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Nature in Ireland: The 7 Best Ecotourism Attractions

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Ireland isn’t nicknamed the Emerald Isle for nothing.

This vibrant green country is known for its undulating hills, giant peaks, and dramatic coastline, making it one of the best places in Europe to get outdoors and enjoy nature.

I fell in love with the Emerald Isle in May 2015, while researching for my print guidebook A Year in the UK and Ireland .

As an avid hiker, I knew I would adore it, but what I didn’t realize was how much of a mark Ireland would leave on me, an impression that I’m sure will last a lifetime.

These seven eco attractions are the best things to do in Ireland to get you in touch with its strongest asset– its wild, untamed, and jaw-dropping natural scenery.

READ MORE: A Week in Ireland (The Perfect Ireland Itinerary)

Killarney National Park

Home to Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest mountain, Killarney National Park in County Kerry is heaven for avid hikers.

Alongside this mighty peak are over 100km² of shimmering lakes and verdant hills, through which runs a range of paths suitable for walkers of all abilities.

One of the most popular and accessible hiking areas is through the Gap of Dunloe, a breath-taking mountain pass that takes you between two towering hills.

The relatively flat path runs alongside a river and past lakes, making it one of the best places to get up close and personal with the raw beauty of Killarney.

On the slopes of Torc or Mangerton hills in Killarney National Park you may be able to catch sight of some red deer, a species that has been roaming Irish lands for thousands of years.

The population was under threat some 50 years ago, with only 70-100 known individuals, but after careful conservation work and a ban on shooting, officials estimate there are now 850 in the park.

READ MORE:   The Top 5 National Parks in the UK

Seal Rescue Ireland, County Wexford

Originally located over in Dingle, but forced to move to Wexford when the centre was damaged by storms, Seal Rescue Ireland carries out valuable work for the population of seals that live off Ireland’s shores.

The company’s motto is “Rescue. Rehabilitate, Release.” They work mostly with seal pups that find themselves stranded on the beaches .

A team of dedicated volunteers care for the pups until they’re strong enough to be reintroduced to the open ocean.

Guests can visit the center to learn more about this essential marine work – entry is donation-based and goes straight to the center to help them carry out their mission.

It’s best to call ahead before your arrival, just to check that they have seal pups in their care at the time of your visit.

READ MORE: Inspirational Animal Rights Activists (15 Female Heroes)

Wicklow Mountains National Park

Known as the Garden of Ireland, County Wicklow is a playground for anyone who loves to be outdoors.

More specifically, Wicklow Mountains National Park is where you’ll find the area’s most dazzling gems, and being under two hours from Dublin its even reachable for a day trip from the capital.

Glendalough is one of the most popular spots in Wicklow, due to its beautiful mountains and monastic site, one of the most important in Ireland.

Nearby Glenmalure is also worth hiking along as it’s the longest glacial valley in Ireland. Here, a magnificent waterfall sweeps down the hillside.

Wicklow is an area of particular interest to birdwatchers, as its home to over 100 bird species . Look out for herons and Peregrine Falcons, or even a Goldcrest, Ireland’s smallest bird, which is known to feed in high branches in Wicklow.

READ MORE:   List of National Parks By State (An Epic Guide)

The Cliffs of Moher, County Clare

The Cliffs of Moher in County Clare are among the most visited attractions in Ireland – and for good reason.

This 5-mile stretch of spectacular cliff scenery towers over 700 feet above the crashing ocean at its highest point, showing off the raw power and beauty of Ireland.

It is estimated that the rock that forms the Cliffs of Moher dates back 300 million years, and each layer we can see in the stone today tells the story of a significant event that played a part in creating this magnificent scenery.

Wander along the clifftops to see them from all angles, and make your way to O’Brien’s Tower, an excellent lookout point that offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and open ocean.

The Cliffs of Moher are also along the Wild Atlantic Way , the coastal route that runs all the way from Cork to Donegal – well worth exploring more if you’re on the west coast of Ireland.

READ MORE: The Best Mountains in the World (World Travel Bucket List)

Burren National Park

Characterized by its other-worldly limestone scenery, Burren National Park  (which is located in northwest Ireland) northwest is one of the most surreal landscapes in the country.

Its name comes from the Irish word boíreann , which means “rocky place.” It’s an accurate description for the giant mounds and cracked flats of limestone that spread for miles across the national park.

This is a great place for hiking. Walking in the Burren makes you feel like you’re walking on the surface of the moon.

The park runs free tours between April and August (make sure to book ahead) which will give you plenty of information about the geology and flora and fauna that grows here.

With plenty of well-kept roads, the Burren also makes a nice drive if you’re looking for something a little less active.

READ MORE:  The Best Hikes in the World (World Travel Bucket List)

Whale and Dolphin Watching in Cork

During the 1990s, Ireland declared all of their territorial waters a whale and dolphin sanctuary, setting their oceans up to become a prime spot for marine tourism in Europe .

The coast of West Cork in the country’s south is one of the best places to catch sight of various species, most notably Minke Whales, Fin Whales, Common Dolphins, Harbour Porpoises, and even Humpback Whales.

A number of responsible boat companies run whale and dolphin watching tours around the southwest of Ireland.

Those really keen to see some marine life should head to Baltimore right in the south of Ireland, a top spot for sightings.

Here, it’s possible to not only see whales and dolphins, but also seals and basking sharks (the second largest fish after the whale shark ).

READ MORE: 5 Rare Sharks Worth Saving 

Glenveagh National Park, Donegal

Located up in Ireland’s northwest corner is Donegal, a county which is known for its immense natural beauty.

Glenveagh National Park is one of Donegal’s most popular showstoppers– an area bursting with wildlife and beautiful things to see and do.

Once a private deer forest, Glenveagh was protected as a national park in 1975, and opened to the public in 1986.Glenveagh is particularly known for its bird life, and you can see species such as Peregrine Falcons and Golden Plovers here.

In the last twenty years or so, the park has been working hard to reintroduce Golden Eagles. The project has proven increasingly successful in recent years, and several breeding pairs now nest within the park’s borders.

The population of endemic Red Deer still remains strong here, of course. The best time of year to see them is during their rutting season, which last from September through November. -Emma Higgins

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A Guide to an Eco-friendly Journey in Ireland

Ireland, often referred to as the ‘Emerald Isle,’ is renowned for its lush green landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality. But in recent years, the country has also become a leader in sustainable and eco-friendly travel, offering visitors a plethora of options to explore the beautiful island while minimising its environmental impact. This guide will provide you with top tips and insights to plan a memorable, responsible, and eco-conscious trip to Ireland.

Understanding Sustainable Tourism

Ireland’s commitment to sustainable travel, carbon offsetting: an innovative approach, enjoying the great outdoors, maximising use of public transport, supporting local communities, choosing eco-friendly accommodation, engaging in eco-friendly activities, adopting sustainable practices, leaving only footprints.

Sustainable tourism, also known as ecotourism, refers to travel practices that prioritise environmental conservation, local community support, and cultural preservation. The fundamental principle of sustainable tourism is the notion of “taking only pictures, leaving only footprints.” This means that travellers strive to minimise their environmental impact while maximising their positive contributions to local communities.

According to the World Tourism Organisation, sustainable tourism is “tourism that takes full account of its current and future environmental, social, and economic impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and communities.”

Ireland has emerged as a champion of sustainable tourism, with several initiatives aimed at promoting responsible travel. These include the development of eco-friendly tour operators, the promotion of local businesses and artisans, the protection of natural areas, and the implementation of green practices in the hospitality industry.

Organisations like Sustainable Travel Ireland , B Corp, and Pure Mile Project are at the forefront of Ireland’s sustainable tourism efforts. These bodies provide guidelines and resources for businesses and travellers, promoting practices that reduce environmental impact and support local communities. They also offer certifications and awards to businesses that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.

One of the significant initiatives in sustainable travel is carbon offsetting. This approach involves calculating the carbon emissions generated from travel activities and investing in projects that reduce or remove an equivalent amount of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.

In Ireland, several tour operators have adopted this approach. For instance, every guest booking with a particular operator results in the planting of ten native Irish trees, offsetting the carbon emissions generated during their trip. This initiative not only helps to neutralize the environmental impact of tourism but also supports local reforestation projects.

Exploring Ireland Responsibly

When planning your eco-friendly trip to Ireland, consider the following aspects:

Ireland is a paradise for nature lovers, with its stunning landscapes, rugged coastlines, and diverse wildlife. However, it’s crucial to explore these natural spaces responsibly. Stick to designated trails when hiking, avoid disturbing wildlife, and always take your litter with you. Remember, the goal is to leave no trace of your visit, preserving Ireland’s natural beauty for future generations.

