Omey Island is a tidal island near Claddaghduff on the western edge of the Connemara region in Galway. There is a road running across the island from Omey Strand to the Atlantic shore. Claddaghduff Road, Clifden, Connemara, Co. Galway. per group (up to 15) Connemara Day Trip from Galway: Cong and the Kylemore Abbey. Wild Camping in Ireland: The Top 14 Spots These spots are a little better known but no less scenic and beautiful for it. Omey Island and the self catering Omey House are an absolute delight. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain. Dont forget the tides though or you're spending the night!!! Contact Us First piece of advice: if you're going to Omey Island bring a picnic just in case. This place only has a few pitches - for caravans and motorhomes - and the facilities are basic, but it's set in one of Orkney's most beautiful spots. Click to enable/disable _gid - Google Analytics Cookie. Still, it is essential to determine if the land happens to be private property. More wild camping/car camping 9. This medieval church was erected on the site of a 7th century Christian village. Every year in late July, The Omey Races are held. Camp on Dernish Island Streedagh, Co. Sligo Beautiful Seaside Campsite on a small tidal island on the Wild Atlantic Way. One of the beauties of visiting Omey Island in Galway is that its a short spin away from a clatter of other attractions, both man-made and natural. from. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. To walk around the whole island you should give approximately 2 to 3 hours. We visited at sunset - which happily coincided with low tide, allowing us to walk across to the island. Well worth a visit if youre driving the Wild Atlantic Way. Omey Island 71 Reviews #1 of 1 things to do in Claddaghduff Nature & Parks, Islands Claddaghduff, Ireland Save Private Guided Walking Tour of Omey Island in Connemara 0 reviews Book in advance from $434.95 per adult Check availability View full product details TheMooks2017 Athlone 12 23 Camping Weekend Away with Friends Review of Omey Island All within the boundaries of an eco-friendly facility, that is a serene destination to unwind. A mobile is invaluable for calling for help and finding your location (GPS works even with no signal on some phones), entertainment. The kids had a lot of fun running around the grass, boulders, and sand dunes. This long distance route through the Wicklow Mountains National Park is very for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. A Galway Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point. The Cleggan Beach Riding Centre is an approved riding school and is Connemara's most renowned beach trekking centre. Omey Island (Claddaghduff) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. However, the landscapes rugged nature also makes this location ideal for a night or two of wild camping. From there you can walk across the sand to reach the island. Omey island is a tidal island in Connemara, connected to the mainland by an amazing beach that's maybe a square mile in area, and that is the scene for an annual horse race meeting, on the last Sunday in July. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer. FAQ Testimonials Home Campervans Blog Videos Contact Us 087 795 9839 Booking and Enquiries 10 Recommended Campsites to stay for Families You are here: Home Campervan Tips & Advice Sleeping bag:When you are going camping this year, your best investment should be in your sleeping bag or Bivvy bag. you reach obey along a causeway cut off by high tide, It takes a brave man to drive out over the sands. This is particularly the case for areas that are found near lengthy hiking trails or deep within forests. Be it a motorhome, caravan or tent, you can be happy in the knowledge that your holiday is having a limited impact on the environment. Clifden eco Beach Camping & Caeavanning Park 4.8 Very good 5 ratings Contact Share Favorite Send inquiry Operating hours : 01.01 - 31.12 - currently in operation Address : Claddaghduff Road Wild Atlantic Way 000, xxxx Clifden , Ireland - Show on map Region : North of Connacht Munster (North) Atlantic It really is a lovely place top walk around, especially on a fine day. As Sherkin is relatively small, we recommend you choose to get here here to explore its shores on foot. The race begins on Omey Strand with a 0.75-kilometer swim, which is then followed by a 24-kilometer cycle race, through Omeys wonderful scenic locations and finishes up with a 5-kilometer run. Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. Places To Visit Oney Island is magnificent and was one of the highlights of my trip to Connemara. While there is indeed much wilderness about, you can always head to nearby Jolly Rodger Pub for a pint after your journey is complete. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Theres even a hand-built eco sauna where you can warm the cockles, guilt-free. either side of low tide to walk or drive across to the island. 96% of travelers recommend this experience. