is locally called is said to have been caused due to an argument between two giants.
Whom in their heated discussion split the rock neatly down the middle. For those brave enough to squeeze between the rocks it is possible. However, if you go through the split three times, the rock will close in on you from both sides. Trapping you forever more.
Looking for facts over fiction? – local history
Local legends and folklore aside, there are more documented locations with deep history attached to them which you can see as well. Such as O’Dowd Castle, built in 1207. The castle was originally built for Oliver McDonnell following his marriage to a O’Dowd widow.
The castle’s original structure has disappeared or been cannibalised over time. However, the main structure, known as ‘Sailor’s Bed’, can still be seen standing beside the destination of Easkey Pier at 63 feet in height.
Travelling away from the pier and castle ruins one finds themselves walking up the Easkey River. Allowing one to examine the river streams which inspired the town’s name and say ‘hello’ to any fishermen that might be waiting along the river.
Doing so you will be able to pass over the Easkey Bridge. The old bridge was washed away in a flood 1844. With the ‘new’ bridge being built in 1847 and is still standing to this day.
Built into the bridge wall is the Bullance stone, which at time of construction was symbolically a drinking trough. Tales will speak that the drinking water from the Bullance stone will cure any skin infections. However, we still would recommend speaking to a doctor first.
Outdoor activities – brave the sea and the stream
Surfing has been a popular activitiy in Easkey for decades, and it’s certainly one of Ireland’s top surfing destinations. As a world-class surfing destination, Easkey attracts countless visitors each year to test their skills and experience against the rocky shoreline.
World class surfers have been going out to the reef breaks since before 1979. Where various national surfing events have been held up until this day. However, there is still something for more novice surfers too. Who can stick to the calmer waters found at the local beaches.
The surf is not the only activity one can choose to do. By getting into a kayak or a canoe, one can travel up river in imitation of the salmon and gain a different perspective of the town.
Lessons can be taken in Ballina or Sligo for the uninitiated, but for those with a little bit of experience, paddling up the Easkey River offers an experience matched by few others.
Finally for those looking to get a little wet during their stay and are alright with a little cold is the Poll Gorm pool. A naturally occurring saltwater pool which had been walled off by locals in the 1960s.
Disappearing completely during the high tide, the water retained during the low tide offers swimmers something a little calmer – and occasionally a little warmer – than the wild Atlantic waves.
Places to stay – a place to rest one’s weary head
For those looking for a Supervalu or a Costa Coffee during their visit to this local Irish destination, you will be sadly out of luck regarding the local ammenities. For in Easkey, you will only be able to find smaller, locally-owned businesses.
Desintations worth visiting include The Miners Cafe, The Castle Inn or Cavanagh’s Butchers.
As for your accommodation, you won’t be finding any five-star hotels in the town of Easkey. But you will find some lovely options for those interested in renting a caravan for a weekend, or in trying out glamping for the first time as well.
In Easkey you will not be short of personal space and clean air to enjoy should you decide to spend the night.
So, why not give this little-known Sligo town along the Wild Atlantic Way a visit before it becomes Ireland’s next big destination. Enjoy the scenery and try out the water before all the crowds do.