Public transportation is a more eco-friendly option compared to private vehicles, as it reduces the amount of carbon emissions per passenger. Ireland has an extensive public transportation network, including buses, trains, and ferries, making it easy to travel around the country sustainably. If you do need to use a car, consider carpooling or renting a hybrid or electric vehicle.

Supporting local businesses is a vital aspect of sustainable travel. This can involve eating at local restaurants, buying from local artisans and farmers, or staying at locally owned-accommodations. Not only does this help to boost the local economy, but it also reduces your carbon footprint by minimising the need for long-distance transport of goods and services.

When booking your accommodation, look for places that prioritise sustainability. This could involve energy-efficient practices, waste reduction measures, or the use of locally sourced and eco-friendly materials. Some establishments even offer guests opportunities to participate in conservation activities.

Opt for activities that have a minimal environmental impact. This could include hiking, cycling, kayaking, or simply exploring the local culture. Avoid activities that can harm the environment or disturb wildlife.

Beyond choosing eco-friendly options for travel, accommodation, and activities, there are several other sustainable practices you can adopt during your trip:

• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle : Minimise your waste production, reuse items as much as possible, and recycle where facilities are available.
• Avoid Single-Use Plastics : Carry a reusable water bottle, use a reusable shopping bag, and say no to plastic straws and cutlery.
• Respect Local Cultures and Traditions : Learn about local customs and traditions, respect local norms and etiquettes, and support local artisans by purchasing locally made crafts and products.
• Conserve Resources : Be mindful of your resource consumption. Turn off lights and appliances when not in use, take shorter showers, and avoid wasting food.
• Educate Yourself and Others : Learn about the environmental issues facing the places you visit and share this knowledge with others. Awareness is the first step towards positive change.

Sustainable travel is not just about reducing your environmental impact. It’s about immersing yourself in the local culture, supporting local communities, and leaving a positive legacy. By choosing to travel sustainably in Ireland, you’ll not only have an unforgettable experience but also contribute to the preservation of this beautiful island for future generations. So pack your bags, lace up your walking shoes, and get ready to explore Ireland the green way!

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Taking you off the beaten track is what we are all about. There is no better way to experience the Emerald Isle than on our unique Ireland eco tours. Explore Ireland with your friendly and passionate local guides, practicing sustainable travel every step of the way. Ecotourism in Ireland is a growing practice, as we learn to look after our beautiful country and our rich culture. Please get in touch if you have any questions. 

Ecotourism in Ireland

The philosophy we apply to our Ireland eco tours revolves around fully experiencing a destination and not see it just through a bus window. When you truly love a place, you will do what’s necessary to protect it. That’s why we place a huge emphasis on taking you off the beaten track, to explore the most amazing landscapes and experience a destination’s unique culture and ecological wonders. Once you’ve seen the wilder parts of Ireland, you’ll want to protect it too!

While exploring one of our many eco-minded tours, you can even enhance your experience by adding in a unique active tour like our Ireland walking tours and our Ireland Cycling Tours  — or any of our other carefully selected tours, finding something to suit your needs. Learn more about taking a sustainable tour in Ireland with Wild N Happy!

Top Ireland Eco Tours

Dingle & The Ring Of Kerry Day Tour

Ireland’s Land of Giants – 6 Day Tour of Ireland

Ireland’s Wild West – 5 Day Self-Drive Tour

The wild n happy foundation, make a difference when you travel with us as with each booking you make directly with us we give back 3% through the wild n happy foundation to carefully selected initiatives that promote a better planet., benefits of booking an eco tour.

• Explore unique destinations We will take you off the beaten track to explore the most amazing landscapes and discover unique experiences. We believe that a destination needs to be experienced, not seen through a bus window. That’s why we place a huge emphasis on minimizing time on the road so that you can explore and enjoy all that a destination has to offer, without rushing. Even better, you can explore while walking, cycling, kayaking or whatever adventure suits you.
• Small group tours Your experience is our priority and we make certain that it surpasses your expectations. That is why we place huge emphasis on small group experiences with an average group size of 16. There are many benefits to having this size: you don’t feel like you're being herded around, we are able to include more activity options, it’s easier to meet people... plus we can get you off the beaten track and do way more in a day!
• Great value We guarantee the best deals on activities you can find, so you can afford to do more. We know that travelling can be expensive and that’s why we have put together the best tour experiences that already include the out-of-the-way, "must-see" places.
• Top experiences for you! We put great emphasis on providing a wide range of high quality experiences that are specially designed to suit your needs. Whether you're an individual, family, or group we have something perfect to get you active. From climbing mountains, kayaking adventures on mystical lakes, historical and wildlife tours we will provide you with a real sense of adventure and above all a memory that will last forever.
• The best guides and drivers Our focus is you and your experience. Therefore, we take great pride and care in choosing the perfect guides and drivers for you. They are all professional, qualified, passionate, fun and most importantly have vast experience and knowledge of a destination. This will help you make the most of your time and ensure you can explore without any hassles, worries and just simply have a memorable experience. There is one guarantee; your guide and driver will be amazing.
• Responsible travel experiences We recognize our duty towards providing Responsible Travel, ‘that creates better places for people to live in, and better places to visit.’ We equally understand that great product ideas may not always be the most appropriate form of local economic development. Therefore, before launching any of our tourism products we make sure that they adhere to our strict principles on Responsible Tourism that include respecting local natural resources, cultural heritage, and human values. We encourage our clients to be aware of their environmental, social and economic impact too.

Eco Tour FAQs

Will i meet other like minded travellers on my tour.

Yes, on our tour experiences you will meet like minded people that love the outdoors and getting to know all the cool facts about a destination.

A lot of people say when you go on a tour with us, you start off as strangers but by the end, you are friends for life.

Will there be a guide or driver on my tour?

Yes, you will have a dedicated driver guide throughout your tour experience who will be qualified, engaging and knowledgeable. They will provide you with exclusive insights into the best place to go, the must experiences and all the ins and outs of everyday life of the destination you are exploring.

How do eco tours compare to a private tour?

On one of our cultural tour experiences, you travel with like-minded people who you’ve never met. We provide small group tours of 16 people maximum in which you have an expert driver guide.

However, the main difference is you have a set start time and itinerary for a group. While if you choose a private tour experience, this can be tailored to suit your preferred departure time and requirements.

Can I book a private eco-tour experience?

Yes, for each of our tour experiences you can have a private tour. You can either book directly online or contact us to confirm availability.

Is there 24/7 support service

When booking a tour experience, we offer you a 24/7 support service so no matter where you are or what time of the day it is we are just a call away to help you out. This reassuring service will help you explore your destination with ease and confidence.

We would like to add some extras to our eco tour. What can we add?

We will provide in your detailed travel notes a list of available options that can be added to your tour. These include guiding services and a wide range of activity, cultural and ecological experiences.

If you have a particular interest outside of the tour that you would like to experience and don’t see it offered in our available options, just let us know. We will do our best to help make it happen for you.

If I select accommodation for my eco tour, what is the difference between the Budget, Classic and Luxury?

• Budget – Our Budget Tour Style lets you experience your destination at a great price. We use hostel accommodation that is clean, centrally located and has a unique atmosphere that allows you to relax and enjoy the very best of where you are exploring.
• Classic – Our Classic Tour Style offers you a Lodge/B&B (Bed & Breakfast) experience. All our venues are welcoming, centrally located and have a warm friendly atmosphere that will make you feel right at
• Luxury – Our Luxury Tour Style provides you with the opportunity to experience 4 Star Guest Houses/Hotel that offers fantastic comfort and is centrally located in whichever destination you are exploring.

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Independent Eco Living Advice

Eco Tourism Destinations in Ireland

In light of the easing of Covid-19 restrictions I thought an article on eco holiday day-trips was timely. I’ve previously written about having a Sustainable Day out in Dublin city , but now I’m going further afield to looking at eco tourism attractions around the rest of the county and country.

Nothing mentioned in this article has been sponsored. It’s all just my own personal opinion. If you like your sources to remain independent then please;

Share this article, or buy me a coffee on ko-fi , or make a  one-time donation  via paypal, photo by wynand van poortvliet on unsplash.

This article started off longer than this but I had to take out wonderful attractions because they didn’t appear to be making sustainability a priority. Maybe they are hiding their light under a bushel and are doing all manner of eco activities covertly. If you know of any eco spots that are walking-the-walk in terms of sustainability or fall into one of the categories list below, then please add a comment beneath this article or send me an email about them.

• land given over to wildlife or forestry
• particularly impressive gardens
• animal sanctuaries or rescue centres
• organic farms set up for visitors
• environmental groups set up for visitors

Countrywide Birdwatch Ireland Nature Reserves . This non-profit organisation manages 16 wildbird nature reserves throughout the country.

And Coilte has a list of it’s recreational sites on this interactive map .