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Shanaheever Camping and Caravan Park is another camping and caraven site, near to, though not on, the Aughrus Peninsula. Then basically follow the beach/coast around to your right until you get to a stretch of sand you can walk across back to the mainland. Just check the tide times as you don't want to get stranded, as you will be if you are still on the island at high tide. There is a Google map with street views of the eco-site & surrounding coastal region under our links section, just locate the little yellow man for a virtual tour of the site. As this land is commonage and used for grazing cattle and sheep, visitors must respect the land and animals and ensure they leave no trace of there visit, paying particular care to cover in firepits with sand and loose sods. During full tide, the water can rise up to your horses' elbows or right up to his withers, so timing your ride to Omey Island is key. Beara Peninsula, Co Cork Image: TI The Beara Way is one of Ireland's most underappreciated beauties, often neglected in favour of the Ring of Kerry next door. If you happen to be arriving during the early spring or late autumn, be sure to bring the appropriate clothing; this area is entirely exposed to the elements. It's a stunning landscape with sand-dunes and rolling hills, a lake, boulders, grass, flowers, cows and rabbits. Great place, lot of shell to collect. Clifden Eco Beach Camping & Caravanning Park (0.62 km) Cushatrough Claddaghduff - sleeps 6 . From there, cross the beach and join the road that heads left past the lake and back down to Omey Strand. A description of the ancient saint who built his monastery on the island was included- and a description of when and how it was excavated. Cruise gently along the bog road, discover secluded beaches and simply breathe the fresh sea air. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. It's much closer to Clifden,accessed by a turning to your right from the Galway-Leenane-WestportN59 road. O'Hallorans Caravan and Camping Park is a family camping grounds in Salthill, overlooking Galway Bay and on the city bus service (buses every 30 mins). Whether youre an adventurer on a multi-day hike or a parent trying to keep the kids entertained, its hard to beat a camping trip. This guide will cover everything that you need to know about getting to Omey Island, including planning your visit around the tide. Read more Upper Salthill Road, Galway City, Ireland Accommodation, Campsites Renvyle Beach Caravan & Camping Park . Satisfy your thirst for discovery and adventure on one of Connemaras Cycle Loops. Whether you're looking for exciting outdoor activities or just want to take in the scenery, Omey Island is a great place to get out in nature. The area overlooks a strip of numerous beaches and sand dunes and is ideal for swimming and surfing. While no campfires are allowed, and there are no nearby facilities, the simplistic nature of Glenbarrow continues to attract visitors. The rarest or most threatened species breeding on the island at present are the Corncrake. Omey Island is a tidal island situated on the western edge of Connemara in County Galway, Ireland near Claddaghduff. You can also change some of your preferences. Referred to as The other Galway Races, they take place every year on the on the tidal flats at Omey Strand, Claddaghduff in Connemara. The brightness (anything over 300 lumens is enough for a wild camp). The island, which was once densely populated and contains some antiquities, is now inhabited mainly in the summer months. If you are a passionate camper and looking for a truly unique campsite on a 'ecological machair habitat site' with all the attractions of 'wild camping,' combined with the safety and comforts of a modern camping park,our campsite is just what you are looking for.The picturesque coastal beach front site offers the perfect base for exploring Connemara. Its funny to see the road signs buried deep in the sand, as you leave the tarmac road, showing the safe path across the sands to the island. "Take a RWD car and make some donuts in the sand :)" Discover the perfect place, Looking for unusual or exclusive shopping? Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. There can be a reluctance for landowners to let people camp on their land and a lot of publicly owned spaces prohibit camping, for both tents and campers/motorhome. Does anyone know of car getting stuck in the sand - really want to go but so nervous car will get stuck when crossing. There are signs indicating the way across. Explore Donegal some more <3 11. If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here: We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Please help me, I don't really know when there's low tide. Most locals are pretty friendly so asking for permission before setting up camp on their land is also an option. We need 2 cookies to store this setting. So revel in the isolation and remember to leave no trace. Aires, Check Out Our Page for Aire De Services and Legal Stopovers. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Located just 3km from Roundstone village on the way to Clifden, this stunning white sand beach is the perfect place for a dip on a hot summer day. Galway - Clifden Eco Beach Camping Take Clifden Road/N 59, follow for 50.3 km until Clifden Turn right (left if you are coming from Clifden Town Center) at Circle K Fuel Station onto the Westport Road/N59, follow for 3.5 km Turn left onto the Wild Atlantic Way North, Omey Island/Claddaghduff Road (L11O2) , as sign posted, follow for 6.2 km We guarantee that your plot never becomes wet under foot, will remain dry & clean even in extreme wet weather conditions. By interacting with any page, you are giving consent to set cookies. The area is also a mecca for watersports in the crystal clear water of the Atlantic Ocean from swimming, snorkelling, angling, crabbing, scuba diving, kite surfing, boating, and much more. are a great place to wild camp. There is something