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Isn’t it great to discover a new place, a new location, somewhere you’ve never been before, and to be totally amazed by what you find? This happened me when we went to Omey and Claddaghduff in County Galway for a weekend with a friend who is from the area.
Omey Beach
We stayed in a house facing towards Omey beach. So each morning we woke up looking out on to the Atlantic Ocean. There is only one shop close-by which is also the local pub and post office. Mobile phone reception was hit and miss, and we had no internet connection, so it was a real “get away from it all” spot.
Across the beach from us we could see Omey Island which is only about a mile wide and it is tidal. This means you can drive to it from the mainland when the tide it out and there are a series of markers to show you the way. But if you misjudge the times, you might find yourself stranded on the island at high tide waiting for the tide to go back out so you can drive to the mainland again. The sea only reaches a depth of about 6ft or 7ft in that area, so it is not too deep, but definitely not suitable for driving through.
Before we arrived we had heard that people get caught out by the tides regularly. The stories are all true. We saw it happening several times during the weekend we were there. One day there were 3 cars waiting patiently on the island for the tide to go out!!
Omey Island to the left on the horizon.
There is also a story, or it may be a legend, of a man who lived on the island who used to walk home whether the tide was in or out. He had – McGyver style – created his own scuba mask/snorkel that allowed him to breathe as he walked through the sea home to the island.
What do you think? Truth or flight of fancy? I’m still not sure.
Walking out to Omey Island when the tide is out.
The kids loved their visit to Omey beach. The weather didn’t matter, they just got out there for hours in the fresh air, sunshine, wind and passing showers. The wide expanse of beach, no traffic and nothing else to do meant that they spent the entire time playing in the sand and among the rocks. Not a Nintendo or iPod to be seen.
We definitely plan to go back.
1. Building a sandcastle town for the crabs. 2.Racing down the rocks. 3.Driving on the beach.
By the way, you can click on any of my photos above to enlarge and get the full view.
Map of this area of County Galway:
Great photos!
Thank you. They turned out much better than I expected.
Gosh, it sounds like bliss!
It sure is. And it doesn’t matter what the weather is like.
Looks like a little piece of heaven.
It is a little! Thank for visiting.
Love your adventures. In fact, this one made me a little curious so I did a bit of research. Did you know that the island is known for being the site of a monastery and settlement founded by the prodigious St Feichin? Apparently, he established many such communities across the west of Ireland and is considered one of the most important of the early founders of the rich tradition of Irish Christianity. Omey is now on my bucket list. Thank you!!
Thanks for all that info. I think the island had quite a big population at one time, now I think it may only have one or two perm residents. Except for the summer when the holiday homes are occupied.
It sounds like a great adventure! I would imagine that would be a nightmare for someone on a tight schedule….
Yes definitely a trip for when you have lots of time on your hands. Just in case! We drove to the island one day and walked over the next day. The kids were panicking in case the tide came in – they had visions of us sleeping rough on the grass overnight!!
Beautiful. What a unique place. (I love all the pink boots, by the way!)
Pink boots are a necessity in our house. No other colour will do.
Haha! I will confess, I have my own and they are PINK! Found them here at Target. I have 300 acres behind me which I walk and they are my go to boots now. Plus, I can garden in them too. And they just rinse right off. A real nice POP of color! Sometime I will send you a pic of mine!
Looks like a nice place. I’m glad it was such a nice time.
Enjoy your next discovery.
Thank you!
That beach just looks so wonderful. I would love to visit Omey.
Its there waiting for you whenever you get the chance to visit. You won’t regret it.
What super images, and the pink and lime of the girls’ clothes show up with beautiful brightness against the natural shades. I must go there!
You’ve probably got lots of pink and lime running around your house too I’m sure! There’s a horse racing on Omey beach on a day in August every year. It supposed to be great fun and worth a visit – that might be one to aim for.
We once attempted to visit Omey Island, but alas, the tide was IN! I’m putting it back on my list of things to do again because of your pictures!
Sweeneys shop in Claddaghduff have all the tidal information for Omey beach so if you are going then give them a ring and they’ll tell you when the tide is in/out. So you won’t miss the boat a second time! ;D
Ellie, it looks gorgeous. And that snorkel legend appeals hugely
It looks a place full of peace and the sound of the sea. What more could want want.
That snorkel legend fascinated the kids, they had long discussions about it every day. Is it possible or is it not?! Very funny.
Ellie, a place to go and get away from everything is like a dream! Uplifting, invigorating and stimulating! And great photos as well!
Very true, we all need some peace and quiet from time to time.
I have been to Omey…for a picnic! We have only walked out and thankfully have never been stranded. And I do believe the snorkel man story …. There used to be great seaweed harvesting there years ago but no one seems to bother these days *sigh* …. Lovely photos and I could beat you in pink wellies!
On the subject of seaweed and with your great foodie knowledge, have you ever tried ‘sea cabbage’? A type of seaweed I have heard people here talk about that can only be harvested when the tide is very far out. Its well known in west Clare apparently?
Love the photos … and the amount of tide movement in your part of the world continues to amaze me.
Thats what comes of living on a small island, the tide is very familiar!
Some of these pictures could have been taken in Norway, and then again they could absolutely not. Dependig a bit on where in Norway one lives. Im’ working on a serie of photo features presenting Norwegian nature. Possibly something for your liking -
So far there as only been 5 published, but there is as new one coming every week!
This looks so cool and amazing… please keep fueling my dreams with photos…
I’ll do my best!