Bike Hire Cycling is one of the most sustainable ways to tour an are and there are plenty of bike hire companies out there. If you’d like to support one that has completed training in sustainable business practices then check out the members of Sustainable Travel Ireland

Tour Companys Tour company Wilderness Ireland actively reduce the environmental footprint of their tours by prioritising walking or cycling or kayaking, banning the use of single-use plastic bottles, prioritising small independently-run businesses and limiting the size of tours in order to limit impact. They also offsett the carbon they do emit and donate to environmental charities in the area in which they operate.

Farm Tours Take a tour of an organic farm with Farming for Nature . Also the organic farm An Tairseach in Wicklow carries out montly farm walks.

Playgrounds And if you’re out and about how you might be interested in this comprehensive list of playgrounds around Ireland .

Clare Aloha Surf school is located at one of the Geosites in The Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Geopark. The company is a member of Burren Ecotourism Network and the Education Committee of BurrenBeo, Ireland’s first landscape charity who promote and support the sustainable management and use of the unique landscape and heritage. Price – on request

Cork Lough Hyne in the only Marine Reserve in Ireland. It is a salt water lake connected to the Atlantic sea and for that reason has a unique habitat with a diverse range of marine plants and animals.

The Donkey Sanctuary in Cork is a registered charity and has over 130 donkeys and mules on it’s open farm. It also have a visitor information centre serving teas, coffees and snacks. Price – Donation requested

Donegal Wild Ireland is a wild animal rescue sanctuary based in a woodland in Donegal. It is home to brown bears, European wolves, wild boar and lynx, back together in the Irish forest for the first time in thousands of years. Each session to the park lasts 3 hours and their are keeper talks every 15 mins. It’s on my list of places to visit but we haven’t made it to the corner of the country as of yet. Cost – €10 per adult, €8 per child

Glenveigh National Park is a remote landscape of mountains, lakes, waterfalls and native oak woodland in the heart of the Derryveagh Mountains in the north west of County Donegal. At the centre of the Park on the edge of Lough Veagh is Glenveagh Castle, a late 19th century castellated mansion, built as a hunting lodge. The castle has gardens, which are open for free all year round. There’s a cafe and visitor centre at the edge of the park and wilderness camping is allowed outside of the main valley in the park.

Dublin North Bull Island is a wildlife reserve near Clontarf in Dublin Bay on the east side of Dublin and is particularly well know for wild bird sightings. They’re aren’t a lot of amenities on the Island but there are restaurants within driving/ cycling distance. The best place to read up no the location is on the Trip advisor website. Not quite sustainable but they’ve an impressive Kite Festival on the island once a year. Cost – Free

Booterstown Marsh Reserve is another wildlife sanctuary, this time on the South side of Dublin. AS with the resserve above the best place to find up to the date info on it is on the Trip Advisor website. Cost – Free

St Anne’s Urban Farm in Clontarf on the East Side of Dublin, near the North Bull Island is a community-run rescue centre for animals you’d typically find on a pet farm. Cost – Free

Shane’s Howth Adventures gives tours of the UNESCO Dublin biosphere around Howth, Co Dublin. In terms of sustainability they minimise waste, promote public and human powered transport and local food suppliers.

Galway The Burren National Park is located in the south-eastern corner of the Burren and is approximately 1500 hectares in size. The word “Burren” comes from an Irish word “Boíreann” meaning a rocky place. It contains examples of all the major habitats within the Burren: limestone pavement, calcareous grassland, hazel scrub, ash/hazel woodland, turloughs, lakes, petrifying springs, cliffs and fen. An information point is mentioned on the website but it’s unclear what exactly that is.

The Burren Nature Sanctuary is 50 acres in total and offers a wild orchid meadow, magical hazel fairy woodland, a stonewalled pasture, a 3 acre lake that empties and refills every 12 hours and 25 acres of rewilding. On site there is an organic garden, an air-to-water heat pump, a rain water harvesting system and a high spec waste-water system with a sand filter. The owners are also members of ‘Adopt a Hedgrow’, clearing rubbish yearly from a 1km stretch from their entrace gate to Kinvara, They also plant native trees, compost organic waste on site and operate low waste principles in relation to rubbish, water and energy.

Connemara National Park is located in Letterfrack in Galway and covers some 2,000 hectares of mountains, bogs, heaths, grasslands and woodlands. Some of the Park’s mountains, namely Benbaun, Bencullagh, Benbrack and Muckanaght, are part of the famous Twelve Bens or Beanna Beola range. Wilderness camping is allowed in the park, subject to exclusions, and there’s a visitor centre, cafe and playground.

Brigits Garden is a non-profit set up as a place of connection with nature, beauty and Celtic heritage, and as a resource for education, reflection and creativity. On site they’ve solar panels, a wood pellet stove and an organic garden, all with a view to showcasing sustainability to visitors through their educational programmes. They also have a cafe serving locally sourced food. Cost – €9 for adults €6 for children €26 for family of 4

Slieve Aughty Centre in Loughrea, Galway, is an eco-friendly equestrian and activity leisure centre set on 17 acres, some of which is a Special Protection Area for the hen harrier. They offer horse trecking and lessons, bike and donkey hire and pizza making sessions. The centre runs on renewable energy and supplementary heating in the eco-lodge is with wood harvested on site. The centre is designed to maximise daylight and reduce the need for artificial lighting. Laundry is mostly air dried and lighting and low flow shower heads, sink taps and toilets are installed in the common areas. Rainwater is collected for use in the stables and garden and hot discharge water from the dishwasher is sometimes used to clean floors or outside decking. Vegetables and fruits are grown chemical-free on site with additional additional fruits and vegetables sourced locally and organically, when possible. Cheese and free-range eggs are provided by local farms and mushrooms are harvested from the forest when available. More than 90% of purchased products are certified organic and coffee and tea purchased are fair trade. They compost any food waste and they reduce packaging by buying in bulk. In 2007 chalets were constructed with old timber, roof and brick from our old guest house. Dining room furniture was made with timber from the old guest house as well and in 2010, 2 sheds were renovated completely with materials from the original guest house. Guests who choose non-air travel receive a 5% discount on their holiday and farm bikes are provided free for guests to visit the immediate area. Eco-friendly cleaners are used for all cleaning and clothes washing and cloths are used for cleaning instead of paper towels. The centre supports the Irish Peatlands Conservation Council, places bird houses and plants native trees around the centre and has developed a free nature walk for the public at it’s own expense. Cost – €25 – €60

Kerry Sea Synergy is a marine awareness, research & activity centre founded in 2014 by  marine biologist Lucy Hunt. They offer walks, snorkling, stand up paddleboard and canoe tours  focused on local marine wildlife. They also provide educational programmes for schools. Prices – Vary depending on the tour

The Naked Sheep in Tuosist offer a 2 hour guided Alpaca trekking experience  for people over 12 years of age, through forests with views overlooking the Cloonee Lakes, Kenmare Bay, and the Ring of Kerry mountain range.

South and west of the town of Killarney in Co. Kerry is Kilarney National Park , an expanse of mountainous country that includes the highest mountain range in Ireland, the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and the famous lakes of Killarney. Here. Also in this 10,236 hectare National Park are woods and waterfalls, a hostel and educational centre for visiting groups, and two country houses with gardens. Canoing on the lakes is allowed, with a permit.

Leitrim Based on a 100 acre organic beef farm  Mountallen Eco Tours offer a number of walks, with the option to focus on local ecology and biodiversity. They also run a number of workshops including Moth Trapping, Conducting Butterfly Transects, Hedge Coppicing, and Composting. The farm has been organic since 1996 and His farm has a variety of habitats including a raised bog, mature native woodland, species rich acidic grassland, wildflower meadows, lakeshore and river. Additionally, it has a diversity of rare and declining species such as the Marsh Fritillary butterfly, Large Heath Butterfly, Lady’s Tresses Orchid and Mudwort. A wetland habitat has also been created onsite to support populations of breeding and wintering wildfowl and waders such as Curlew.  The farm is engaged in social farming practices in which individuals experiencing difficulties are invited to engage in farm-life. Price – on request

Mayo Wild Nephin Ballycroy National Park is located on the western seaboard of Western Mayo and comprises of 11,000 hectares and is home to Owenduff bog, one of the last intact active blanket bog systems in Ireland and Western Europe, and the Nephin Beg mountain range. You can hike and camp in the park and there’s a visitor’s centre and cafe.

Mayo is also now home to Ireland’s first International Dark Sky Park , showcasing some of the darkest, most pristine skies in the world.

Meath Sonairte Interactive Visitor Centre has a cafe, eco-shop and educational centre, along with an organic garden, and nature trails. Cost – Free

Back into Daylight is a registered charity and vegan animal sanctuary in Navan Co Meath. It looks after up to 400 wild and rescued animals, which they try to rehome where possible. Cost – Donation requested

Beewise in Co Meath offers talks and walks on their 5 acres site, which they planted with over 10,000 pollinator-friendly trees, and plants to complement the native hedgerows already in place. The venue is wheelchair and children friendly, with outdoor picnic and play areas, and some tea/coffee and light snacks on sale.