decidedly visceral about these types of experiences, and the ability to enjoy a personal relationship with nature satisfies one of our most primal instincts. This site uses cookies. Thanks. They provide one-of-a-kind alpaca experiences, and reservations are required. Galway International Oyster Festival 2023, Clifden Eco Beach Camping & Caravanning Park. For some good old-fashioned family fun, head to. It has a fire pit, water butt (water may need to be treated) and a picnic table. Phone: +353 (0) 95 44036 Mobile: +353 (0) 87 1267687 Email: actonsbeach@iol.ie Dream by the stream, Its good to be green! more, Private Guided Walking Tour of Omey Island in Connemara. Not only is the Wicklow Way more peaceful then, there are some Adirondackshelters in the national park at Brushers Gap(Paddock hill) and two similar huts or adirondack shelters at Mucklagh and Mullacor. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. For over 26 yearsyep, were internet old!weve helped thousands of visitors get the most out of their visit to Connemara. Here in Ireland, primarily due to having two jurisdictions having different laws that govern wild camping access (Ireland and Northern Ireland which is part of the UK), it is not always as simple as it sounds. Grazie mille!! Check locally for the best time to make the crossing. Private Guided Walking Tour of Omey Island in Connemara Walking Tours from 358.13 per group (up to 15) Clew Bay Cruise, Westport ( 90 minutes ) 465 Recommended Adventure Tours from 17.82 per adult Connemara Day Trip from Galway: Cong and the Kylemore Abbey 325 Recommended Full-day Tours from 31.18 per adult Wild camping spots in Co Cavan. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. This road is breath-taking, not only because of the marvellous scenery but also because of its height above sea level. If you really want to find your inner explorer and wild side, there is nothing quite like camping in the wild. So what is wild camping? Best to go out on a falling tide to maximise your time out there. Theres a great visitor centre at the park, which is where you should begin your visit. The good news is that more remote locations (such as those associated with the northern and western portions of Ireland) tend to tolerate wild campers. We walked a mile down the islands only road to the highest point which provided spectacular views over the internal loch and out to sea. 336. If it is, you can always contact the owner and ask for permission to stay for an evening or two. Children will love feeding the animals at the on-site farm and petting the resident rabbits and goats. Click here to access Actons' website (note that it is actually called 'Clifden Eco Beach Camping and Caravanning Park'). The primary appeal of this location is that it overlooks the mirror-like waters of nearby Dingle Bay. A reliable stove or fire pit helps you stay warm with a hot cuppa in the morning or rice and chicken in a pot in the evening. Wild camping in Orkney is allowed, just as it is anywhere in Scotland but is is important to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access code. Interesting experience with the tides, and fantastic scenery. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. DIRECTIONS. Found along the Western Way, you can enjoy Nephin Beg, Lough Con and Sieve Carrs views. This is green camping for the purist! The island is believed to have been continuously inhabited for up to 10,000 years. Youll soon find the sandy track above the shoreline that follows the northern coast. Nestled amongst the sand dunes on the Western fringe of Connemara, County Galway.The ecological site offers campers eight hectares of Machair habitat biodiversity with unparalleled panoramic Atlantic seascape views. GALLERY. We exist to make planning your Irish Road Trip easy. Copyright Connemara.net - All Rights Reserved |. 1,093 Recommended Full-day Tours from $120.84 per adult Here on the Island of Ireland, document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Take care not to get stranded as high tide could cover a car. These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience. It does not store any personal data. Hot showers, gated park and Renvyle Beach Caravan and Camping Park is situated in the beautiful setting of Connemara in County Galway. 'Discover the peace of nature amounst the dunes', Welcome to Actons,the sustainable ecological approved campsite by the sea. The island is currently mostly uninhabited, with the exception of a few seasonal residents. However, beware of potentially strong currents on occasion. This unique tidal access island is situated along the wonderfully scenic Sky Road Loop near Claddaghduff which makes it an ideal place to make your base when exploring the plethora of attractions in the region. There is nothing wrong with feeling a bit hesitant if you are new to the concept of wild camping. The campsite lies on the edge of the Atlantic Coast, overlooking the Twelve Rediscover the joy of nature and adventure - both of which can be found at the Salthill Caravan Park in Galway. This is quite normal, and if anything, such a sensation can hone your skills. Top ways to experience Omey Island and nearby attractions. And in the heard of this craggy range of peaks youll find the Shelter Stone at Ben Crom Reservoir, a set of slabs under which there is room for a small number of people to bivvy. This is also a lesser-known location, so it is an excellent option if you are looking to avoid others. The Omey Island walk will take