• Surfing
• Kayaking
• Fishing

Surfing

Surfing in West Sligo - Easkey

West Sligo boasts some of the best surfing locations in Ireland, catering for surfers of all abilities with gentle beaches suitable for novices to quality reefs suitable for the more experienced surfers.

Internationally the village of Easkey is one of the best known surfing areas in Ireland. What makes Easkey special? It has two reef breaks, the left just by the river mouth, and the right to the east of the castle. The waves in Easkey break over rocks rather than on sand. This makes the waves more attractive to surfers because they are hollowed and faster than beach breaks. The surfing area in Easkey faces in such a way that the prevailing winds, which are south-westerly, are offshore.

In 1979 the pro/am International event was held in Easkey. Surfers from all over were treated to Easkey waves at their best on the weekend of the contest. The event got international publicity in surfing magazines. Since then, magazines from all over the world have featured Easkey.

In 1997 Easkey was mentioned as 'one of the places a travelling surfer has got to visit' in Surfer Magazine, the biggest surfing publication in the world.

In 1995 the Irish Surfing Association established its headquarters in the Easkey Surf and Information Centre on Main Street. This centre is located in the centre of Easkey village. It houses the headquarters of the Irish Surfing Association and the Seventh Wave Surf School. Surf reports are posted daily on the notice board or further information is available on 096 49020 or by e-mail to easkeyhouse@yahoo.com.

Surfing Lessons

Seventh Wave Surf School operated from Enniscrone Beach during summer months offering lessons, for the novice to the more advanced, coaching with all equipment provided. Group rates available. For further information contact (087) 233 3789

West Sligo Surf Club, a member of the Irish Surfing Association, represents surfers in the area and offers activities for all ages and abilities including club contests, junior open days etc. For further information contact westsligosurfclub@yahoo.com.

Surfing Equipment

Surfing equipment can be purchased at Enniscrone's new surf shop at the Seaweed Baths, Enniscrone 096 36238. Open all year.

Surfboard Repairs

For Surfboard repairs in West Sligo area contact Ger Byrne, Aughris 071 9166745

The Irish Surfing Association

The national governing body for the sport of surfing in Ireland has its headquarters in Easkey, Co. Sligo. The association ran two successful national events in West Sligo in 2005.

16/17 April, Irish National Chamionships, Easkey, Co. Sligo

7/8 May, Wet and Wild Water Women's Weekend, Enniscrone, Co. Sligo

Kayaking

Easkey is well known as a prime location for both Surf Kayaking and Kayaking on the River. In 2003, Easkey hosted the World Kayaking Championships, which firmly put Easkey on the International Circuit as a premier Kayaking location.

There are many Clubs and Commitees in Ireland. The Irish Canoe Union Surf Commitee http://www.kayaksurfireland.com aim to promote the sport of paddle surfing in Ireland. Paddle surfing involves manoeuvring a paddle craft (kayak or wave-ski) on the face of an ocean wave.

For a comprehsive list of Kayak clubs in Ireland http://www.kayaksurfireland.com/icusurf/ and click on links.

Fishing

Easkey Riveraskey River

The Easkey River is a picturesque spate stream of approximately 20km in length. Its principal source is Lough Easkey situated high in the Ox Mountains which straddle Counties Mayo and Sligo. It flows through mountain bog and rough pasture before entering the sea at the lovely town of Easkey. The river gets superb runs of salmon and seatrout from early June and each summer spate brings fresh run fish right up to the end of the season. Most of the water is suitable for fly fishing with a single handed rod and there are some beautiful secluded pools which can produce wonderful sport any time between June and September.

The River is divided into two sections, one part which is Privately owned (Fortland Fisheries) and the other section which is open to the public (Subject to obtaining a license from the North West Fisheries Board).

To contact Fortland Fisheries for bookings and information: www.anglingwestireland.com

To contact the North West Fisheries Board: www.northwestfisheries.ie

Fish Variety:Salmon and Sea Trout

Best methods: Worm, Spinning and Fly-Fishing

Best Months: July August and September

Worm fishing is the most successful method during a Spate, spinning and fly method when river is fining down.

A current Rod and line license is required from the North West Fisheries Board and is Available from Fordes Supermarket, the rates are as follows:

Annual District €62
21 Day €23
Annual under 18 €10
One day €16

Easkey Pier and Coastline

Catch: Pollack, Coalfish, Mackerel, Wrasse, Dogfish and Conger Eel

Best methods: Spinning and Baitfish

Best months: July, August and September

No license required.