Ireland is green by nature, and almost wherever you go on the island there are destinations doing their bit for planet Earth and helping travellers to lower their environmental impact.
Among the many fantastic sustainable destinations, you could head for the Wicklow Mountains National Park, the largest of Ireland’s six national parks, or the likes of the protected marine conservation zone of Strangford Lough in County Down.
Probably the leading sustainable destination on the island of Ireland, however, is The Burren, the remarkable rocky landscape of County Clare on the Wild Atlantic Way.
A network of local enterprises in this area is helping to make The Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark into a global leader for sustainable tourism – in 2021 the Burren Ecotourism Network scooped a Lonely Planet ‘Best in Travel’ pick for their work focusing on ecologically and socially responsible nature-based tourism.
The multitude of eco-friendly activities available in The Burren includes everything from walking tours, cycling, adventure sports, heritage and eco-centres, culture, wellbeing, surfing, pubs, dining and local food producers – all of whom promote responsible travel and really ‘walk the talk’ in terms of the conservation of their pristine local environment.
Added to the mix is the Burren Food Trail, where you can eat your way around the farmer’s markets, cafés, restaurants and gastropubs dotted across County Clare and feel the true passion for food in this part of the world.
The Burren Slow Food Festival, lined up provisionally for 13 – 15 May this year, is another opportunity to sample local artisan foods, meet the producers and growers, mix with fellow foodies, and see cookery demonstrations from well-known chefs and get a true taste of the region’s culture.
Elsewhere, sustainable coastal tourism is the main feature of the beautiful Loop Head Peninsula in County Clare. This slender finger of land juts out to sea from Clare’s most westerly point, and despite winning a European Designation of Excellence Award for sustainable tourism development, the area remains under the radar.
Loop Head was one of a handful of places along the Wild Atlantic Way used to film Star Wars: The Last Jedi. The cliff scenery of the peninsula’s western coastal road is spectacular, and to the east, there are views of the Bridges of Ross – natural limestone arches over the sea.
A trip to Loop Head Lighthouse, which you can also stay in, is a must while other highlights include Carrigaholt Castle and the huge range of aquatic activities available. Take the Dolphinwatch boat trip from Carrigaholt to the mouth of the Shannon, for example, and you’ll have the chance to see some of the 160 or so bottlenose dolphins that live in this EU Special Area of Conservation.
In Northern Ireland, tranquil Rathlin Island, which lies six miles off the coast of County Antrim, is famous for its huge seabird colony, tales of Scottish and Irish folklore, kelp farming and laid-back natural setting.
This unspoiled environment is the perfect place to disconnect from the stresses of the modern world and reconnect with nature.
Rathlin boasts over 32km of breath-taking walking trails as well as three lighthouses, including its famous ‘upside down’ lighthouse, and a stunning coastline where seals can often be spotted at play.
An important site for breeding seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, kittiwakes, razorbills and fulmars and more recently corncrake, Rathlin is also home to the West Light Seabird Centre and a cliff-top walking trail.
Rathlin’s 150 or so residents are already familiar with sustainability, but they aim to go further and be completely carbon neutral by the end of the decade by producing their own wind and wave energy. The island has also recently introduced an e-bike and hybrid car community transport scheme.
Visitors’ cars are not allowed on the island, so walking and cycling are the main ways to see around. Bring your own bike on the ferry or hire one on the island.
Sustainable stays and experiences in Ireland
Ireland is home to a wide range of sustainable accommodation to suit every type of budget, and no matter where you go around the island, this is complemented by a huge variety of experiences that will keep you in tune with nature and the planet.
Among the new breed of sustainable hideaways in Ireland is Cabü by the Lakes, a collection of 28 cosy log cabins and lake houses in County Cavan. Lying deep within Killykeen Forest Park on the shores of Lough Oughter, this unique hideaway is an oasis of calm. Unwinding is easy – woodland walks, bike rides and forest bathing will give respite for mind and body, while the lakes and rivers offer fabulous fishing, and boating and kayaking explorations of a beautiful natural environment.
For a completely unplugged retreat, the Trannish Island Bothy in County Fermanagh offers a back to basics escape away from it all, while sites around Ireland where you can glamp under the stars include Podumna Village in County Galway, Ballyvolane House Glamping in County Cork or Wild Nephin National Park in County Mayo. Stunning new treetop lodges can also be found at Burrenmore Nest in Castlerock, County Londonderry.
For those who like to combine luxury with sustainability, excellent choices include the Killeavy Castle Estate in County Armagh, recently completed with strong eco-credentials built in. Once checked in you can avail of the likes of estate walks, cycling, golf, distillery tours, guided mountain walks, electric biking on a network of trails, and forest bathing.
Sustainable ‘luxury without the guilt’ can also be found in the heart of Dublin, in the newly opened Wren Urban Nest. On a mission to save the planet, this hotel has been constructed using advanced sustainable technologies, eliminating the need for fossil fuels and allowing the venue to use 100% renewable electricity to achieve net zero carbon status.
When it comes to sustainable experiences in Ireland, the choice is wide and deep. It could be getting into nature at Wild Ireland, a wild animal rescue sanctuary in County Donegal, exploring the Peace Maze at Castlewellan Forest Park in County Down, one of the largest hedge mazes in the world, or heading out for some whale and dolphin spotting around the celebrated Irish coastline.
The longest treetop walk in Ireland and the UK will soon be available at Avondale House and Forest Park in County Wicklow. The opening of ‘Beyond the Trees Avondale’ means an exciting new 1.2km treetop walk coupled with an impressive forest viewing tower standing at 38m, which will offer panoramic views over the Wicklow Mountains, the Avonmore River and the Vale of Avoca. There will also be a new orientation hub with café, renovated courtyard buildings and walled garden.
You can’t beat walking for sustainable adventure, and Ireland is home to a dizzying array of greenways, blueways and coastal paths and trails, with the likes of the newly launched Dublin Coastal Trail, the Mourne Coastal Path and the famous Causeway Coastal Route all waiting to be explored.
For those who want to see sustainability in action at a farm, there are farm tours aplenty, including the monthly farm walks at An Tairseach in County Wicklow. Or visit Broughgammon Farm in Ballycastle, County Antrim to sample a farm to fork tour and discover the secrets of their award-winning sustainable produce. You can also tour their regenerative vegetable plot and taste delicious seasonal vegetables grown in an environmentally friendly way. The farm also offers courses in foraging for wild edibles and wild remedies allowing you to learn while enjoying a wander through the beautiful countryside.
For more fresh, sustainably produced food check out McNally’s Family Farm stall in Temple Bar Food Market, one of Dublin’s oldest food markets. The family run farm, certified organic for over 20 years, specialises in growing a large variety of vegetables, herbs, salads, roots and fruits. It’s a great chance to meet the growers who are passionate about their produce and the environment.
E-bike hire is growing in popularity around the country too, and with hirers able to deliver and collect in all parts of the country, there is every opportunity to discover the delights of Ireland either with guided or self-guided tours.
Head into the wilds of Connemara with an e-bike from West Ireland Cycling in Galway, or hire from Glenarm Castle and explore the estate, Glenarm village and as much of the County Antrim coastline on the Causeway Coastal Route as you wish.
