26. The Esker

At its northern extremity of the townland of Esker landscape is defined by an esker – a remnant of the glacial history of our past which has served to shape a predominant portion of this townland and its adjoining townlands. Eskers, named after the Gaelic word, Eiscir, meaning a ridge, form key elements of our geology, biodiversity and social history. This particular elongated glacial remnant commences in this townland and extends in a north easterly direction towards the town of Menlough.

Eskers often formed the basis for growth of herbs and flowers used for medicinal purposes in earlier times and for roadways such as the main Menlough to Monivea road which was part Bianconi coach network between Galway and Dublin. They were also home to very dense residential areas, much more pronounced however in the neighbouring townlands of Derryglassaun and Skehanagh as the esker increased in height, due to their solid and dry base while also providing adequate shelter and rich surrounding farmland. Much of this esker was excavated, both privately and commercially, as a source of sand and gravel for the construction of roadways, houses, walls and so on – a widely used practice throughout Ireland to enhance often inferior living and transport conditions.

Today a part of the esker forms the foundation of a most modern sporting development and it is itself the basis for such well-drained and high quality playing surfaces.