Digging For Razor Fish at Donegal Thatched Cottages

Razor fish come in shells about 6 inches ( 15cm ) long. When open they would remind you of the old-fashioned razors used in Westerns……..hence their name. In Irish they are called “ scian mara”, or “sea knife”. As with cockles live razors live beneath the sand in sandy estuaries and bays. You will only find them at Spring tides, when the tide is fully out, and the sea is calm and about to turn. Look close to the water’s edge. Look for little indentations in the sand almost like as if a person pressed hard with their thumb.

Dig with a spade at that point bearing in mind that razors are deceptively elusive and adept at burrowing deeper into the sand. Do not be surprised if instead of a razor you dig up a beautiful sea-urchin as it is extremely difficult to distinguish between the little indentation left by either one. Please replace the sea-urchin safely as he is not considered edible.

The best place on Cruit to dig for razors is on the large flat sandy beach fronting onto Kincasslagh Bay. Bring your razors back to your cottage in a bucket and leave them steeping overnight in fresh water. Steam them in their own juices taking care not to over-do them. Happy digging.

Digging For Razor Fish at Donegal Thatched Cottages