Omey Island Travel Guide

Explore the stunning Omey Island with our complete travel guide! Discover the top things to do, places to visit, food and drink options, where to stay, and more!


Introduction to Omey Island

Omey Island is a picturesque island located in County Galway, on the west coast of Ireland. It is a popular tourist destination that boasts breathtaking scenery, wildlife, and outdoor activities. Omey Island is accessible only at low tide through a sandbank, which is a unique experience for travelers.

In this travel guide, we will provide you with a comprehensive tour of Omey Island. From things to do and places to visit to food and drink scene and accommodations, we have got you covered. So, let’s get started!

List of Places to Visit in Omey Island

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. St. Feichin’s Church: A significant landmark on Omey Island, St. Feichin’s Church is a ruined church that dates back to the 6th century AD. Visitors can explore the historic ruins and admire the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

  2. Saint Féichín’s Holy Well: Situated near the parish church, this well is believed to have healing powers and is a popular destination among tourists.

  3. Cloon Mosque: This mosque is a small and abandoned building in Istanbul’s Fatih district, which in the evening lights up as an oasis of the high dunes surrounding Omey on the island’s extreme southern tip. The cloon is an iconic and loved landmark in Omey.

Natural Attractions of Omey Island: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Omey Beach: One of the must-visit places in Omey Island, the Omey beach is a pristine beach that stretches over 2 km. Travelers can enjoy swimming, surfing, sunbathing and stroll around the beach.

  2. Omey Island Loop Walk: At this scenic loop walk, travelers can explore the island’s natural beauty on foot. The walk takes around 2-3 hours and offers panoramic views of the island’s stunning landscapes, sand dunes, and wildlife.

  3. Bird Watching: Omey Island is home to diverse bird species. Visitors can get a sight of different bird species such as Turnstone, Sanderling, Dunlin, and numerous others.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Omey Island

  1. To Mudlsedge: Travelers can enjoy hiking over a small hill and a cozy beach on the West Coast of the Island, finishing in the sand dunes at Mudlsedge near the abandoned Cloon Mosque.

  2. To Kiladangan: For an immersive experience in the natural wonders of the island, travelers can take a hiking and biking trail around the island ending at Kiladangan.

  3. To Kilkieran Beach: Kilkieran Beach is a must-visit for anyone who loves water sports. Travelers can opt for a hiking trail that ends at Kilkieran Beach, where they can enjoy swimming, surfing, and beach games.

Best Things to Do in Omey Island: Activities and Tours

  1. Surfing Lessons: Experienced surfers and new surfers alike can take surfing lessons on Omey Island. Spend the day surfing over the waves of Omey Island with experienced instructors.

  2. Fishing Tours: Omey Island is well-known for fishing, and travelers can take a fishing tour where they can catch a variety of fish species like sea bass, pollack, and many others.

  3. Horse Riding on the Beach: Spend your day with horses, taking a tour of the island with experienced horseback riding instructors. Gallop your way through the dunes, learn tips, and tricks of horse riding, and have an unforgettable experience.

Week-Long Itinerary for Omey Island

Day 1: Arrival and check-in at accommodation

Day 2: Explore the Omey Beach and learn surfing lessons

Day 3: Take a hiking or biking trip where travelers can explore the Omey Island’s stunning landscapes, sand dunes, and wildlife.

Day 4: enjoy bird watching, followed by horseback riding on the beach.

Day 5: Explore the Cloon Mosque, and visit St. Feichin’s church.

Day 6: Take a fishing tour and relax on a secluded beach.

Day 7: Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Omey Island

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Irish Stew: A classic Irish dish, Irish Stew, is a must-try when visiting Omey Island. It is made using potatoes, lamb, and vegetables.

  2. Galway Oysters: Omey Island is renowned for its Galway oysters. They are a local delicacy and are served freshly harvested from the island’s surrounding waters.

  3. Smoked Salmon: Omey Island is famous for its smoked salmon. They are caught fresh from the surrounding waters, served, and smoked on the island.

Local Beverages

  1. Guinness: Ireland’s most famous beer, Guinness, is a must-try when visiting Omey Island. Visitors can have a pint of Guinness at any of the many local pubs on the island.

  2. Irish Whiskey: Omey Island features a range of Irish whiskeys, and travelers can enjoy a glass of whiskey while admiring the stunning views of the island.

Where to Stay in Omey Island: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Galway Coast Cottages: Located near Omey Island, these cottages are the perfect place to stay. Travelers can relax in the cottages’ cozy ambiance and take in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

  2. Fuchsia Lodge Guesthouse: Located near Omey Island, this guesthouse is the perfect place to unwind and relax. It features modern amenities, a stunning view of the nearby beaches, and surroundings, making it one of the top-rated accommodations on the island.

What to Buy in Omey Island: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Claddagh Rings: Claddagh rings are traditional Irish rings. Travelers can purchase these rings as a souvenir or wear them as a token of their visit to Omey Island.

  2. Traditional Irish Woolen Knitwear: Omey Island is known for its high-quality woolen knitwear. Visitors can buy knitted items, including sweaters, scarves, and hats, as a souvenir for their loved ones.

Local Culture and Customs of Omey Island

  1. Omey Island’s traditional customs and values revolve around the sea, fishing, and sailing.

  2. The Irish are known for being friendly and helpful to travelers, and visitors can expect the same from the locals in Omey Island.

Best Time to Visit Omey Island

The best time to visit Omey Island is between May and September, as the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the island’s natural beauty.

Do’s and Don’ts of Omey Island

Do:

  1. Respect the environment and wildlife.

  2. Take part in outdoor activities and explore the stunning landscapes of Omey Island.

  3. Engage with the locals, learn their customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  1. Litter the island or disturb the wildlife.

  2. Trespass on private properties.

  3. Ignore local customs and traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Omey Island

Omey Island is generally safe for tourists. However, travelers should take precautions to ensure their safety.

Health in Omey Island

There are no hospitals on Omey Island, and visitors should ensure they carry a proper medical kit with them. They should also remain safe from allergies or the current Pandemic protocols from a Health perspective.

Getting to Omey Island: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Omey Island

  1. Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC): Located 93km from Omey Island, this airport is a popular choice among travelers.

  2. Shannon Airport (SNN): Located 145km from Omey Island, this airport is well-connected to the island.

Bus Stations Near Omey Island

  1. Galway Coach Station: Galway Coach Station is well-connected to Omey Island. Visitors can take a bus from the station to Clifden, followed by a taxi to Omey island.

  2. Westport Bus Station: Visitors can take a bus from Westport to Clifden, followed by a taxi to Omey Island.

Other Options

  1. Car Rental: Renting a car is one of the most flexible and convenient ways to reach Omey Island. Travelers can rent cars from Ireland West Airport, Dublin, and other major cities.

  2. Taxi Services: Visitors can hire local taxi services to travel from major cities to Omey Island.

How to Get Around in Omey Island

The island is small and can be easily explored on foot or by bike. Bicycles are available for rent on the island, making it an even more comfortable mode of transport to get around.

Where to Go Next from Omey Island: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Clifden: Clifden is a beautiful town located just nearby Oney Island. Travelers can explore the town’s cultural history, shopping, and dining options.

  2. Connemara National Park: Connemara National Park is a short drive from Omey Island. It is an ideal destination for travelers who can experience the country’s natural beauty and wildlife.

Conclusion

We hope our Omey Island travel guide has served its purpose, and you are ready to explore this hidden gem in western Ireland. With its stunning landscapes, rich history, outdoor activities, culture, and food, Omey Island offers a unique experience for all travelers.

Omey Races in 2008 Omey Races in 2008