Omey Island - An Introduction to its Cultural and Living Heritage

Meet at 2 pm in Claddaghduff Hall for our opening introduction to the history of Omey by John O’Halloran. Patrick Fitzmaurice speaks on the importance of Omey Island as corncrake hábitat. Dermot Breen, Conservation Officer presents the various protected conservation areas and machair grassland habitats on Omey Island.
A Photo Display of stonemasons work by John McDonagh RIP, presented by Feichin Mulkerrin, NPW overseer of the rebuild of the beehive huts on High Island Monsstic Settlement. Darwyn O’Halloran, Marine Biologist, introduces a variety of nutritional foods from the sea. Displays of items of interest Caroline Conneely, Irish Teacher, presents Children’s Corner, to identify the various sea foods and algae with prizes for winners. Caroline Coneely, traditional musician and Sean Nos dancer, presents a rendition of Traditional Irish Music and dance throughout the event.
At 4 pm
Darwyn O’Halloran , breeder, takes us on a visit to the pastures of two key animals in the lives of Omey Islanders and surrounding areas; Breanna Beola Droimeann, a rare and ancient Native Irish breed of cattle and The work horse the Connemara Pony.
Concluding talk on Historical Omey and Irelands oldest native bovine breeds.
John O’Halloran, Patrick Fitzmaurice and Dermot Breen take you on an Historical, Birdwatch and Conservation tour of Omey Island, visiting the Medieval Church and Holy Well of St. Feichin and the protected bird species nesting sites, and the protected conservation areas of Omey Island.