THERE are many staycation areas in Ireland that are worth travelling for but none live up to one island in Donegal for health fans.
Health and lifestyle gurus are obsessing over one specific island off the coast of Co Donegal – and it’s ideal for any wellness retreat.
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Oileán Ruaidh, or Island Roy, is a low lying island covered in greenery, rocky coastlines and natural seaweed baths.
Located almost as north of the county as you can get, it’s around 35 minutes from Letterkenny.
Situated about three and a half miles from the mainland villages of Downings and Carrigart in the heart of Mulroy Bay, the island gives “breathtaking” views of Rossapenna’s sand-dunes, the surrounding Mulroy coastline and the Donegal hills.
With tourism as one of the island’s main sources of income, it’s no surprise when you consider all on offer here.
For those who have travelled there, one said in a review: “Such a relaxing setting when you are stresses out. Quiet, Peaceful with spectacular panoramic views.”
Another said: “Best place in the world. Love both the place and the people.”
A third shared some stunning photos while noting: “As beautiful as I remembered.”
ACTIVITIES
This island has become popular among health fanatics in recent years due to their seaweed vegetation.
Seaweed is harvested here from along the coast line and used in natural seaweed baths.
Due to this, there used to be a spa on the island which used the natural resource in their treatments.
It’s not only the seaweed baths that have made it popular among health fans as the walking trails are one to seek out.
While the beaches are rocky in places, they are more relaxing than most across the country.
This is due to the island being so secluded, allowing tourists to spend their time taking in the natural scenery and listening to the birds who are native to the area.
Due to the amount of native birds living on the island, many use this as an opportunity to go bird watching.
Along with the birds here, there are also some sightings of basking sharks in the area.
While they can sound daunting, basking sharks are gentle giants and completely harmless.
These animals are the second largest shark species and seen off the coasts of Donegal, Kerry, Cork, Clare and even some parts of Dublin.
GETTING THERE
Getting to Oileán Ruaidh is not as straight forward as other tourist hot spots in Ireland.
Despite a causeway connecting the island to the mainland, the easiest way to get around Co Donegal is by car.
There are local bus routes that will bring you from Letterkenny to either Downings or Carrigart, but once you are there, the rest is down to walking for up to an hour.
However, if you are driving, it’s only a 35 minute drive from Letterkenny.
