OMEY

Samuel Lewis

A Topographical Dictionary of Ireland

1837

OMEY, an island, in the parish of OMEY, barony of BALLINAHINCH, county of GALWAY, and province of CONNAUGHT, 4 ½ miles (N. W.) from Clifden, on the western coast: the population is returned with the parish. The island, which comprises 296 statute acres of arable land, lies very low, and is connected with the mainland at low water: the channel forms a natural harbour at each end. The female inhabitants are generally employed in spinning wool and knitting stockings, in the manufacture of which they are very expert, and produce an excellent article known by the name of Connemara stockings. There are three burial-places on the island, two of which are kept as distinct cemeteries for men and women, according to an ancient custom, supposed to have originated with a religious fraternity established by St. Feighan, who died in 664. The island is said to have been given to St. Feighan, after he left Fore, by Guaira, King of Connaught.

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