It’s one of the west’s best kept secrets, but perhaps not for much longer.
An interesting new map, guide, and DVD has just been launched about Omey Island, the tidal island in Connemara, County Galway.
Created by artist Sean Corcoran, the map is a colourful and quirky interpretation of the landscape and character of the island. According to Corcoran, the map took six years to complete. Rather than the commonly used names, he has opted for different placenames - The Fingers, the Toes, the Heart, the Soul, the Mouth, the Heel, and the Eye. Although this is an alternative map, Corcoran says it is still a “practical introduction to an enchanting Island”.
The guide includes how to get there, places to stay, and things to do and lots more. There is also information of a strange creature that was witnessed in the lake in 2003 by the artist and his wife.
The mini DVD contains a slideshow of 370 images of the island with a soundtrack courtesy of Moby. Animals, birds, flowers, sunsets, the shore, the landscape, buildings, and historic sites as well as Pascal Whelan - the only full time resident - are included in the DVD.
Corcoran says Omey is one Ireland’s great secrets.
“The limitless freedom that the area called Common Sense offers is a rare spectacle these days. No walls or boundaries just open grassland with sand dunes and boulders. It creates a surreal other world landscape with a virtually wild herd of cows roaming freely through it.”
To get to Omey Island, visitors must cross a huge strand by car or on foot, tide permitting, from the mainland at Claddaghduff.
For further information visit www.sean corcoranart.com.
