Easky: Roslee Castle and the Coastal Path

Roslee Castle and a path to the coast give you two specific starting points for planning a trip to Easky. The wider destination of County Sligo offers additional cultural, landscape and activity themes. These different focuses can help you decide whether to base your holiday rental search on Easky itself or on the broader selection in County Sligo.

Roslee Castle and the Coastal Path

Roslee Castle was built for Oliver McDonnell in 1207 and later became the seat of the O'Dowd chieftains of the Barony of Tireragh. The castle is next to the promenade leading to Easky Pier. Its construction date and former role offer a specific point of entry into local history, while the promenade also provides a route towards the pier.

A path leads from Easkey Bridge to the coast. The route is about one kilometre long, providing a short, clearly measured guide for planning your day. This allows you to consider Easky's history and the path to the sea as distinct focuses, rather than equating them with the wide range of activities in County Sligo.

County Sligo: Archaeology and History

In the wider destination of County Sligo, two prehistoric sites take centre stage: Carrowmore and Carrowkeel. Carrowmore is considered Ireland's largest and oldest collection of Neolithic tombs. More than 30 surviving monuments are almost 6,000 years old. The tombs at Carrowkeel are more than 5,000 years old and may be explored, but not climbed or damaged.

Sligo Abbey offers a different historical perspective: this Dominican priory has extensive medieval remains of its church, sacristy and chapter house. Comparing the prehistoric tombs with the priory's remains brings the different historical themes of County Sligo into focus without reducing them to a single place.

Coasts and Paths in County Sligo

Streedagh Beach is a three-kilometre sandy beach connecting Streedagh Point with Connor's Island. Its sand dunes and estuary are home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. Surfing and windsurfing are possible in the coastal waters, while stand-up paddleboarding takes place in the sheltered estuary. Check the sea conditions before taking part.

Surfing is a defining feature of Mullaghmore Head: the headland is considered a well-known surf spot in County Sligo and also has a walking route along the coast. Water sports and coastal walking are therefore distinct options; check the conditions for each activity before setting out. At the foot of Benbulben, you can explore the mountain landscape via paths and minor roads. It is also advisable to check local conditions before going for a walk there.

More Cultural and Nature Experiences

In County Sligo, Lissadell House & Gardens sits on the shores of Sligo Bay in the north of Sligo. The estate was the childhood home of Countess Markievicz; visitors can explore its woodland trails and walking paths. The Sligo Folk Park offers a different glimpse of rural Ireland, with reconstructed village streets, cottages, a schoolhouse and twelve exhibitions. Together, these places appeal to different interests: historical connections and outdoor paths on the one hand, and exhibitions about rural life on the other.

At Streedagh Beach, the Spanish Armada Visitor Centre presents recovered artefacts and immersive exhibitions about the shipwreck and its sole survivor. Check the current opening arrangements before travelling. If you're interested in getting out on the water, Enniscrone Boat Tours in County Sligo offers several options: from Enniscrone Pier, you can take RIB safaris, one- and two-hour boat trips, and half- or full-day sea safaris into Killala Bay. Trip duration is a useful point of comparison; check schedules and routes before booking.

Tides are another factor in regional planning: at low tide, Coney Island can be reached from Rosses Point by car or on foot via a five-kilometre causeway. Check the tidal conditions before your trip. For regional food experiences, the Sligo Food Trail is a network of more than 70 food-related businesses in County Sligo. It includes four weekly craft and food markets; check the current market days before visiting.

Choose Your Holiday Rental Focus

If you're planning a family trip, this distinction can help you organise shared interests without treating regional destinations as if they were in Easky. Then look for a holiday rental that suits your chosen travel focus.

Discover More Destinations

Riverstown, Aclare, Derrybeg, Templeboy, Geevagh, Sligo, Tiratick, Barroe

For the wider travel overview: County Sligo.