Inishowen Heritage Trail

Iskaheen

Iskaheen, which takes its name from a holy well pure waters (Uisge Chaoin -Pure Waters) of an ancient church which once existed there.
According to the Annals of the Four Masters Eoghan or Owen, son of Niall of the Nine Hostages born 387 A.D, was buried here in A.D. 465 :
” Eoghan son of Niall died of tears—goodly his nature— for the death of Conall of hardy feasts. And his grave is at Uisge-Chaoin.”
It is from this Owen that Inishowen derives its name.

The Cabry river North of Iskaheen takes its name from Owen’s brother (Cairbre).
Old poems tell that Owen’s youngest son was drowned in the waters of the Foyle, and that his body was carried to this site which commands a magnificent view of the lough, and there buried.