Boyne Boats offer you a chance to paddle your way down the Boyne river in a handcrafted traditional Irish currac.

Offaly Lough Borra Discovery Park – This park was originally harvested for it’s peat up until it was converted into a stunning natural park. There’s a few walks around the site but none short, so be warned. You can bring your own bikes to the park or rent some there, which is a great way to get around this stunning landscape. of lakes and woodland. There’s two car parks. One is near the visitor centre, cafe, picnic areas and bike rental, while the second, smaller one is closer to the start of the walks. The park is also dotted with sculptures. Cost – Free

Sligo Voya, specialise in seaweed-based products and spa treatments.   The company states that they only use natural and non-toxic ingredients including wild organic seaweeds, harvested by hand to protect the coastal environment, and that their products contain as much organic ingredients as possible. Voya products are free from cruelty and mineral oils, GM ingredients, synthetic colours, fragrances or preservatives and are certified as being organic. They are also a member of ECOPACT, an initiative designed to ensure the widespread introduction of environmentally responsible and sustainable development of seaweed resources and any emissions generated during the manufacturing process are offset with carbon credits acquired by the company. Price – €30 – €85

Waterford There are a number of designated walks through the Unesco Copper Coast Geopark , an area designated to be of international geological significance managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development. Cost – Free

Wexford National Heritage Park – Our family loved this park, both for it’s stunning scenery and fantastically constructed historical buildings. A huge park, you really could do with spending a good few hours here. We we able to engage in some archery when we visited, for a small additional fee and there was a show and tell of birds of prey up at the Norman castle.

Seal Rescue Centre is based in Courtown in Co Wexford and does exactly what it says on the tin; rescue seals. We were very lucky to have Santa bring us adoption papers for one of their seals in 2020, and really enjoyed seeing Asteroid getting better and being released in February of 2021. In pre-Covid times you could book a 60min feeding sessions at the centre at a cost of €20 per person.

JFK Arboretum is a huge park full of mature trees and lakes in New Ross, Co Wexford. It’s quite a manicured park and if you do the full loop it takes a good 2-3 hours so be warned. Other than trees there isn’t a huge amount else to see here. There’s a cafe on site. Cost – Free

Wexford’s Organic Lavender Farm , is located in Gorey and has woodland walks ranging from 2-7km for visitors. They also have an onsite cafe. Cost – Free

Tintern Abbey is a 16th centaury monastery set in a special area of conservation and surrounded by woodland with walking trails and a Colclough Walled Garden. During conservation special measures were taken to protect the local bat colonies. Cost – Free

Alpaca Lodge offers a 1-1.5 hour with their Alpaca’s over 2km through the Wexford countryside.

Wicklow Kilmacurragh Botanic Gardens – You may well be aware of the Botanic Gardens in North Dublin city, well these are it’s wilder cousins in Co Wicklow. We visited it when the Rhododendron trees were in bloom and it was a stunning site. Not a big site to walk so do-able with smallies, and there is a cafe on site. Cost – Free

Cool Planet Experience , Enniskerry, Co Wicklow– Here you’ll experience a great interactive display to help learn about climate change. My kids loved it. They also have a few well priced reusables on sale in reception too. Unfortunately this doesn’t appear to be open as of yet. Will update this article when it is.

Greenan Maze started out as an organic farm and now offers a walks through a nature reserve with native trees planted by the land owners. There’s also a maze, rural museum, craft shop and cafe onsite, with the latter selling organic coffee. €8 for adults €7.50 for children €29 for family of 4.

Galactic Ireland run 2 hour star gazing sessions near the sugarloaf mountain in Co Wicklow. It’s €45 per person for each session and a full refund is available if the weather results in it being cancelled.

Wicklow Mountains National Park is situated just south of Dublin. Covering 20,483 hectares,  it has the distinction of being the largest of Ireland’s six National Parks. Wild camping is allowed beyond the alley of Glendalough and there is a privately-owned hostel in the park. There is also a visitor centre  in the village of Laragh and a National Park Information Office near the Upper lake.

Wild Acres offers talks, walks and workshops on it’s 17.5 acres nature reserve and honey farm in Co Wicklow. Since purchasing the property in 2017 the owners have created 9 ponds and 4 acre wildflower meadow, planted 2km of native hedgerows and over 10,000 native trees.

K2 Alpaca offers treks with Alpacas for anyone over the age of 8, which they finish with a glass of prosecco or juice! The walk itself is 1 1/4 hours long, with an intro at the start and a break at the end.

As always I’ll update this article as I come across more places.

Elaine & Paul

PS – If you like this article check out my other articles;

• Sustainable Ethical Accommodation in Ireland & the UK
• Sustainable Day Out in Dublin

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2 thoughts on “ eco tourism destinations in ireland ”.

A possible contender for the list http://slieveaughtycentre.com/

Oh yes, brilliant. Thanks for that. Don’t know how I left them out. They’re in my article of eco accomodation in Ireland.

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Let’s make Ireland even greener: our guide to sustainable travel in Ireland

Our commitment to safe and sustainable travel in ireland has been steadfast since our conception. from eco-friendly initiatives to supporting local, we’re a small irish company dedicated to the community and sustainable travel in ireland..

Ireland is known as the ‘Emerald Isle’; the land of all that is green. So, it feels only fitting that we’re devoted to making the island even greener through sustainable travel in Ireland.

Launched in 2014, we’re a small-scale, locally owned and operated travel company. We do what we do because we love Ireland; we grew up here and know it like the back of our hand. Many summers we have spent doing the things and seeing the sights we now share with our guests. 

And, while the major Irish attractions are covered, no doubt, what we offer is true trips of Ireland by the type of locals you’d want to cheers your Guinness with at the pub. We offer this easily because it’s who we are: native Irish adventurers with a passion for sharing our love of the land with others. 

For us, green initiatives have been instilled in our DNA since day dot. Although now, more than ever, these initiatives bear resonance seldom seen. If you’re a conscientious traveller seeking a wholesome, adventurous, and authentic holiday in Ireland, we may make a great match. Read on to find out about our green and sustainable travel initiatives at Irish Experience Tours. 

What does sustainable travel in Ireland mean to us?

The words ‘sustainable’ and ‘green’ are bashed about today as buzz words and sweeping statements with little to back them up. At Irish Experience Tours, we actively try to avoid such purpose-washing and instead offer true and transparent actions. After all, actions speak louder than words.

When we talk about ‘sustainable’ travel we are committing to responsible tourism in Ireland. What does that mean? It means we vie to keep our groups small to lower the environmental impact; we respect the land, support local communities, and independent business. Most of all, we honour our Irish heritage and do our part in preserving it for generations to come. 

What are our eco-initiatives?

Transparency is part of who we are. Like many Irish people, we say it as it is. We also understand that we’ll never stop learning and growing, and we do all we can to continually evolve and ensure we’re making the best decisions for our guests, our fair country and our planet. 

With this in mind, we are committed on our path to achieve sustainability certificates for Irish Experience Tours. To date, we have completed a fully comprehensive program that focuses on creating a sustainable tourism policy for our organisation and clear, achievable goals for the future. We are also in the midst of a second course, ‘Sustainability Management Systems’; this develops solid management systems from which our sustainability policies, practices and progress will be built.

Some of our eco-friendly initiatives in place currently include the following:

• Only on completion of each tour, our tour vehicles are jet-washed. This is because we strive to save water in whatever way we can.
• We use eco-friendly cleaning products, for example, Lilly’s Eco Clean, and Ecover eco-friendly tablets. We sanitise our vehicles using alcohol-based hand sanitisers with no chemical additives.
• On tours and at our headquarters, all waste generated is recycled. This includes office paper, card and cardboard, hard and soft plastic, polystyrene, batteries, phones and printer cartridges, metals and glass. We also compost all organic waste.
• Single-use plastic is discouraged. We promote this by offering water refilling stations on our tours. 
• We vow to plant ten native Irish trees for every customer booking in 2022 to offset emissions through  Trees On The Land  – a programme to promote native trees across the 32 counties of Ireland. Using native Irish tree species promotes biodiversity and helps foster more effective natural habitats for insects, birds and mammals on the island of Ireland.

Responsible tourism

We have always been committed to strengthening our local community via sustainable travel in Ireland, in whatever way we can. 

Our pledges to responsible tourism remain unchanged since the day we were founded; this is what we’ve always done, and what we will always do. Although now we realise that we need to come together and support one another like never before. 

