Burned out? Annual leave already fully allocated? It might be time for a workcation at inishowen innovation (the ii).
You don’t need two weeks off and a flight to feel like you’ve actually had a summer.
For a lot of people right now, the bigger ask is just… time. Headspace. A few days somewhere that isn’t the spare room or kitchen table, where you can close the laptop at 4 or 5pm knowing you’ve got the work done. That’s the idea of a (forgive the term) workcation: no flights, no using up your full annual leave, no big production. Just a change of scene close enough to reach easily, with a professional space nearby for the hours you need to work.
With that in mind, here are five things to do right here in and around Buncrana, all within easy reach of the ii. Get your work done when you need to, then make the most of Inishowen before work, after work or on a day off.
What is a workcation, and do you need to take annual leave for it?
A workcation is simply working from somewhere other than your usual home or office for a few days, usually somewhere with a change of scenery, while still getting your hours in. You don’t need to use annual leave for the days you’re working. The leave only comes in if you want to extend the trip with a day or two off either side.
The ii gives you a professional, fully equipped coworking space in Inishowen: fast broadband, a proper desk, privacy booths and meeting rooms if you need them, right in reach of everything below. That’s the whole premise of a workcation in Ireland: you don’t have to choose between getting away and getting things done.
5 Things to Do Locally When You’re Working from the ii
1. Walking
The Inishowen Peninsula is a great place to explore on foot, with routes ranging from gentle coastal strolls to challenging hill walks across Ireland’s northernmost landscape. There are routes through rugged coastal landscapes, beaches, hills and peaceful countryside, with options for anything from a quick hour outdoors to a full day of walking. Or take a lunchtime stroll from the ii to one of the local beaches or beautiful Swan Park.
https://www.govisitinishowen.com/directories/walking-trail
https://www.facebook.com/NWCD2
Good for: People who want to get outdoors after a desk-bound morning or spend some time exploring Inishowen on foot. And of course, any good walk can end with a well-earned cuppa or drink at one of the peninsula’s excellent cafés or pubs.
2. Beaches
Inishowen is home to some of the most beautiful, diverse and unspoilt beaches along the Wild Atlantic Way. From wide stretches of golden sand to hidden coves, the peninsula offers plenty of space to get away from it all, with some beaches feeling almost like your own private escape. Right here in Buncrana, we are blessed with beaches within a few minutes’ walk of the ii, so there’s no excuse not to get out there and breathe in some fresh sea air between calls or after the work day is done!
https://www.govisitinishowen.com/directories/beach-trail
Good for: Swimming, kayaking, surfing, or just walking the shoreline and taking in the views.
3. Heritage
Inishowen is unique in terms of the beauty of its geography and in the way that traces of its history survive to this day. The Inishowen Heritage Trail takes you through the peninsula’s historic and cultural sites, including forts, castles, stone circles and high crosses.
https://www.govisitinishowen.com/directories/heritage-trail/
Good for: Anyone interested in exploring the visible history of the Inishowen Peninsula.
4. Arts, Crafts and Culture
Along with being one of the most beautiful parts of the Wild Atlantic Way, Inishowen is home to a vibrant community of artists, craftspeople and makers working across fine art, traditional craft, contemporary design, textiles, pottery, and bogwood sculpture.
Along the Arts & Crafts Trail, visitors can step inside working studios and workshops, meet local makers and hear the stories behind their work.
https://www.govisitinishowen.com/directories/arts-crafts-trail
Good for: Anyone interested in heritage, arts and crafts – and potentially looking to bring a unique piece of Inishowen home with them.
5. Food, Drink and More to Explore
Inishowen has a seemingly endless supply of restaurants, cafés, coffee docks and pubs spread all over the peninsula. There are also plenty of other ways to fill an evening or day off, including watersports, boat tours, hiking, cycling, museums, wildlife centres, Doagh Famine Village and even the opportunity to take alpacas for a walk. There really is something for everyone. Check out more options at: https://www.govisitinishowen.com/
Good for: Anyone bringing family, travelling with friends, planning a longer stay, or just looking for somewhere good to eat once the laptop is closed.
How to plan your own workcation at the ii
You don’t need a big plan. Book a desk for the days you need to work and build the rest of the trip around early mornings, evenings and, if you can, a full day off. The ii offers individual hot desk day bookings, 3-day passes and a range of membership options, so there’s no long-term commitment. Just turn up, get the work done, close the laptop and take some time to explore Inishowen.
Quick answers
What is a workcation? A workcation is a short trip where you keep working your normal hours from a different location, usually a coworking space or digital hub, while spending mornings, evenings and days off exploring somewhere new.
Do I need to book annual leave for a workcation? No. If you’re working your normal hours from a hub, it counts as a normal working day. Leave is only needed if you extend the trip with days off.
Does the ii offer day passes without a long-term contract? Yes, you can book individual days, 3-day passes or 8-day passes to use as needed, alongside flexible monthly membership options.
What’s nearby if I want to explore on a day off? So many options: beaches, hills, walking trails, heritage sites, wildlife experiences, watersports, shops, restaurants, cafés and pubs. Inishowen has it all.
