Skreen

Skreen is a village located in County Sligo, Ireland, near the River Owenmore and surrounded by the Ox Mountains. The village is situated approximately 10 kilometers south of Sligo Town and is close to the Lough Gill area, which is famous for its association with W.B. Yeats and the Lake Isle of Innisfree. Skreen is also near the Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site candidate, and the Benbulben mountain, which is part of the Dartry Mountains range. The village is home to the Skreen Church, a historic Roman Catholic church that serves the local community, including the nearby Gurteen and Tubbercurry areas.

Geography

Skreen is situated in the western part of County Sligo, near the border with County Roscommon and County Mayo. The village is nestled in a valley surrounded by the Ox Mountains to the east and the Dartry Mountains to the west. The River Owenmore flows through the village and empties into the Atlantic Ocean at Sligo Bay. The area is known for its scenic landscapes, including the Lough Gill and Carrowmore regions, which are popular with tourists and outdoor enthusiasts, such as those visiting the Sligo Way and the Wild Atlantic Way. The village is also close to the Benbulben mountain, which is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers, including those visiting the Gleniff Horseshoe and the Glencar Waterfall.

History

The history of Skreen dates back to the early Christian period, with the village being an important center for the Roman Catholic Church in the region. The Skreen Church is a historic church that serves the local community and is one of the oldest churches in the area, with connections to the Diocese of Achonry and the Archdiocese of Tuam. The village was also an important center for the O'Dowd and O'Conor clans, who were prominent families in the region during the Middle Ages. Skreen is also near the Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, which is one of the largest and most important megalithic sites in Ireland, with connections to the Newgrange and Knowth sites in County Meath. The village has a rich cultural heritage, with many historic sites and landmarks, including the Sligo Abbey and the Mullaghmore Castle.

Demographics

The population of Skreen is relatively small, with the village having a population of several hundred people, according to the Central Statistics Office. The village is part of the Sligo County Council administrative area and is represented by local councillors who are elected to the Sligo County Council. The village has a strong sense of community, with many local organizations and groups, including the Skreen Community Centre and the Skreen GAA club, which is part of the Gaelic Athletic Association. The village is also home to the Skreen National School, which provides primary education to local children, including those from the nearby Gurteen and Tubbercurry areas.

Economy

The economy of Skreen is primarily based on agriculture, with many local farms producing livestock and crops, including those supplying the Sligo Livestock Mart and the Bord Bia organization. The village is also home to several small businesses, including shops, pubs, and restaurants, which cater to the local community and tourists visiting the area, including those traveling on the N4 road and the N17 road. The village is close to the Sligo Town area, which provides employment opportunities in the retail and service sectors, including the Sligo University Hospital and the IT Sligo institution. The village is also near the Finisklin Business Park, which is a major employment center in the region, with companies such as Abbott Ireland and Pharmaceutical giant, Abbott.

Culture

Skreen has a rich cultural heritage, with many historic sites and landmarks, including the Skreen Church and the Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery. The village is also home to the Skreen Community Centre, which hosts various cultural events and activities throughout the year, including the Sligo Jazz Festival and the Sligo Festival of Baroque Music. The village is close to the Sligo Town area, which has a thriving arts scene, with many galleries, museums, and performance venues, including the Model Arts and Niland Gallery and the Hawk's Well Theatre. The village is also near the Lough Gill area, which is famous for its association with W.B. Yeats and the Lake Isle of Innisfree, and is a popular destination for literary tourists, including those visiting the Yeats Society and the Sligo Yeats Society.

Transportation

Skreen is accessible by road, with the N4 road and the N17 road providing connections to Sligo Town and other major towns in the region, including Dublin and Galway. The village is also close to the Sligo Airport, which provides flights to Dublin Airport and other destinations, including the UK and Europe. The village is served by several bus routes, including the Bus Éireann service, which connects Skreen to Sligo Town and other nearby towns, including Gurteen and Tubbercurry. The village is also near the Sligo Railway Station, which provides rail services to Dublin Connolly and other destinations, including the Westport and Ballina areas.