Seaweed Foraging in Ireland

The seaweed growing along Ireland’s Atlantic coast is a treasure trove of health benefits. It’s rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and has long been used in diets to boost immunity, improve digestion, and promote glowing skin. Packed with iodine, calcium, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids, seaweed offers one of the most nutrient-dense foods available.

Additionally, seaweed is often used in beauty treatments, from moisturisers to baths, and its natural anti-inflammatory properties make it a staple in skincare regimens. Seaweed baths—particularly popular in Sligo—are known for their detoxifying and skin-softening effects, providing a natural spa experience rooted in Irish tradition.

Ireland’s wild Atlantic coastline offers some of the best locations for seaweed foraging. Read below to discover the key regions in Ireland.

Kerry

Kerry’s rugged coastline is teeming with rich seaweed beds. The coastal inlets, particularly near Dingle and the Skellig Islands, are known for their abundance of edible seaweed species.

Connemara

This region is renowned for its pristine waters, offering a variety of seaweed species. The shoreline around Clifden and Roundstone provides excellent opportunities for foraging.

Sligo

The coastal waters of Sligo are famous for their seaweed baths, but they also boast great foraging spots. The beaches near Strandhill and Mullaghmore are fantastic for gathering seaweed like kelp and bladderwrack.

Homemade soup topped with dillisk.

Dillisk

Palmaria palmata
This red seaweed has been used in Irish cuisine for centuries. It’s chewy and salty, making it great as a snack or added to salads and soups.

Seaweed mixed with hot water and honey.

Carrageen Moss

Chondrus crispus
Gelatinous seaweed is often used in Irish desserts like puddings and custards. It’s also a traditional remedy for coughs and colds, and it’s mixed with hot water, honey, and lemon to make an immune-boosting drink.

Elongated fronds and air bladders.

Bladderwrack

Fucus vesiculosus
Known for its medicinal properties, bladderwrack is used in teas and tonics to support thyroid function.

Salad seasoned with kelp.

Kelp

Laminaria digitata
A brown seaweed rich in nutrients, kelp is often used in broths or as a seasoning.