August 2012

Omey is an unusual island in that it can be accessed at low tide by a sandy causeway. It’s only a kilometre from the mainland and is a good place to walk and swim.

We crossed at low tide and visited two beaches where, of course, the tide was out and they weren’t looking their best. So the trick with Omey is to stay long enough that you get a decent tide, but not so long that you get trapped.

We swam at the beach farthest away from Omey’s single road. It is sheltered in the bay and the water was calm and clear. At low tide there was a gradual wade in, an initial stony piece and then it was sandy underfoot.

To access the first beach just drive to the end of the single road and you will see the beach on your right. For the other one you can walk, drive or cycle across the grass, along the lake as far as you can go. You will probably have to climb a small hill and then you will see the beach below.

All in all Omey is different and worth the visit, both for the swimming and the experience. Just make sure you watch the tide or else bring a tent.

Directions:

From Clifden take the N59 toward Letterfrack/ Westport. About 4 kilometres beyond the town you will come to a left turn signposted for Claddaghduff and Omey. Keep on this road until you come to a kind of T junction. Go to the left and you will then see a left turn sigposted for Omey. You can park and walk across or if your car/ jeep is up to it you can drive across.

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Ordnance Survey Map No. 37