about 2-3 hours and covers around 8km of relatively easy walking. Walking Tours. An excellent experience is the drift snorkle from our sandy beach along the estuary of Streamstown Bay.There are beautiful coastal beach walks directly from the park, including walks to & around the tidal island of Omey. Fancy some wild camping with a difference? Wild Camping in Orkney. During the summer months the island is covered in wild flowers including salt-tolerant alpine, colourful shore plants and wild thyme. It is a regular site for the increasingly rare corncrake and hosts dozens and dozens of other. Anyone who is a fan of the maritime environment will love this next suggestion. Camping Spots Spots The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The campsite which offers everything from grassy tent pitches to furnished bell tents and wooden cabins has scooped numerous awards including the Gold Standard Award from Ecotourism Ireland. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Additionally, the eco-site is located on a certified organic family farm both of which prides itself on sustainability. At the Edge of Connemara. The coastal eco-park, with its soft, white, sandy private beach is in walking distance to the stunning tidal island of Omey. In fact you could drive along the coast road and not even realise the island exists in the panoramic view below you. Stunning scenery and wonderful peace and quiet. Photo by Fishermanittiologico (Shutterstock). These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. The island is mostly abandoned with some part-time residents during summer. Scuba dive 8. You can drive the circuit or opt for something more active like walking or cycling. You can enjoy the area on foot or by car, with plenty of opportunities to take in the views. Designed for long-distance hikers, these three-sided shelters offer a basic sleeping platform for five people. 92% of travelers recommend this experience. There is an old monastic site, a holy well and the ruins of several homes. Located right on the northern shore of Lough Pollacappul, the beautiful Benedictine monastery and Victorian Walled Gardens are worth a visit and self-guided tour. This tidal island Omey can be reached at low tide via a wide sandy beach - either by foot or by car. Otherwise you will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab. Here in Ireland, especially due to having two jurisdictions having separate laws that govern access for wild camping (Ireland and Northern Ireland which is part of the UK) it is not always as simple as it sounds. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. For a screen version of Shakespeares Macbeth, he also taught the late Peter OToole how to sword fight. In addition there is, Omey Island in Claddaghduff is accessible at low tide every day in a car or by walking across the tidal strand. To reach the island by foot, you can park your car at the parking area at the end of the road that runs beside the Church of Our Lady The Star of the Sea, close to Claddaghduff. We must have spent at least a couple of hours just wandering around and taking it all in. it was so compelling that we went back the following morning and drove the car across; the sand is very firm and we just had a small front-wheel drive rental - no dramas and really recommended. Be sure to bring all of your own supplies with you (theres not much in the way of shops on the island) and check tide times before walking over. Understanding the Omey Island tide times in advance of your visit, as weve mentioned, is reeeeeeally important. Some of the major points include: On a final note, it is essential to mention that the majority of campers will follow one of these four routes throughout Ireland: Nearby landowners have allowed these trails to impede their properties, so wild camping is generally tolerated in such areas. Operated on a sustainable, green, environmental & ethical basis, the campsite is in harmony with nature. Wild camping spots in Limerick. Avoid inclement weather whenever possible (check the forecast via Met Eireann or Met Office in advance). If you instead go right as you arrive you can follow the coast around to more stunning beaches. You camp along the sandy beaches before making your way inland to experience its verdant green pastures. We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. The ruins of Teampaill Feichin (Feichin's Church) from the 7th century lie close to the northern coast. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. If you just like coastal scenery and exploring, history and building sandcastles, then go visit Omey island just don't get caught by the tide, otherwise you are stuck for five hours at least bring sandwicheshey, always time for a picnic on the wild Atlantic way. However, it is the regions primary burial ground, using an ancient burial ground associated with St Brendan. As part of Scotland's access legislation, the Land Reform (Scotland) Act . Lets also not fail to mention that there are many fences, boundaries, and other marked borders. we went when the Omey Island Horse racing on the beach was taking place.. Great event, such community spirit and lost of giggles. Fillmore Beach is the preferred spot if you hope to set up camp, as it provides beautiful views of the nearby waters. Shopping It takes about 15 mins to walk across the strand to Omey Island. We recommend booking Omey Island tours ahead of time to secure your spot. Wild camping spots in Fermanagh. It caters for tents, caravans and motor