Islandeady – Oilean Eadaigh / Aodhain

Annagh Church

The rural community of Islandeady is situated between the towns of Westport and Newport in the west, and Castlebar in the east. 

There are two stories of how it got its name.  The first is that when the first people arrived in Islandeady they lived on the island where the graveyard is now situated and washed their clothes in the water – Oilean Eadaigh.  The second story is that St. Aidan lived in the small peninsula which is surrounded by Bilberry Lake.  A parish church has been built there in his honour.

The parish of Islandeady has a rich and diverse range of archaeological and historical sites, some dating from the Bronze Age.  Townland names bear witness to many of these sites.

Islandeady boasts six lakes, which contain many protected species of wild life, a 500 year old oak wood and many sites of extraordinary natural beauty.

The receipt of the Pride of Place national award for ‘social cohesion’ in 2008 pays tribute to the vibrant community which exists there today.

Famine Memorial

Natural Features
Bilberry Lake
Cornagashlaun Oak Wood
Diverse Bird Species
Scenic Views

Heritage Sites
Sheeaun Burial Mound
Drimneen Fort
Annagh Church (early Christian)
Old RIC Baracks
Rahins Landlord House
Cenotaph
Fulachta Fia
Crannógs
Thurl Well