Some of our commitments to responsible tourism include:

• Partnering with local communities for sustainable tourism.
• Local is better; it is more authentic; it is more sustainable. On average, our tours spend nine days and eight nights in rural Ireland. The bulk of our customer spend is retained in the local economy because we give preference to locally-owned providers.
• Off the beaten track tours avoid over-tourism. It’s more rewarding for guests, and it delivers real economic benefits for lesser-explored corners of Ireland.
• Preserving local history and heritage. We’re proud of our roots and we’re excited to share them with the rest of the world. When you travel with us, you’ll get a true insight into Irish culture and heritage. Our mission is to preserve our history for generations to come.
• We respect Irish nature, wildlife and landscapes with our ‘Leave No Trace’ policy.

Tips on more sustainable travel

• Getting to Ireland: take the boat where possible. There are boats from France, England, the Isle of Man, and even Spain all pointing to the Emerald Isle.
• Getting around: walk when you can, use bikes, public transport or tour buses.
• Shopping: shop local. Ireland is a hotbed of artisans, independent producers, and traditional craftspeople.

Low-impact tours 

At Irish Experience Tours, we offer a range of low-impact experiences to ensure that you have the most memorable adventure on the Emerald Isle while knowing that you’re leaving less impact on our green soil. 

Some of our most popular low-impact tours include our  easygoing e-bike tour of the Dingle Peninsula . On this four-day excursion, you can expect to fall in love with the mystic west coast of Ireland. Dive into culinary delights and sip on locally-produced whiskey, bask in the boundless wonders of this stunning coastal route and leave wanting more.

Another option is our four-day active  multi-adventure tour of the Reeks District . Like the aforementioned, this tour is also based in the Kingdom of Kerry and offers outdoor enthusiasts an opportunity to hike, bike and discover some of the most magnificent natural wonders in all of Ireland.

For those who are looking to enjoy a  private bubble tour  with their nearest and dearest, we’re on hand to design a bespoke tour that prioritises low-impact activities and excursions around the Emerald Isle.

Get in touch with us today at [email protected] if you’re interested in an eco-Irish adventure this summer. 

10% Off Spring 2024. Travel in March or April for a 10% discount off the May-Sept price.

We create and operate tours that let travellers experience the country from a local and authentic perspective by connecting them with our place and our people. 

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Eco-friendly travel guide to Ireland advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to travel in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Ireland , Europe .

• Air quality : 4 / 5
• Bus connections : 3.5 / 5
• Train connections : 3 / 5
• Hitchhiking : 3 / 5
• National parks : 3.5 / 5
• Outdoor activities : 4 / 5
• Locals' English level : 4 / 5
• Safety : 3.5 / 5
• Accommodation : US$20 - $500
• Budget per day : US$50 - $700
• 1 Responsible Travel
• 2 Air Quality and Pollution
• 3 Respect the Culture
• 4 Top 10 Places to Visit
• 5.1 City Parks
• 5.2 National Parks
• 5.3 Beaches
• 5.4 Landmarks
• 5.5 Museums
• 7.1 Tap-water
• 8 Activities
• 9.1 Green Hotels
• 9.2 Hostels and Guest Houses
• 9.3 Apartments
• 9.4 Couchsurfing
• 9.5 Camping
• 12.4 Hitchhiking
• 12.5 Others
• 13 Sustainable Shopping
• 15.1 Exchange Student
• 15.2 Au Pair
• 15.3 Volunteering
• 16 See Also

Responsible Travel

Ireland is one of the most popular countries in the world that is loved by tourists and visited very often to explore the culture and famous attractions. This country is an island located in the North Atlantic. St George’s Channel, North Channel, and the Irish Sea separate this country from Great Britain. This island country comes in 20th position for being the largest on Earth, 3rd largest island in Europe, and 2nd largest island in the British Isles. More than 7 people stay in this country and receive a vast number of tourists every year.

This country is also known as the Republic of Ireland, which is also very popular for being one of the wealthiest countries in the world. As popularity is very high in the country, the crowd of the country will amaze you. There are some of the places in the country that are famous all around the world for natural beauty and others. You will hear some of the historical stories about the country that will help you to understand the people very well. Apart from that, the museums and historical monuments help you to witness some of the original historic artifacts and others.

However, these are not the only things that attract tourists from different corners of the country. The culture and traditions of the country are also playing a very important role in making the country special and attractive. There are some things that you need to keep in mind while traveling to this country. As an eco-friendly traveler, it will help you and the country to stay healthy and clean.

• After exploring the different places of the country, you will need some rest to get your energy back. The best way to do that is by visiting the city parks that will help you to both get close to nature and enjoy some quiet time . As an eco-friendly traveler, visiting the parks in the city will help you a lot to enjoy the green and inspire the local people to visit them and keep them alive. Some of these parks are a great recreational spot for the kids. You will be able to get very fresh air in these city parks as they are surrounded by lush green
• After reaching the country, you do not have to look much for getting accommodation. The country is a very well known travel destination around the world that will help you to get a lot of accommodation options available. However, you need to both ensure a comfortable stay and keep the country clean from pollution and waste. The best way to do that is by choosing to stay in green hotels. There are plenty of green hotels available that you can choose to stay in the country. It will help the environment of the country a lot as they use green methods
• Just like accommodation, you will get a lot of options available for choosing the transportations to move around. Most of them are operated using fuel and release smoke that pollutes the air. So, you can choose eco-friendly options that will both give you a very good traveling experience and keep the city out of pollution. Some of the eco-friendly options that you will get in this country are electronic cars, cycles, e-bikes, and others. You can also choose to travel the country by walking around if you have enough time available in your hand
• One of the best ways to explore the culture and traditions of the country is by visiting the traditional restaurants and trying the foods. There are plenty of traditional restaurants available in the country that you can choose to get the best food experience . However, the street food delicacies of the country are also a major part of the culture. Make sure to visit the lanes and try out all the different street foods at low prices. It will both help you to save a lot of money and support the small sellers as well
• You will find a lot of small shops and stalls available during your trip to the country. These shops will help you a lot to get different items available at a very low price . Some of them are great souvenirs that will help you to carry the culture back with you. Also, most of the small sellers and shops are dependent on tourism. So, it will help the sellers a lot to get some support to keep providing the best things to customers

Air Quality and Pollution

Keeping your health well is the topmost priority during the trip to any destination. There are plenty of things that you will need to check for keeping your health in a good state before the trip and one of them is the air quality. If the air is polluted or low quality, then it can cause a lot of interruptions for you and even ruin the tour. So, before going out and starting your tour, make sure to know the air quality of Ireland. The air quality of Ireland is very good compared to all the other states of the European Union.

However, the country is struggling very much to maintain the good air quality in the country. The number of deaths is increasing every year due to air pollution and most of them due to cardiovascular issues . You will be able to breathe freely in this country as most of the areas are pollution-free. However, it is best to carry some of the things with you to stay safe such as masks and medicines.

There are some areas, where the air might not be that good. So, taking precautions is very important to stay safe and healthy. If you have some conditions like asthma or breathing problems, then it is best to visit a doctor. The doctor will help you to stay safe and explore the country without any interruption. Before visiting any part of the country, you can take the help of online services to know the air quality.

Respect the Culture

One of the major things that you need to keep in mind while visiting any destination is that it is not only popular for having beautiful locations and famous attractions . You will be able to see a lot of cultural and traditional differences from your home country that will amaze you. Ireland is one of the best countries that will help you to experience the culture and traditions very well. Some of the special things about the culture of Ireland is music, folklore, art, literature, language, food, and others.

Some of the traditions are available among the people of this country that has been maintained for a long time. You will see a lot of cultural influence of the Scottish culture, Anglo-Norman, and English culture in this country. To get the best cultural experience, make sure to visit all parts of the country very well. From foods to clothes, you can explore all the different parts of the country if you have enough time available. There are many places that will help you a lot to know about the culture of the country.

Most of the people you will come across are Irish around 84.6%, more than 1.3% of people are Muslim and the rest are from different religions. Apart from that, you can also visit the country at the time of festivals that will help you to both learn about the culture and witness some of the old traditions. There are plenty of museums and exhibitions available in the country that can help you to know the details about the cultural details of the local people.

Top 10 Places to Visit

Nowadays you will see that people from different parts of the globe love to visit Ireland. The reason behind this thing is that the country is wonderful and has some beautiful cities. And these places in those cities can live up to your expectations within a very short span of time.

