Happy New Year Everyone! I hope I find you all well and fighting fit after the holiday season. At this time of year, we’re bombarded with lists of diets and resolutions to help us feel fitter and healthier for the new year after all the excesses of December. Don’t worry, I’m not about to recommend some grueling Irish boot camp for 2023-that’s far too much like hard work! My very simple and easy Irish detox tips involve a lot of fresh air, the Atlantic coastline and just a little retail therapy!
Lulu’s Top Irish Detox Tips
1. Take A Walk
This has to be my number one favorite pastime without a doubt. The benefits of walking are well known; it de-stresses, burns calories, lowers blood pressure and blood sugar levels and it’s absolutely free! Getting out into the natural light also gives us that all important shot of vitamin D improving our mood and helping to fight those winter blues. I just love a good long winter walk on Streedagh Beach in Sligo (pictured above with my dog Lucy).
A favorite mountain walk is much closer to home in Dublin and like the beach walk, it’s nice and easy. Sugarloaf mountain is perfectly formed and the gentle climb to its 500 meters height rewards you with gorgeous views of the surrounding countryside. Of course, The Wicklow Mountains are an absolute wonderland for walkers. Ireland’s largest national park boasts a stunning rolling landscape of mountain peaks, swathes of forests, tranquil lakes and twisting country roads.
2. Take A Seaweed Bath
After a favourite invigorating walk, there’s nothing better than relaxing steam followed by a soak in a heated bath full of Atlantic seawater and iodine-rich rejuvenating seaweed. Aches, pains, cares and worries just float away and the sense of well-being afterwards is nothing less than heavenly.
If there are no seaweed baths near you, there are some wonderful products available online now so you can enjoy the superpowers of a seaweed bath in the comfort of your own home. But if you ever happen to be in County Sligo, then Kilcullen’s Bathhouse in Enniscrone is a must. Perched on the edge of the Atlantic, the baths opened for business in 1912 and 5 generations later, they’re more popular than ever.
3. Take a Dip in The Ocean
Ok so this might not be for everyone but as far as I’m concerned it’s the simplest and most effective Irish detox method! I’m a big fan of taking a dip in the Atlantic Ocean no matter what the weather.
There are many reported benefits from swimming in mineral-rich seawater but for me, there’s an undeniable feel-good factor. Admittedly the dips I take are much shorter in the winter months but the after-effects are always the same. There’s a definite increase of dopamine/serotonin levels in the brain and I always feel ready for anything after an invigorating dip.
Apart from that, there’s also the replenishing effects of being surrounded by the stunning west of Ireland coastline. Especially if you take a dip at the breathtaking Silver Strand at Malinbeg in County Donegal. (pictured above).
4. Retail Therapy
Not sure how much of an Irish detox this is but it can certainly make you feel better. Especially if you manage to grab yourself a bargain in our January Clearance Sale! Shop the best of Aran knitwear, Celtic jewelry and Irish homeware with up to 70% off!
Thanks so much for dropping by and once again, a very happy and healthy new year to all!
Take care of yourselves and each other.
Slán go fóill!
Lulu.