homes,but don't provide mobile home sites, or chalets. Gallery Seasoned wild campers may prefer this location due to its exposed nature and the fact that it is found at higher altitude. Whether you like tents or a more back to natural form of wild camping, I think tents, as long as they are compact, with a low profile, are an adequate shelter for a wild camping spot in Ireland. Omey was one of hundreds of Irish islands that were inhabited down through the centuries - often hitting a population peak during the 1840s until dwindling down to a few year-round residents by the 1970s. Omey is a beautiful tidal island situated off the coast of West Connemara, close to the village of Claddaghduff. The church was buried in sand until 1981, and it is surrounded by the ruins of a semi-submerged town that was obliterated during the Great Famine. Wild camping is about going off the beaten track and getting yourself out into the peaceful, empty and vast wilderness of Ireland to spend time truly alone with the world, away from the masses in caravan parks and campsites. As always, ask permission if you are in doubt. Often considered one of the best beaches in Ireland, you wont want to miss a visit to Dogs Bay Beach. The Northern Ireland Road Trip: 5 Days Exploring Antrim And Down (Full Itinerary), This Treehouse In West Cork Comes With A Hot Tub. . Our ecological site is low in density & uncommercialized. 6 Today, Omey Island is teeming with wildlife and contains a wide array of flora and fauna. Our airb&b was nearby so we drove to Omey Island after hearing about it. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. The Eviedale Cottages and Campsite in Evie is a fantastic site to pitch your tent as it opens to the gorgeous views of Eynhallow Sound. Youll be treated to incredible views of the Aughrus peninsula and the crashing Atlantic ocean that surrounds you as you pitch your tent. Its location is fabulous, too spectacular scenery and star-gazing at night, with activities on tap nearby, from walking and cycling to kayaking and coasteering. Technically speaking wild camping is not allowed anywhere in England without the land owners prior consent, in the Lake District however it is tolerated if you pitch your tent high in the fells above the highest fence line or wall away from any signs of civilisation. Some bushcrafters and wild campers prefer the idea of creating havens with tarps with natural resources instead of pitch your tent in wild camping spots. Omey Island Cleggan Head Beaches Wildlife and More Butterflies and Moths from the Aughrus Peninsula Offshore Islands The wreck of the Verity The Environs EXPLORING OMEY ISLAND Omey Island lies off Claddaghduff, and is a wonderful place to visit, with a variety of different possible walks. No one lives there now. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Omey Races Omey Races Omey Dash Triathalon Road to Omey It is also rare for midget insects to appear on site due to its coastal location. Then walk over to Omey Island, before watching the tide coming in, gradually making the separation between you and the hustle and bustle of the rest of the world. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. From wild camping gems to family-friendly sites, these are the best places to pitch up. Never leave any debris or rubbish behind. A few Adirondack shelters have been built in remote areas by a group of environmental volunteers. While salmon are found within the river, it is good to research the local fishing laws in advance. 0 Get directions on Google Maps Contact details Claddaghduff,Clifden,Co Galway What's nearby Experience as part of Please keep in mind that there are many other wild camping locations throughout Ireland, so never hesitate to speak with others or research the Internet further. There are markers in the sand to show the safe driving route to the island or you could park on the land side car park and walk over. Located between the Djouce and Luggala mountains in Co Wicklow, this tranquil valley will provide you with a much-needed sense of peace and tranquillity. It's the house with the horseshoe garage door overlooking the lake. The wider beach could have softer areas, but they run horse races on them its pretty hard. In order to get to the islandsafely, youneedto understand the Omey Island tide times. There can be a reluctance for landowners to let people camp on their land, and a lot of publicly owned spaces prohibit camping for both tents and campers/motorhome. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website. Family Friendly, Pet Friendly & Off the Beaten Track Wonderful Views of Sand, Sea . :(. www.actonsbeachsidecamping.com Enquiries: 9:30 am to 9:00 pm. They have an extensive range of facilities, and their website says that they "pride themselves on theirtraditional familystyle approach in welcoming visitors old and new to the park". The tough climb up of 442m in elevation includes a spectacular view from the summit over Connemaras coastline and the surrounding mountains. At various parts along the beach there may be large pools of water but they can be passed once driving with extreme caution. WE drove as far as the car park- where there are tidal charts and pictures of horse racing on the beach, there were explanations of all the birds which you could expect to see. Hi there, I have heard it is possible to wild camp on the island? There was no clear road or bridge however it is possible to pass once the tide is out, there is signs to guide the driver to and from the island.