Ahascragh is a small village with a population of 250, located in East Galway. The village gets its name from the Irish Ath Hoiseir (Ford of Oscar), which in turn, gets its name from the Ford of the Sandy Ridges forming part of the Esker Reada that runs across Ireland.

St. Cuan is the patron saint of the village, and his death is recorded in the Annals of the Four Masters in 788 A.D. Also in the Annals of the Four Masters, there is reference to the Battle of Ahascragh in 1307, which took place between the English forces and the O'Kelly Chieftains.

Nowadays, the village can aptly be described as a typical bit of old Ireland, with many characteristics of the past. The village is steeped in history and folklore, including many attractions. The Old Graveyard is an ancient church, which ceased to be used from the Penal Times. The graveyard is still in use today. The "Avenue" - originally the entrance to Castlegar House and nowadays is used extensively as an area for nature walks and as a general amenity area. A 17th century Church of Ireland called St Catherine's Church. Ahascragh Mills was opened in 1810's, it ceased milling in the 1950's. Other places of interest include: English Abbey, St Cuan's Well, Chaplefinnerty, Castlefrench, Clonbrock House and Castlegar.

Clan Name

Ahascragh is part of the ancestral home of the O'Kellys and forms a stage of the Beara-Breifne Greenway which is based on the historic march of O'Sullivan Beara in 1603.

Greenways Festival 2003

Ahascragh is talking part in the Greenways Festival in summer 2003 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the legendary 1603 march of O’Sullivan Beara from the Beara Peninsula to the Breifne area. Click here for info on the events