Donegal Accommodation - Cruit Island

Cruit Island is one of the main islands of the Rosses, now joined to the mainland near Kincasslagh. The Gaelic word Cruit can mean ‘a small harp’, or ‘a hump or a little hillock’. The island resembles a harp just enough to allow the more poetically minded to opt for that derviation. Cruit is one of only two inhabited islands in the Rosses, the other being Arranmore, a big change from the time, just a generation ago, when most of the islands of any size were populated. Cruit is connected to the mainland at Belcruit by a bridge built at the time of World War II, and the bridge, some of the finest beaches in Donegal and the golf course combine to make the island a very popular destination.

Cruit is an island in the area of Donegal called "The Rosses". The name "Cruit" (pronounced "Critch") is derived from the Irish "An Chruit" meaning ‘the hump or little hillock’ although it is also the old Irish word for the harp.

A road runs the length of the island from the bridge at the south to the north end with a few branch roads leading to the houses on the island. A pier lies on the more sheltered east side providing moorings for a cluster of small boats during the summer months.

One of several islands in the Rosses, Cruit still has a small resident population which is added to by visitors keen to enjoy the beautiful beaches and wonderful walks which abound. It also has an excellent 9-hole golf course which makes every use of the natural contours of the coast to provide both a test of golf skills and spectacular views at every turn.

Cruit is also an excellent area for sea fishing with Pollack and Mackerel often plentiful, while for the nature-lover there are many beautiful wildflowers at every season and a variety of birds for the enthusiast. The terrain is excellent for walking incorporating beaches, rocky cliffs, dunes and moorland so that in every direction there is something to suit all tastes and abilities. There is a good selection of self catering holiday homes on Cruit Island.

While golf brings many people to Cruit Island Golf Course, there are many other reasons to come. A mainly flat island, it is very easy to walk around, although the sand can take its toll. The dunes are home to wild flowers such as Birdsfoot Trefoil, Milkwort, Lousewort and Lady’s Bedstraw. You will, with any luck, see extensive areas of wild Thyme, Tricolour Pansy and Common Century, which as a pink flower. In spring the island is alive with primroses, not a plant usually seen in dunes like those on Cruit.

Accommodation near Cruit Island
Kincasslagh Holiday Homes
Bunbeg Holiday Homes
Annagry Holiday Homes
Donegal Hotels
Bunbeg Bed and Breakfast
Annagry Bed and Breakfast
Bunbeg Self Catering

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