Highlights of the Sea Safari & Marine Heritage Guided Tours.
The harbour of Burtonport, the north & west coasts of Arranmore Island and the small islands to the east of it, form the backdrop to the Sea Safari & Marine Heritage Tour.
The area of the Rosses is a north-western coastal region of Co Donegal which lies between Gweedore to the north of the county and Gweebarra in the south. The fishing harbour of Burtonport is situated 8 km northwest of the town of Dungloe. The harbour at Burtonport had served as the gateway to many of the islands of the Rosses for hundreds of years, including the island of Arranmore, which is the largest island in Donegal in terms of area and population. The fishing industry in the area has been in decline for many years due to the depletion of stock and strict fishing restrictions.
The numerous offshore islands are havens of peacefulness and tranquillity where nature and wildlife prosper without interruption. Cliffs, beaches, rocky outcrops, sea stacks, sea caves provide perfect habitats for marine life as well as superb photographic opportunities for visitors . Bird-watching opportunities abound together with the possibility of spotting dolphins, seals and basking sharks. Beverages provided on trip. WC on board.
The 18th Century witnessed the establishment of a herring fishing station in this area. Your guide will outline the establishment of the station whilst cruising through the islands’ channels where you will observe the stations’ island based historical landmarks. Many townhouse residences constructed on the islands during that time are still in use to this day whilst the remnants of other contemporaneous buildings convey the aspirations formerly held for the development of the area.
