Omey Races (Galway, Ireland)

Omey Races (horse racing on the beach) on Omey Strand

Omey is a tidal island located near Claddaghduff, a few miles from Clifden, in the western edge of Connemara. There is a route across the sand to the island and, at high tide, the water is deep enough to cover a car. To help in the last moments before the water becomes too deep, there are conventional street signs to indicate the highest route.

The start time depends on the tide but usually around 11.30 am, and of course the finish time also depends on the tide.

Omey Island is about a mile long by a mile wide.

Among the sand dunes on the island lie the ruins of a small medieval church, which stands on the site of a monastery, founded by St. Feichin, in the seventh century.