• Dublin Castle (Dublin) - This castle is the best and regarded as one of the A-listers in the capital city of Dublin. It has a brief history and tells you about how the British government contributed to the state. Never miss this place because you might not get the opportunity of visiting here again and again.
• Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral (Cork) - Believe it or not, but it is a true fact that this cathedral was established in the year 1879. It showcases the full origin of Cork city and informs you of how it was formed. Just try it out and see how special it is for most of the tourists.
• Galway Atlantaquaria, National Aquarium of Ireland (Galway) - As the name suggests this is a national live aquarium of Ireland which is located in Galway. Visit here and get to see some exciting fishes and sea creatures which leave you awestruck. And it also signifies marine life which has a very crucial role. Today if you miss it then tomorrow you can feel sorry about it.
• King John's Castle (Limerick) - Actually it is a fortress but the people of the city call it a castle. It was built to save the kingdom from all the outside invaders who wanted to make their own rule. Now if you are interested to know more about it then visit here as soon as possible.
• Belfast City hall (Belfast) - This palace is beyond any words and is located in the center of Belfast city. It is responsible for promoting the cultural heritage of the city which is an essential thing to do. Visit here and you would definitely find something very extraordinary and surprising.
• House of Waterford Crystal (Waterford) - A house where pure crystals are made and from here they are being sent to the market. Come here and you can get knowledge about crystal makers and their significance in the day to day affairs. In the beginning, you may not find it interesting but later on, you will understand its value thoroughly.
• Dominican Black Abbey (Kilkenny) - A holy place where you can come and feel the real presence of God. Get a chance to worship him and wish the best thing for you which can be very valuable. And after doing it you will see that one day it will be fulfilled very soon.
• Apprentice Boy's Memorial Hall (Londonderry) - It is a hall that is made in the honor of those martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the war. Their works are still immortal even today and people want to have a very fair idea about them. Make an attempt for it and see how lovely it is.
• Highlanes Gallery (Drogheda) - An art gallery where you will get some fabulous paintings and sketches by the most prominent artists. There are no words to express them because you have to have a look at them. And it can be only possible if you come here and see them carefully.
• James Fort (Kinsale) - This is an archeological fort where you can get ruins of the early ages. They have some stories which reminisce about bigger things and convey to you something which you might have never known before. Therefore this fort is a must-visit for you as it is found only in your history books.

Now when it comes to exploring the cities of Ireland then what will you do? The answer to this question is simple: visit other places like some city parks and museums. So in this section of the article, we will tell you about those places only.

• Knockreer Playground (Killarney) - This park is meant for children of every age who want to have more excitement in their life. Bring your children over here and give them a lot of happiness and fun. But if they miss it then no one can help them to find the best place.
• Public Green Demesne (Dundalk) - It is the best example of greenery and has more green spaces. You can explore it vividly and get a very different experience which you have never got earlier. Just go for it and you will love it to the fullest.
• Mitchel Curley Park (Sligo) - Without any doubt, we can say that this park is meant for playing outdoor games. So you can try a match of cricket or football over here. There is no point in missing it because this scope does not come daily.

National Parks

• Irishtown Nature Park (Dublin) - Visit this park and walk in the woods and you would get a serene feeling. It would give you better peace and relaxation which you might have never imagined earlier. Make its fair trial and you will see that you will be free from all your depressions.
• Wallace Park (Lisburn) - Although this place is meant for events and functions you can come here for a long walk. From here the scenic views are amazing and they give you a nice pleasure. Therefore, missing it is another name of a silly mistake that should not be done.

• Blackrock (Louth) - The water of this beach is salty and you would be eager to get a bath inside it. Just try to feel it and see how it tells you the real meaning of beauty. Whoever tries it always recommends it to all their beloved persons and friends.
• Woodstown Beach (Waterford) - There is not so much information about this beach but you can make an attempt at it. Here you will get some seashells and corals which are good for collection. Try to collect them and they would be your best showpiece.
• Talbot's Tower (Kilkenny) - The most important historical landmark which is not like the others. In other words, it means that it is too different and always gives you a feeling of wow. People often say that it is nothing but you have to visit here and decide on your own.

• The Butter Museum (Cork) - In this museum, you would know the full history of butter and how it is sold. Just know about it and you may find some facts which are similar to your everyday lives. And it is guaranteed that after having its exposure you would want to give your positive reviews about it.
• Galway City Museum (Galway) - You will notice that this museum is spread all over the internet. It is because here you will get some artifacts of the stones and coins of the 17th century. Everyone loves it and feels like getting absorbed in such a manner that they never want to return back. So make a double tick of it and mark it as a very important place in your travel diaries.

As mentioned earlier, food is one of the best ways to know the culture and explore it. There are many tourists available around the country who like to taste different types of foods in a country including the traditional ones . There are plenty of different foods available that you can try in the country. Being an island, you will be able to find a lot of seafood dishes available in the country. Some of the most favorite and popular dishes in this country that you need to try to include Colcannon, black-white pudding, Irish stew, Soda bread, Boxty, smoked salmon, shellfish, and many more. Most of these dishes are available in different cities in Ireland.

However, traditional dishes might change based on different cities. It is best to visit all the parts of the country very well to explore all the different options. Most of the restaurants offer these dishes but some of them are expensive and others are cheap. You need to choose them based on the budget and requirements. Apart from traditional restaurants, you need to try the street foods of the country as well. There are plenty of small shops and stalls available in the country, most of them provide different dishes to the customers at very low prices .

You will help out the local people and small sellers a lot by purchasing food and ingredients from them. If you are vegetarian or want to only eat organic food, then you will get the options available in this country too. In most of the major cities, you will find vegetarian restaurants that do not let you miss out on the traditional dishes. Try to book the tables in these restaurants earlier to ensure getting them available as they tend to get filled very fast and you do not want to wait in line for hours.

Just like the foods, you will also need to try all the drinks that are available in the traveling destination. Drinks play a very crucial role in the culture and traditions of the Irish people. You can take the help of these drinks to stay without any worries and relax in the country. Some of them will help you to get the lost energy back to explore the country well the next day . These are the drinks that you need to keep on your list of must-try for the best experience such as Irish Coffee, Jameson Whiskey, Bulmers Irish Cider, Redbreast 12, Murphys, Guinness, Bailey’s Irish Cream, and many more.

All of the above-mentioned drinks are available in most of the different parts of this country. You will be able to get a very good experience of having drinks by tasting these unique ones. There are many Irish drinks available that you can get in different areas, and they keep changing based on the city or area. When it comes to drinks, you will be able to get all different types of them available from coffee to alcohol. Try all of them to get the best drinking experience on the beaches or different locations of Ireland.

If you want to get them all available in the same place, then you will need to visit the nightlife of the country that is very popular. You will have a great time in the nightlife of this country and get a wide range of drinks available. From cocktails to soft drinks, you will get drinks available in the different price ranges in these bars, pubs, and nightclubs. You can also carry some of the drinks with you to stay hydrated during your exploration of the country.

If you get sick on your trip, then you will not be able to enjoy exploring the country. So, you will need to take care of your health and know which things are harmful to it. In the list of things that can harm your health, tap water comes in one of the top places. From restaurants to cafes, you will need to if the tap-water is safe to drink before visiting the country. However, you do not have to worry about getting sick when drinking the tap water of Ireland as it is completely safe. According to reports, most of the total population of Ireland drinks tap water.

There are no reports of getting sick or getting ill because of the water. However, there are some of the other people available as well who drink tap water after boiling and filtering it well. If you want to ensure your safety, then you can take the help of filtering devices or boil the water very well to get rid of harmful properties. There are some areas available in Ireland, where the tap water is not completely safe to drink.

You can drink the bottled water there and avoid drinking tap water. Bottled packaged drinking water is available in almost all the shops around the country. You will be able to get them at a reasonable price but make sure to include them in your budget. However, you can use tap water to wash your face or brush your teeth as it is not harmful for small uses. No matter which one you use, try to carry a water bottle with you to get hydrated well during your trip.

Being a county island, there are plenty of activities available that you can participate in. Some of them attract tourists from all over the world and help to make the country more attractive. You will get a lot of travel options available in this country from famous attractions to museums. You will be able to get a wide range of activities available in the country that will help you to spend your time very well during the trip. Being an island country, you will be able to do a lot of outdoor activities in the country.

From water-based outdoor activities to other ones, you will be able to do all of the different ones here. Some of the most common outdoor activities that you will be able to participate in this country are fishing, kayaking, trekking, snorkeling, rock climbing, scuba diving, and others. Try to visit different areas of the country very well to take part in all these activities.

If you want to visit a place that is quiet, then you can also visit the yoga centers. It will help you to improve your health and get away from all the crowd. As the local people of the country love to take care of their bodies, you will find a lot of yoga centers available. All of these activities will help you to spend your time very well and get a very good experience during your trip.

Accommodation

Being a popular tourist destination, you will be able to get a lot of options available for accommodations. There are some of the best accommodation options available in Ireland that range from cheap to very expensive . You will be able to get a lot of facilities available based on the price. You will need to choose accommodation in Ireland based on your budget and staying duration. If you are staying for a long time in the country, then you will need to choose accommodation at a low price.

In many areas of this country, you will not be able to get all the accommodation options available. If you want to stay in the country without harming your health and polluting the environment, then green hotels are the best option for you. It will both help you and the country very much to stay clean and out of waste. However, this is the list of most chosen accommodations by travelers around the world visiting Ireland.

