Omey Beach & Omey Island

4.8 (95)

Walk or drive across the sands to Omey Island, a tidal gem in Connemara with ancient ruins, stunning scenery, and unique coastal walks.

Home
Ireland
County Galway
Omey Beach

Omey Beach, near Claddaghduff in Connemara, Co. Galway, is a vast sandy beach that provides access to Omey Island at low tide. Visitors can walk or drive across the strand to explore the island, but should always check tide times. The island itself boasts historical ruins, a holy well, and diverse wildlife.

A brief summary to Omey Beach

Unnamed Road, Co. Galway, IE
Click to display

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Omey Beach.

Always check the tide times before attempting to cross to Omey Island. The beach is only accessible for a few hours each day around low tide.
If driving, follow the marked route across the sand to avoid getting stuck. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended.
Consider walking to the island if you're unsure about driving on the sand. Parking is available near the Church of Our Lady The Star of the Sea.
Respect the island's private property by staying away from fenced-off areas and livestock.
Visit St. Feichin's Holy Well and Teampaill Feichin, the ancient church, to experience the island's rich history.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point @Omey Strand

Omey Strand & Omey Island: A Tidal Treasure

Cleggan-Head

Cleggan Head: A Coastal Haven

Cleggan Cliffs

Cleggan Cliffs: Where the Wild Atlantic Roars

Getting There

Driving

From Clifden, take the N59 towards Letterfrack/Westport. After approximately 4km, turn left towards Claddaghduff and Omey. Continue on this road, turning left again when you see the sign for Omey. Drive to the end of the road near the Church of Our Lady The Star of the Sea in Claddaghduff. Check the tide times at Sweeney's Bar or online. At low tide, follow the signposted route across the sand to Omey Island. Exercise caution and avoid driving on wet sand. Parking is free at the beach in Claddaghduff or on the road by the church. Note that driving on the beach is at your own risk.
Walking

From Clifden, take a bus towards Claddaghduff. Alight near the Church of Our Lady The Star of the Sea. Check the tide times at Sweeney's Bar or online. At low tide, walk across the beach following the marked path to Omey Island. The walk is approximately 15 minutes. Bus fare from Galway to Clifden is approximately €10-€20. A local taxi from Clifden to Claddaghduff would cost approximately €20-€30.

Discover more about Omey Beach

Omey Beach is more than just a beach; it's a gateway to Omey Island, a tidal island off the coast of Connemara in County Galway. This unique location offers visitors the chance to walk or drive across a sandy causeway to an island steeped in history and natural beauty.At low tide, the beach reveals itself as a wide expanse of firm sand, allowing access to Omey Island. However, it is crucial to check local tide timetables to ensure a safe crossing. The island has a rich monastic heritage, with the ruins of Teampaill Feichin (St. Feichin's Church) standing as a testament to its past. The church was excavated from the sand in 1981. Nearby, St. Feichin's Holy Well is said to have healing powers and is visited by pilgrims annually.Omey Island is also a haven for nature lovers. The island's diverse flora and fauna include wildflowers, birds, seals, and even the occasional dolphin or basking shark. Loch Fahy, a lake on the island, attracts various bird species. The island's landscape is characterized by sand dunes, rolling hills, and a unique granite coastline.Historically, Omey Island was inhabited, with a school operating until 1973. Today, the island is mainly populated during the summer months. Visitors can explore the island's various walks, taking in the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Twelve Bens mountain range.