Strands of Omey’s Story – by Bernadette Conroy

Strands of Omey's Story - by Bernadette Conroy

Omey Island in Connemara is the subject of a book by a local lady charting its remarkable history.

Strands of Omey's Story

by Bernadette Conroy shows there's much more to the lands off Claddaghduff than the annual beach horse race, as Galway Bay FM reports.

Despite not being a true island, as its only cut off from the mainland when the tide is in, Omey has seen its population dwindle from over 100 a century ago to just a single resident in more recent years.

The tidal island of Omey lies off the coast of north west Connemara. The island is low lying and encompasses an area of approximately 220 hectares. At low tide it can be accessed on foot and by motorised transport. Before The Great Famine the population was approximately  400 but now there is only one permanent resident.

A further development and understanding of Omey is brought about with reference to historic maps, censuses of population, archaeology and personal communication.