|
| |
|
EASKY |
| |
|
|
| |
Originally a monastic settlement, EASKY , about five miles northwest
of Dromore West along the coast road, was a vital link in the anti-Napoleon
coastal defensive chain, as two nearby Martello towers attest. With its
fine reputation for consistent waves, Easky has become something of a
surfers' paradise ; in the summer months the shore fills up with surfers'
camper vans. It hosts the Surfing Association's Tiki Cold Water Classic
over the last weekend in September and has also staged the national
surfing championships. You'll find the Easky Surf and Information Centre
in the middle of the village (July & Aug daily 10am-6pm; rest of year
Mon-Fri 10am-2pm; tel 096/49020), which can provide information about
accommodation in the surrounding area, along with Internet access . At
the mouth of the salmon-rich Easky river stand the ruins of the
fifteenth-century Rosalee Castle , with a public shower block alongside
for the convenience of the many surfers who camp rough nearby; tokens
are available in the surf centre and local shops.
There's not much accommodation on offer. The Barr Na Dtonn (tel 088/815
4400) is a well-equipped hostel in the centre; Atlantic 'n' Riverside
(tel 096/49001; £33-40/¬41.90-50.79) is a B&B which also does camping ,
and there's grander guest accommodation at the Old Rectory (tel
096/49181; £40-55/¬50.79-69.84), which manages to be both secluded and
central.
Easky has a busy, if small, summer pub scene: McGowan's has traditional
music , set dancing and rock music; The Poitín House is a convivial
spot; and you can expect discos, karaoke and videos at the
youth-orientated The Fisherman's Weir . Eating options take in the café
in the surf centre, The Fisherman's Weir which serves bar food
year-round, and snacks at the other pubs.
This coastline offers magical walks ; the shoreline east of the village
is especially rich in fossils. A mile south of Easky, beside the road,
is the extraordinary Split Rock , a glacial erratic ten-feet high that's
said to have been thrown here by Fionn Mac Cumhaill from the top of the
Ox Mountains. Legend also has it that the rock will close on anyone who
dares to go through the split three times.
|
| |
|
