Sea bounty

Donegal-based company AlgAran processes freshly harvested seaweed into a number of organic products


Donegal-based company AlgAran processes freshly harvested seaweed into a number of organic products. Its Organic Seaveg brand offers everything from Atlantic spirulina (a high-protein dietary supplement) to sea spaghetti, while a range of seaweed cosmetics includes shampoos, hand and face creams and massage oils.

AlgAran was formed by Rosaria Piseri, an algologist of Italian origin, who abandoned her comfortable apartment in Milan a decade ago to come to Ireland. These days, she oversees a modest production facility in Kilcar, Co Donegal, where visitors are welcome to view the seaweed gathering process, sample AlgAran produce – and fit in a visit to the majestic

cliffs of Slieve League. They host idiosyncratic tours of the region, too. See seaweedproducts.ie.