Cruit Island is the perfect place to relax
and forget about the worries of modern life. There is very little that can
compare to the peace of relaxing in front of a real turf fire. But for those
who prefer an active holiday there are plenty of varied activities to pass
the time.
Activities range
from golf, hillwalking, fishing, horseriding to watersports, mountain biking,
cycling, boating, bowling and mountain climbing! There is plenty to do no matter
what kind of weather you get - good or bad.
Golf
Cruit Island Golf Club is one of the most beautifully picturesque 9 hole links
courses you will find anywhere in Ireland. It is a Par 68 course and first
opened in 1986. It was one of the first Golf Clubs in Ireland to offer full
membership to ladies.
Located at the end of the Cruit Island with panoramic views of Owey and Arranmore,
it is truly a sight to behold. The Golf Club is only a few minutes drive from
the cottage.
Fishing
Being an island, Cruit is in the enviable position of being able to offer
many types of fishing to the fisherman and angler alike or to the shrimper
and amateur crab catcher. There are plenty of boats that travel the waters
daily catching a variety of fish or you could take your rod and tackle to
the rocks along the coast. Alternatively, there are plenty of rock pools
for shrimp catching and the bridge pool is always full of all sizes of crabs
who are all too willing to grab the barnacle off the end of your line.
Boating & Watersports
There is plenty of opportunity for all forms of water based activity
in the sea around Cruit Island. Swimming, canoeing, kayaking, boating, water
skiing, surfing, windsurfing, sailing, diving - the list is endless, however
for most of these you will need to have your own equipment.
The pool at Cruit bridge is particularly good for safe swimming
and diving.
Hillwalking & Mountain
Climbing
Of all 32 counties in Ireland, Donegal must be the one with
the least amount of flatland. There are hills and valleys, mountains, rocks
and lakes everywhere you look! This gives the land a rugged, natural appeal
not found in some of the other counties. What better way to discover the
raw beauty of Donegal than on foot? There are plenty of mountains to climb
and paths to be discovered in this rugged terrain. Mount Errigal and Muckish
are two popular climbs but be prepared to get mucky!
Pony Treking & Horse
Riding
There is quite a lot of equestrian activity in County Donegal
and you would not have to travel far from Cruit before you find somwhere
to partake. Particular hotspots include Bundoran, Letterkenny, Bruckless
and Ballyshannon. Pony Trekking and Horseriding may be available at certain
times of the year on Cruit Island itself.
Festivals & Fairs
Probably the most famous festival in the
area is the annual Mary from Dungloe
International Festival, which takes place in the first week of August each
year. Second
to that is the Kincasslagh Festival, where for years Daniel
O'Donnell would host a tea party for his adoring fans. Other festivals in
the area include the Errigal Arts Festival, Burtonport Festival, Milford
Busking Festival,
Brockagh Lamas Fair, Portnoo Rosbeg Seafood festival and the Tory Island Traditional
Music weekend. Plenty to see!
Mountain Biking /
Cycling
The narrow, winding roads of Cruit Island are ideal for biking
but watch out for sharp turns! Bikes can be hired from various bike shops and
cycling centres around the county, such as Bundoran, Letterkenny, Dungloe,
Killybegs & Donegal Town.
There are many established cycling routes, which take in fantastic scenic
views along the way.
Island Hopping
Cruit Island is not the only island in North West Donegal. There are several
others that can be reached by a regular ferry service. Among these are
the famous Tory Island, Gola Island and Arranmore Island. Owey Island,
which can be seen from Cruit is unfortunately inaccessible unless you befriend
a local who owns a boat and might take you out for a trip...
(Try Iggy's
bar in Kincasslagh.)
Bingo & Whist
The Kincasslagh Parochial hall is just a few minutes drive
from the cottage on Cruit and a stone's throw from the Viking Hotel. It becomes
a hive of activity on a Friday night when locals and visitors alike congregate
for their weekly fix of Bingo and on a Tuesday professionals and amateurs
alike gather together for
a few rounds of Whist.
Lake boats can be hired at the
Fishing Tackle
shop in Dungloe.
Angling Trips – enquire from 074 9543354
