Discover the magical properties of Irish seaweed in foraging experiences, fine food, indulgent spa treatments and seaside fun.
With over 600 types of seaweed growing in Irish coastal waters, the island is the perfect place to experience the health benefits and versatility of one of nature’s most potent plants.
For thousands of years, seaweed played an important part in Irish daily life as a staple food and for its medicinal properties. Now, after a period of being overlooked, it is back in the spotlight.
A fun way to discover seaweed’s distinctive flavours and learn about its wide range of uses is by taking part in a seaweed foraging workshop.
Among the many on offer across the island of Ireland are those run by the Sea Gardener in County Waterford. With a passion for foraging for seaweed, cooking with it, and sustainably using it, Marie Power, the Sea Gardener, runs regular events taking people along Waterford’s rocky shorelines and teaching them to identify different species, how to harvest it and how to cook with it. The workshops include tasting sessions of artisan seaweed-based snacks.
Atlantic Irish Seaweed in County Kerry offers seaweed discovery workshops giving you the chance to stroll along the Wild Atlantic Way and learn about the many types of seaweed to be found there. You’ll be encouraged to graze on seaweed nibbles along the way.
The Causeway Coast is the home of dulse, a popular dried seaweed snack, while offshore, the cool clear waters of Rathlin Island produce some of the best quality kelp in the world.
Islander Kelp knows all about the health benefits of seaweed. Uniquely in Europe, their verdant green organic kelp is not dried, but sorted, cut into noodles and ‘tagliatelle’ shaped products. The ready-to-use product can be used in salads, soups and stir-fries, as a garnish, and as an ingredient in sauces and condiments.
The intensely salty flavour and versatility of seaweed have naturally attracted the attention of top chefs across the island and many are now using it in recipes in new and exciting ways. J P McMahon, chef-patron of the Michelin-starred Aniar Restaurant in Galway, is among its numerous fans.
As well to its use in cooking, seaweed is renowned for its health and beauty properties and is the star of many premium spa treatments. At the five-star Cliff House Hotel in County Waterford, you can indulge in an organic seaweed bath in an outdoor tub overlooking Ardmore Bay which will relax your muscles and rejuvenate your skin.
Voya Seaweed Baths in County Sligo on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way uses hand-harvested seaweed in its famous spa treatments, while Soak, a multi-award-winning Alternative Seaweed Bath House and Spa in Newcastle, County Down, offers a wonderful range of seaweed-based indulgences.
On your next visit to Ireland make sure to sign up for some seaweed sensations – whether foraging, feasting or luxuriating – and enjoy the bounty of this amazing ocean treasure.
