Solstice the turtle is going home after washing up here... 3,000 miles off-course

The rare green sea turtle was cold and had suffered bites from a seal or shark when she was found washed up in County Clare at Christmas. Now she's in good health and she's heading for the warm waters of Gran Canaria

Checking in: Solstice, the green sea turtle, with marine biologist Maria Foley from Dingle Oceanworld and Aer Lingus cabin crew Ella Walsh

A green sea turtle might usually swim at speeds of up to six miles an hour so young Solstice is getting a bit of a boost on her journey from Ireland to the warmer waters of the Canaries.  She has just headed off on flight EI782 this afternoon from Dublin to Gran Canaria courtesy of Aer Lingus.

After being discovered washed up on the west coast of Ireland, Solstice is heading back to her natural habitat.