The toponym Kesh comes from ceis, the Irish word for 'wicker bridge', which refers to the crossing in the middle of the village.

Before the first great Erne Drainage in the 1880s, the lake was about eight feet higher and, especially in time of flood, may almost have reached Kesh.

The ráth on Rosscah Hill above the late Joe Robert's house (a former rectory of Drumkeeran Parish) indicates original settlement here probably as far back as the Iron Age, c. 2000 years ago.

An ancient saying in the locality, which may refer to basket making and osier working in the area, states that anyone gifted with a big behind "had an arse on them like a Kesh creel."

26-year old Kieran Fleming, an IRA volunteer, drowned in the Bannagh River, near Kesh, as he tried to escape from the gun battle.

The IRA men had been attempting to bomb a Royal Ulster Constabulary police car in Kesh.

[citation needed] Cattle and other livestock could also be transported to distant markets after being bought in local fairs such as Ederney and Lack itself.

Butter and eggs could be produced in greater quantities and markets in Belfast and Dublin easily reached by train.