Major city · Ireland
Omey IslandOileán Iomaí
Go for a half-day on foot: cross the strand within 3 h of low water, walk 2–3 h, and be back before the tide closes. Skip it with a car unless you check the tide table first.
Omey is a tidal island in Connemara with no permanent residents, no shops and no ferry: you walk or drive across the sand from Claddaghduff when the sea is out. It is a half-day, not a base. Come for the walk, the Sunken Church and the empty beach, and sleep on the mainland in Claddaghduff or Clifden.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Nov–Feb (wet, windy, short days); crossing only at low water year-round
- Airports
- NOC · SNN · DUB
- Nights
- 0–1
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- Ireland ↗Ireland is in the EU but not in the Schengen area; it sets its own entry rules and a Schengen visa is not valid for Ireland. Check Irish immigration for your passport.
- Ireland ↗Ireland and the UK form the Common Travel Area, with no routine checks on the land border. Visitors who are not Irish or British must still meet UK rules (including the UK ETA where it applies) to enter Northern Ireland.
- Ireland ↗Driving is on the left; rural roads are narrow with hedges and few passing places.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Omey Island112 ▾
- Emergency (Gardaí, ambulance, fire, coast guard, mountain rescue)112
- Emergency (alternative)999
- Irish Coast Guard112
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Omey Island, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR).Ireland-wide
- SIM or eSIMVodafone, Three and Eir run the networks; prepaid SIMs (also 48, Tesco Mobile, GoMo) sell in phone shops and newsagents, no registration fuss.Ireland-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe; occasional local 'boil water' notices are posted by Uisce Éireann.Ireland-wide
- TippingRestaurant with table service: 10–15% if service is not included.Ireland-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Ireland-wide
- SafetyVery low crime; the real risk is the tide.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in shopping centres, museums, pubs (as a customer) and many petrol stations; some public toilets charge 50c.Ireland-wide
- Emergency numbers112 emergency (gardaí, ambulance, fire, coast guard, mountain rescue) · 999 emergency (alternative) · 112 Irish Coast Guard
- Sundays & holidaysShops open Sunday afternoons in towns; rural shops and some attractions close in winter (November–March).Ireland-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckNOC Ireland West Airport Knock (About 1 h 45 min by car to Claddaghduff; check car hire before you book.).
- Getting aroundOn the island: on foot.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or tea on the mainland€3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
- BeerPint of stout€5–6.50 (≈ US$6–8)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi Clifden to Claddaghduffcheck; agree the fare first€20–30 (≈ US$25–35)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week€10–20 (≈ US$12–25)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, Clifden, a night, per person€30 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedB&B double room, a night, per room€130 (≈ US$160)
- High-end bedB&B double room, a night, per room€190 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €55 (≈ US$65) · Mid €95 (≈ US$120) · High €170 (≈ US$200)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- NOC Ireland West Airport Knock (About 1 h 45 min by car to Claddaghduff; check car hire before you book.) · SNN Shannon (About 2 h 30 min by car via Galway; the usual arrival for the west.) · DUB Dublin (About 3 h 30 min by car; bus or train to Galway, then car or taxi onward.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Feb
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Apr
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
May
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Jun
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jul
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Aug
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Sep
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Oct
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Nov
Avoid
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Dec
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)), coolest Jan (3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C) low), wettest Jan (18 rain days), driest Jun (12). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Omey Island: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
18 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
15 rd
Mar
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
16 rd
Apr
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
13 rd
May
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
13 rd
Jun
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
12 rd
Jul
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
14 rd
Aug
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
15 rd
Sep
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
15 rd
Oct
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
18 rd
Nov
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
18 rd
Dec
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
18 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
On the island: on foot. It is small enough to cross in an hour and there are no roads worth driving beyond the marked strand route. To reach Claddaghduff there is no public transport up the lane, so you need a car, a taxi from Clifden or a bike. Cars cross the strand only on the marked line, about an hour after the water drops, to limit salt spray; 4WD is not needed.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 15–20 min
Car or taxi, 12 km (7.5 mi) southeast on the coast roadCar or taxi, 7.5 mi (12 km) southeast on the coast road
Beds, food and the Sky Road loop; the practical base for Omey.
Door to door: About 1 h to the pier plus the crossing
Ferry from Cleggan, about 30–40 min crossing
A full day or a night; sailings are weather-dependent, book ahead.
