Omey Island

Around Galway, Connemara, The Islands, Unusual Galway Attractions

Discover the mysterious tidal island in Connemara

Omey Island is a must-see destination for anybody visiting Connemara. This unique tidal access island is situated along the wonderfully scenic Sky Road Loop near Claddaghduff which makes it an ideal place to make your base when exploring the plethora of attractions in the region.

Accessing the island

When the tide goes out for a few hours every day, a vast beach is revealed which serves to connect the island to the mainland by car or on foot. If you prefer not to drive, there is ample parking at the beach in Claddaghduff or on the road by the Church of Our Lady The Star of the Sea.

Travelling across the wide expanse of firm sand beach makes for an unforgettable experience. Simply follow the signposts marking the way, but ensure you check the tidal forecast beforehand otherwise you may get stuck on Omey Island when the tide comes in.

What to see on Omey Island

Omey Island is home to a plethora of antiquities. Near the northern coast, the 7th-century remnants of Teampaill Feichin (Feichin’s Church) can be explored. This medieval church was erected on the site of a 7th century Christian village. The church was buried in sand until 1981, and it is surrounded by the ruins of a semi-submerged town that was obliterated during the Great Famine. To the west, just above a rocky inlet, you’ll find St Feichin’s Holy Well.

The island is currently mostly uninhabited, with the exception of a few seasonal residents. It once housed a population of more than 400 people. However, it is the region’s primary burial ground, using an ancient burial ground associated with St Brendan.

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Things to do near Omey Island

As you would expect in the land on the Connemara Pony, you can enjoy some fantastic beach horseback riding around Omey Island with The Point Pony Trekking Centre.

The Sky Road Loop, Cleggan Loop, The Roundstone Loop and the partially completed Connemara Greenway are just some of the Connemara cycling routes near Omey Island to discover.

The area is also a mecca for watersports in the crystal clear water of the Atlantic Ocean from swimming, snorkelling, angling, crabbing, scuba diving, kite surfing, boating, and much more.

Omey Island events

Every year in late July, The Omey Races are held. Referred to as ‘The other Galway Races,’ they take place every year on the on the tidal flats at Omey Strand, Claddaghduff in Connemara. This unique summer racing festival has grown in popularity larger crowds each year, and last year brought about 6000 people for a fantastic day of sun, sand, sea, and, of course, horse racing. One of the most unusual events on the Galway events calendar, the races involve a nine race card which usually starts at 1 p.m and are not to be missed!

The Omey Dash is arguably the most gorgeous triathlon/duathlon in the West of Ireland and usually takes place in early August. The race begins on Omey Strand with a 0.75-kilometer swim, which is then followed by a 24-kilometer cycle race, through Omey’s wonderful scenic locations and finishes up with a 5-kilometer run.

Omey Island FAQs

Does anyone live on Omey Island?

There were 400 people on the island in the mid-nineteenth century; however, since the last permanent occupant, Pascal Whelan, died in 2017, the only people who stay are seasonal holidaymakers. Whelan was a colourful figure who was well-known in the area. He was a former wrestler and a professional stuntman who doubled for several big actors. He worked with actors like Paul Hogan on the set of Crocodile Dundee during his career. For a screen version of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, he also taught the late Peter O’Toole how to sword fight.

Can you stay on Omey Island?

Yes, there are a variety of accommodation options on the island and in the nearby area. Many of the holiday homes are available for rent on sites such as Airbnb. In addition there is Clifden Eco Beach Camping & Caravanning Park, a great campsite in Claddaghduff opposite the island which boasts its own private beach.

How do you get to Omey Island?

Omey Island in Claddaghduff is accessible at low tide every day in a car or by walking across the tidal strand. Check local tide timetables to know the best time to go.

How long does it take to walk to Omey Island??

It takes about 15 mins to walk across the strand to Omey Island. To walk around the whole island you should give approximately 2 to 3 hours.

Omey Island