It’s still summer! Or is it? 

 

Whether you’re enjoying those mid-20 degrees or not. Wherever you are in the world, as sea-lovers we all can’t help but think of the ocean this season. For most outdoor fans, the sea seems to be a favourite during the summer months. And if you live on the island of Ireland: It’s a definite must-see. 

 

Sea what we did there?

 

But what if you want the sea but don’t want to go all the way to see one? What do we sea-lovers do when we’re not in the mood for crowded beaches, heavy winds, and sunburn?

 

Here are the top 5 activities you will definitely love if you love the sea:

 

1. Aquarium visits

Slow your pace, visit a blue space. 

 

Studies show that people who spend more time in aquariums could improve their physical and mental well-being. Aquariums could also improve your mood and reduce  heart rates & blood pressure. In other words: “Fish are therapeutic”.

 

So if you love the sea, and want that in-depth experience. Visit a nearby aquarium! Enjoy the blue, take in all the information about your local species, and learn a thing or two about how you can help protect marine life.

 

Some of our favourite Irish aquariums include: 

 

Galway Atlantaquaria, Co. Galway

Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium, Co. Kerry

Achill Experience Aquarium, Co. Mayo

Sea Life Bray Aquarium, Co. Wicklow

 

2. Carrageen Lunch

It’s your favourite edible seaweed: Irish sea moss, or in other words: Carrageen!

 

Another great way to get in that ocean vibe is through a bit of cuisine creativity: have a sea-themed lunch. 

 

Carrageen is an edible sea veg and natural superfood. Hand-harvested off the West Coast of Ireland. Rí Na Mara Carrageen Irish sea moss is sustainably harvested from the pristine Atlantic waters off the Connemara coast.

 

In our blog article: Everything you need to know about Irish Sea Moss. We discuss everything from the history of edible seaweed in Ireland, to its nutritional benefits. We also share a fantastic reciVitamins C, A and B12, as well as potpe for Rose water-infused Carrageen moss with Rhubarab, from Clodagh’s Irish kitchen. An excellent afternoon treat, solo or with friends. ‘Fresh from the Sea’ is another by Clodagh McKenna. 

 

Some of the key benefits of Carageen Irish sea moss include:

 

Decongestant to help relieve sore throats, colds and coughs

Source of protein, potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron, iodine and Trace elements.

 

3. Watching Blue Planet with the family

Just like the activities listed above, this one you can really share! Since the early 2000s, watching The Blue Planet has been something of a tradition for a lot of families over the world. 

 

Narrated by David Attenborough, in this BBC documentary examines the natural history of the world’s oceans and unveils the complex dynamics of marine life. 

 

Definitely one for the sea-lover in you and the loved ones you could share this with. An award-winning documentary, The Blue Planet is so popular it has a sequel: Blue Planet II. Netflix’s Our Planet is another contender with a remarkable episode on coastal seas. Sounds like the perfect indoor weekend to us. 

 

At Rí na Mara, we are very proud of our sustainable harvesting techniques and renewable practices, we believe the ocean should be protected for all species on this planet.

 

4. Dried seaweed soak baths

Perhaps one for the nighttime: a dried seaweed soak bath makes for the perfect self-care experience. Sea lover or not! No one can resist the feeling of sitting in a warm tub, literally surrounded by nature, which is essential for your body’s relaxation and rejuvenation.

 

Rí Na Mara wild organic fucus serratus seaweed is hand harvested and air dried off the West Coast of Ireland. The mineral, nutrient, and vitamin-rich, therapeutic oils help the body relax, unwind, detox, and remineralize. The antioxidant compounds produce anti-aging, conditioning, and moisturizing effects on the skin, hair, and face. 

Seaweed Baths have been used for generations for health and healing of the skin and body. So, indulge in a Rí Na Mara at-home spa experience. Set aside some time for yourself to relax in a detox seaweed bath and just feel the tension disappear. All Rí Na Mara products incorporate the purest natural ingredients from marine or plant origin and are suitable for sensitive and all skin types.

 

5. Shopping Nautical

Last but not least: shop nautical! 

 

Perhaps the activity with the most fun, shopping as a sea-lover is as quirky as it gets. If you love the ocean and you can’t find the time to visit or want a little reminder of your favourite coastal areas. Go to your favourite sea shop online or IRL and buy anything that reminds you of the ocean.

 

You can:

Purchase a seascape painting

Create a warm memory by framing a family photograph from your seaside holiday

Help your children make arts & crafts with seashells collected from the beach

 

You could also find sea memorabilia to add to your garden or home – anchor, buoys, ship lanterns, maps.

 

Galway and most coastal cities is filled with many shops like these. Everywhere you go on an open-market Saturday, you’re reminded of the sea. Our personal favourite: The Old Sea Dog has an eclectic gallery of sea bits and bobs. “It’s an odd place that you might find a Lobster”.

 

Rí Na Mara as a family business is made up of sea-lovers through and through. Our beauty products harness the power of the sea and its life-enhancing benefits.

 

So, are you a sea-lover, are you married to one? What’s your favourite of our top 5 activities, and did we miss any of yours? Comment below and let us know.