Door to door: About 40 min
Car north on the N59, about 35 km (22 mi)Car north on the N59, about 22 mi (35 km)
Diamond Hill walk and Kylemore Abbey nearby; a wet-day fallback.
Door to door: About 1 h
Car east through Clifden and the R340/R336
Worth it only if you are already touring Connemara; coral beach at low tide.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Claddaghduff
The mainland village at the crossing: bar, shop and filling station at Sweeney's, plus a few self-catering cottages. Best if the tide sets your schedule.
Clifden
12 km (7.5 mi) southeast; hotels, B&Bs, restaurants and the nearest real choice of beds. Drive to the strand in about 15 min.7.5 mi (12 km) southeast; hotels, B&Bs, restaurants and the nearest real choice of beds. Drive to the strand in about 15 min.
Cleggan and Letterfrack
Cleggan for the Inishbofin ferry, Letterfrack for Connemara National Park; both within 30–40 min.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €55–85 (≈ US$65–100) excl. bed
- Mid
- €90–140 (≈ US$110–170) excl. bed
- High
- €160 (≈ US$190)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| B&B double room1 × 1 night × €130 | €130 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × €95 | €190 |
| Taxi Clifden to Claddaghduff, one way1 × €25 · check | €25 |
| Bar food and a pint at Sweeney's, per person2 × €25 | €50 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €15 | €30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €43 |
| Trip total≈ €234 per person per day, bed included | €468≈ US$550 |
2026 estimate in euro; car hire and fuel excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or tea on the mainland | €3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Bar food main at Sweeney's, Claddaghduffcheck | €14–20 (≈ US$17–25) |
| Pint of stout | €5–6.50 (≈ US$6–8) |
| Taxi Clifden to Claddaghduffcheck; agree the fare first | €20–30 (≈ US$25–35) |
| Hostel dorm bed in Clifden | €30–55 (≈ US$35–65) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | €10–20 (≈ US$12–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The strand is passable only about 3 h either side of low water. Check a tide predictor for Clifden Bay before you set out, and never cross a flooding strand.
- No shops, cafés or toilets on the island: carry water, food and a bag for your rubbish.
- Mobile signal is basic on the island and 4G on the approach road; do not rely on it for navigation.
- Loose sand, rock pools and boulders: wear shoes with grip, not flip-flops.
- Cattle and a donkey graze freely: keep distance, close no gates you did not open, and do not feed them.
- Weather turns fast on the Connemara coast; wind and rain arrive with little warning.
Emergency numbers
- Emergency (Gardaí, ambulance, fire, coast guard, mountain rescue)
- 112
- Emergency (alternative)
- 999
- Irish Coast Guard
- 112
Pocket card
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Omey IslandOileán Iomaí
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
—
Go Claddaghduff, le do thoilTo Claddaghduff, please
Emergency
- Emergency (Gardaí, ambulance, fire, coast guard)112
- Emergency (alternative)999
- Irish Coast Guard112
Embassy
No embassies in Connemara; the US Embassy is in Dublin, and the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand have embassies in Dublin too. Check before you travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Taxi Clifden → Claddaghduff: €20–30 (≈ US$25–35), about 15 min (check)
- Ferry Cleggan → Inishbofin: about €25–30 (≈ US$30–35) return, 30–40 min (check)
- Clifden → Galway by bus: about €15–20 (≈ US$18–25), 1 h 30 min (check)
Say or show
- Go raibh maith agat — Thank you (guh rev mah agut)
- Le do thoil — Please (leh duh hull)
- Cén t-am a bhíonn an taoide íseal? — What time is low tide? (kane towm a vee-un an tee-duh ee-shul)
- An bhfuil sé sábháilte trasnú? — Is it safe to cross? (on will shay saw-vawl-chuh thras-noo)
- Cá bhfuil an trá? — Where is the beach? (kaw will an traw)
- Ní thuigim — I don't understand (nee hig-im)
Irish (Gaeilge) is the first official language; English is spoken everywhere in this area.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Omey Island. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Nov–Feb (wet, windy, short days); crossing only at low water year-round · month by month →
- 3 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 6 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Tide-table fixture for the Claddaghduff strand: low-water windows field-checked for the next 12 months, with a hard no-cross cutoff.
- Walking route page for the island loop: Sunken Church, holy well, lake and the high point, with timings.
- Claddaghduff and Clifden bed pages with verified self-catering and B&B stock.
- Omey Races date fixture for early August, tide-dependent, so the calendar can go green.