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County Galway
Ireland
Islands
Omey
as described in Lewis's Topographical Dictionary of Ireland, 1837
OMEY, an islands in the parish of OMEY, barony of BALLINAHINCH, county of GALWAY, and province of CONNAUGHT, 4½ 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 customs, supposed to leave 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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