Food Academy

Dúlra

The Irwin Family run an organic seaweed farm in the west of Ireland called DÚLRA. We grow a number of Kelp species on our site, located in the pristine Atlantic waters of Blacksod Bay, Co Mayo. We are natives of this area and are from farming backgrounds for generations. We also run a small organic agricultural farm, and we use seaweed daily on our farm and in our kitchen. We feel passionate about protecting the precious resources of land and sea, and sustainable rural living. Angela’s passion for healthy food and my passion for the sea combined in a love of all things seaweed and led to the creation of DÚLRA IRISH SEAWEED. We began growing trials in 2018 and went into production in 2021. In 2024 we opened our own food grade drying and processing facility.

Currently we grow Winged Kelp and Sugar Kelp. These native kelps thrive in cool Atlantic waters. They are versatile and easy to use, naturally enhancing the flavour of any dish with that distinctive umami taste. Whether you are using our flakes at the table, as a salt replacer, sprinkling on salads, adding when baking or making smoothies, having a cup of our seaweed enhanced soups, or using our stock adding a deep rich flavour to all dishes you are adding a hint of the healthy ocean to your life. They have a multitude of uses by home cooks and chefs alike. As well as enhancing flavour, Dúlras products are jam packed with macro and micro nutrients which are essential for many bodily functions.

DÚLRA is the Irish for NATURE. Respect for the natural environment, is at the heart of all we do. We chose seaweed cultivation rather than wild harvest because of its positive impact on the environment, being a carbon neutral food, producing protein without the need for fresh water and arable land. Also seaweed cultivation areas create important protected habitats where no fishing takes place and aquatic life is allowed to thrive in the deep waters beneath. Its taste and nutrient profiles are superior, being suspended in mid water in a consistent yet dynamic Atlantic habitat. Seaweed cultivation is a perfect fit for our ethos, producing food while enhancing and regenerating the environment, proving that humans and nature can have a symbiotic relationship again, as they once did. Also creating employment in our native Erris is of huge importance to us and something we are very proud of.

SuperValu has given us essential mentoring in marketing, branding, customer trends and food safety. They have allowed us the opportunity to develop our brand and show case our products nationally.