It will help you to know the details about all of the different accommodation options and help you to choose yours. No matter which one you choose for your stay, It is best to book the rooms very early to ensure it as the rooms tend to get full very early. Also, try to book accommodation in the middle of the city to get connected to different areas. Here are some of the accommodations that you can choose for your stay.

Green Hotels

One of the best options that you can choose to stay in the country is by choosing green hotels. All around the world, travelers are choosing to stay in green hotels to improve air quality. These hotels are getting very popular in the world for improving the climate. You will be able to get a lot of popular green hotels available in different price ranges. From cheap to very expensive, you will be able to get different options available with a variety of facilities. By staying at the green hotels, you will be able to get all the benefits provided by green sources such as recycled water, solar energy, and others.

Based on your price, you will be able to get a lot of green hotels available in different cities in Ireland. If you are thinking about staying in green hotels, then it is best to book the rooms as early as possible. These green hotels tend to get booked very early by travelers. You can take the help of online services to book these hotels easily and stay very well in the country. If you are thinking of staying for a short time, then green hotels are the best option for you.

Hostels and Guest Houses

If you are thinking of staying for a long time in the country, then hostels and guesthouses are the best choices for you. You will be able to get all the different facilities available in this country that is offered by the green hotels but from a lower range . There are some of the expensive ones available in the country that come with higher facilities compared to hotels. Make sure to book the hostels and guest houses as early as possible to ensure the room for your stay. There are places available in Ireland, where you might not be able to get any green hotels available but guesthouses and hostels are available there.

The best thing about staying in the hostels is you will be able to lower the price of the room by sharing it with other travelers or people. The room sharing option is almost available in all the hostels. It is best to book the guesthouses in the middle of the cities or side of the beaches that will help you a lot to get the best staying experience. You can take the help of online websites to book the hostels or guesthouses a lot early. If you are thinking of staying for more than 2 weeks in the country, then hostels and guesthouses will help you to get flexible options.

You might not be able to get any accommodation options available in your travel destination, but there are always apartments that will help you a lot to get the best experience of staying at a low price. Things are pretty the same in Ireland as you will get apartments available in all the corners of the country. While some of them come at a very low price, there are expensive ones available with more facilities . You will get all the basic facilities and benefits available in the rooms of the apartment, even the cheap ones.

However, the best thing about staying at the apartments is that you will be able to witness the culture and lifestyle of the local people up close. As the apartments are also rented by the local people, you will be staying your whole trip duration with them as neighbors. It will help you a lot to know more about them and get close to the people. If you are traveling the country to explore the culture, then apartments are the best options for your stay.

It will not only help you to explore the traditions, lifestyle, culture of the local people. But you might become friends with some of them too. Unlike other accommodation options, you will be able to get them available without booking them. Offline booking is fine to get a hassle-free booking for apartments. However, if you want the rooms ready, then you can take the help of online services too for renting the rooms.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is one of the most used modes of accommodation by tourists that helps them to stay in a country without paying the price. It is a group of travelers who helps other travelers to stay in their home when visiting their home city or country. You will be able to know a lot of different things about them by using online websites. It is best to use online services to find Couchsurfing hosts. You will not only get a shelter to stay but the host will also offer you food and great hospitality.

Luckily, there are plenty of Couchsurfing options available that you can choose to stay in the county. You will need to look for them very early as there is much paperwork associated with them. The best thing about Couchsurfing for staying in the country is that you will be able to witness their culture, traditions, and lifestyle very closely. You will be able to live like a local with a local family.

From foods to clothes, you will be able to get to know all of the little things about them. Most of the hosts also help to give information about the country and help to make the trip more interesting. If you get a Couchsurfing host, then you will not only save the money of accommodation, but It will be one of the privileges of the whole trip to stay with an Irish family and learn about them.

Camping is a very popular way of accommodation that many travelers prefer during their trip. The price of staying in a camp is almost the same as the hotels or guesthouses but you will get to see a lot of difference in the experience. Camping in Ireland will help you to get an unforgettable memory and adventurous experience. There are plenty of camping spots available in this country that you can choose to camp in. Being an island country, you get the option to stay near the beach as well and get the breeze air of the sea.

Apart from the sea, there are plenty of other locations available that you can choose from for your camping experience. You will need to choose a location based on your preferences. From cheap to expensive, you will be able to get different options available while choosing the camping spots. While some of them provide extra benefits, you will get all the basic benefits available in the cheap camps too.

You will need to book the camps very early to get them available as they get booked by the travelers very fast. Some of them help you to enjoy different views and others help you to get fresh air and outdoor activities. Many camps have different outdoor activity options available such as trekking, hiking trail, rock climbing, and other activities. So, choose very carefully based on your requirements to get an unmatched experience for a lifetime.

• Dublin ( Baile Átha Cliath ) — the capital and the country's largest city. With excellent pubs, fine architecture and good shopping, Dublin is a very popular tourist destination and is the fourth most visited European capital.

• Cork ( Corcaigh ) — second largest city in the Republic of Ireland - located on the banks of the River Lee. Founded c.600 by St. Finbarre and known for good food, pubs, shopping and festivals.

• Galway ( Gaillimh ) — a city on the river Corrib on the west coast of Ireland. Famous for its festivals and its location on Galway Bay.
• Killarney ( Cill Áirne ) — Possibly (at least until recently) the most popular tourist destination in Ireland.

• Kilkenny ( Cill Chainnigh ) — attractive medieval town, known as the Marble City - home to the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival, held annually in early June.

• Letterkenny ( Leitir Ceanainn ) — Main town in County Donegal, designated gateway status and reputed to be the fastest growing town in Europe. Good base for traveling in Donegal.

• Limerick ( Luimneach ) — a city on the river Shannon in the south-west of the country.

• Sligo ( Sligeach )- Home to W.B. Yeats, internationally renowned poet. Mountains and beaches, scenery in general are the best points of Sligo.

• Waterford ( Port Láirge ) — Ireland's oldest city.

Getting There and Moving Around

Before going out on the trip, you need to know what are the different options available for you to get to the country and move around. From expensive to low budget options are available but you need to choose the mode of transportation based on your available time for the trip . Most of the transportations take a lot of time to reach the destination except flights. When choosing a mode of transportation, it is better to check your location and know the available options. Based on your home location, you might not be able to get all the options available in the country.

You will need to choose an option based on your requirements from the location. Some of them help you to explore different places on the way very well and others do not. When it comes to choosing transportation for moving around, then you need to stay without any worries. There are plenty of transportation options available that you can choose to move around the country.

Most of them are run by fuel that pollutes the air very much with the smoke. As an eco-friendly traveler, you can choose options like a cycle, e-bike, electric cars, and others to move very comfortably without polluting the environment. Some of them will also help you to save a lot of money. You can take the help of online services to book these rides easily without any hassle.

As mentioned earlier, the fastest way to reach any destination is by air. You will be able to get the flights available in most of the countries around the world to reach Ireland. Ireland is very well connected and gets international flights very frequently landed in different airports. If you do not have much time available for the trip, then flights are the best option for you that will help you to reach very fast without any discomfort. Ireland has a total of 5 international airports that connect the country with different corners of the earth.

While it helps you to reach the destination very fast, you need to know there are some of the things that you will not be able to get when traveling by flight. You will not be able to get any views and witness the beautiful places on your way to the country if traveling by flight. All you get to see in the clouds around you and the sea. Flights are also a very good option to travel inside the country from one to another city. If you are traveling to a country with a time limit, then traveling by flight will help you to reach the destination very fast.

More than 10 airports are available in the country that will help you to get to different areas very well. You will get a lot of local flights available frequently that offer online booking facilities. Try to book the air tickets as early as possible as the price of the flights starts to rise with time. If you are booking the flight tickets at the last moment, then you might not be able to get any seats available on the flight.

While traveling by air is an expensive way of traveling but it helps to reach the destination very fast, traveling by bus will take a lot of time to reach the country but the fare is very low. You will be able to reach Ireland from other countries with the help of bus services. Some of the companies like Ulsterbus and Bus Eireann provide bus services from different countries like Great Britain, Poland , Estonia , Latvia , Lithuania , and others. You can choose different bus services to reach the country very comfortably.

However, you need to keep in mind that it will take a lot more time to reach Ireland compared to flights. Also, you will need to have some extra time available on your hand as the traffic can delay you to reach the destination. Unlike flights, you will get to see all the different places on your way to Ireland from waterfalls to side scenes, and make your journey more interesting. If you are traveling from a country that is not connected with Ireland by road, then you will not be able to choose a bus to reach the country.

However, you can choose buses for moving around the country very well. From normal to coach buses, every type of bus is available in this country. The best thing about traveling by bus is that you will be able to get close to the local people. As the local people of the country also choose buses to travel around the country, you will be surrounded by the local people of the country while traveling by bus . It will help you to know the people very well and learn about the culture and traditions of the Irish people.

The train is not the ideal option for you if you are thinking of reaching Ireland as most of the countries are not connected by railway. The railway of Ireland is run by both Northern Ireland Railways and the Irish Rail. There are some of the countries available where the railway is connected but from most of the places, this is not a valid option for reaching Ireland. So, you will not be able to get the unique experience of traveling by train for reaching. However, you can choose to move around the country by train after reaching the country.

In all of the major cities of the country, you will be able to find trains very frequently. The best thing about traveling by train is that it will both help you to save a lot of money and get to your destination faster than a bus. As there is no traffic available when traveling by train, you will be able to get to your destination much faster. However, there are some places that are not accessible by train.

You will need to look for other modes of transportations in those areas. It is best to get the tickets for trains very early or you can be on the waiting list. Traveling by train will help you to get a very unique experience, and you will be able to see different things on your way. Benefits like food and toilets are available on the intercity trains that help you to travel very comfortably.

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is the most popular way of transportation that is getting very popular among travelers . Travelers around the world are choosing it to reach their destination as it helps to save a lot of money and get a very adventurous experience. From many countries, you will be able to hitchhike to Ireland but this option might not be available to you if you are traveling from a country that is located far away. As the country is an island, you will not be able to hitchhike and reach. However, you will still get this adventurous experience when moving around the country.

Most of the cities of Ireland are very well connected via road, which gives you the option to travel by hitchhiking. Using it you will be able to reach the destination with the help of lifts from others who are going in the same direction. However, you need to keep in mind that hitchhiking takes a lot of time to reach the destination compared to all the other transportations . As the Irish people are very friendly, you will be able to travel to the country very well without any worries. However, you will be able to get lifts easily if you know which are the best places to get one.

Try to look for lifts in the restaurants, petrol pumps, small shops side of the highway. In these places, the cars slow down and increase the chance of noticing you and get a lift. Some of the things that you need to carry with you on this journey include maps, dry fruits, water, medicines, and others. It will both ensure your safety and keep you healthy during the whole adventure. If you have a lot of time on your hand to explore the country, then this is the perfect option for you that will help you to explore all the different views on your way.

Apart from the mentioned ones, you can choose many other ways of traveling to Ireland. However, most of them are not chosen much by the travelers as they take a lot of time to reach the destination and are more costly than some of the transportations. However, you can get a very unique experience by choosing these options for your journey to Ireland. As Ireland is an island country, you can visit it from many different countries by the water. From boat to ship, there are plenty of options available that will help you to reach the country and give a completely different experience.

It will take a lot of days to reach the country from most of the destinations and you will not be able to enjoy anything else than the sea and water on your way similar to flights. Apart from ships, you can also take help of roads to visit the country. From many countries, traveling by road is possible and will be a lifetime experience for you. If it is not possible from your country, then you can rent a car or bike after reaching Ireland. From one city to another, the roads will help you to boost the entire riding experience.

Rental services are available in almost all the cities of Ireland that will help you to travel to every corner of the country. Also, it will help you to explore different things on your way. You can also choose to visit some of the coastal cities of this country by water. It will take a lot of time to reach them but will help to get a very different experience from the other ones given above. If you are thinking of taking different transportations to reach the country, then make sure to have a lot of time available on your hand. Also, it is better to book the rides or tickets in advance to ensure your seat.

Sustainable Shopping

Sustainable shopping has changed the meaning of shopping around the world . While people used to buy new things that create a lot of waste after use, people are buying second-hand goods to reduce the waste and pollution of the environment. It is very helpful for both the health of travelers and keeps the country safe. You can also choose sustainable shopping in Ireland and it is one of your responsibilities as an eco-friendly traveler. You will be able to get a lot of second-hand shops, flea markets, food markets available in the country.

As the people of the country are very concerned about the environment, you will be able to get a lot of small shops available in the markets. However, you can still inspire a lot of people who haven't taken the issues seriously in the country by visiting these markets. It will not only help the environment but also the sellers who are selling low price goods . If you want to add some of the rare goods to your collection, then it is best to visit the markets as fast as possible. Most of these items tend to sell out very fast, you will need to visit the flea markets as soon as possible in the morning.

Apart from flea markets, you can also visit the second-hand markets that are very well known for offering different goods at low prices. Most of these goods are as good as the new ones and cleared very well. Buying the goods will not only help you to save a lot of money, but it will also help the sellers as most of them are dependent on tourism . If you are a food lover, then try to include the food markets of the country in your shopping destinations. It will offer you all the local ingredients and secrets of delicious Irish food. There are plenty of food markets, flea markets, and second-hand markets available that you can visit in almost all the cities. Try to make a list to prevent missing a single one of them.

Recycling is one of the things that is needed to be the top priority of every country around the world. The climate of the entire world is changing rapidly, which is threatening the environment. So, recycling things is the best way to keep the environment untouched and reduce pollution. Ireland is one of the countries that is trying to recycle goods and waste as much as possible. The country has managed to recycle more than 33% of plastics that are used by the locals. This percentage needs to rise to 50 before 2025 to meet the standards of EU targets.

They are aiming to increase the recycled percentage by 2030 by 55% and reduce the use of plastic once for all. Ireland is one of the countries in the EU that surprised all the other countries. It managed to achieve all the targets that are set by recycling the wastes. During your trip to the country, you will be able to see many recycling plants and initiatives taking place in the country. The government and people of the country are very good at recycling.

You will find a lot of recycled items shops available in the country that offer different goods at a low price. From green hotels to electronic cars, every eco-friendly way of living is available in the country that helps to make the whole process successful. These are not the only ways you can contribute to recycling the goods in this country, you can both help the locals and help other people by inspiring them and making the environment better . Try to use the plastics as low as possible to keep the country safe from pollution.

Ireland is one of the countries in the EU, where the waste management and recycling process is very good. You will be able to get a very good experience during your trip to the country and notice a lot of initiatives for waste collection . They have successfully suppressed all the targets given by the EU and made the environment better. As the country is separated from the mainland, the pollution percentage is low. From the very beginning, the government and the Irish people came forward to reduce the waste in the country.

So far, they have done a great job at improving the whole waste management. More than 3.2 tonnes of waste is produced in this country per person every year. They have managed to reduce the percentage a lot in the last few years. The low use of plastic in the country helped them a lot to improve the environment and waste management. The government and private companies of this country have taken several steps to improve the overall waste collection.

Household waste collection, recycling the waste, installation of bins in the different parts of the country have helped them a lot to reduce the waste. You will find a lot of options available to reduce the waste as well and help the country. As an eco-friendly traveler, it is one of your responsibilities to motivate the local people by joining tree planting activities, waste collecting activities on the beach, and many more. Try to place all the dumps like food waste, drink waste, and others in the separated bins.

Work and Study Abroad

One of the most important things that also attracts a lot of foreign people in this country is to work and study opportunities. You will come across a lot of people in the country who are staying and studying or staying and working from other countries. The education quality in this country is very good. Ireland offers some of the best study options and universities that are famous around the world. All of the universities, colleges, and schools offer different study courses at a low price. You will not only get courses available in this country, but plenty of jobs are available for the right candidate.

The amazing lifestyle and low living cost of the country help to pursue a career very well. They offer plenty of benefits to the students and workers from other countries that help them to stay very well. If you are thinking of studying in the country or work in different sectors, then it is best to take the help of online services to find the best-suited jobs or the best university for you. Here are some of the different benefits that will help you a lot to study and work in the country without any issues. Knowing them will also help you a lot in the initial stage of moving to a country.

Exchange Student

Students from different countries traveling to Ireland to complete their higher study is very common and have been going on for a long time. However, it becomes very hard for the students to travel to another country and study in famous universities that do not have a good financial condition. This where the exchange student program comes in and helps the students to achieve their dream by merit. If you manage to get nominated by the home university, then you will be able to choose any country and any foreign university to complete your higher study that has a partnership with your home university.

It will help you to study by paying only the tuition fees in foreign countries. However, you need to keep in mind that you need to be nominated to get this program. There are plenty of world-class universities, colleges, and schools available in Ireland that offer the exchange student program and have partnerships with universities of other countries. You can take the help of online services to know the list of countries that have the exchange student program available.

It will help you to find which universities in Ireland have partnerships with them. This is one of the best programs that helped a lot of students from other countries to complete their studies and get the best educational career ahead of them. It is best to prepare for the whole program as you will need to get nominated by the home university to get qualified.

Au Pair is one of the most helpful benefits that help travelers, workers, and students of another country to get settled in this country. Many people from foreign countries find it very hard to settle in a new place and find shelter. Au Pair is a very helpful part-time job that offers both shelters, food, and some pocket money as well. You will need to provide the service of taking care of the household, children, and babies in absence of the host. There is a wide range of Au Pair Jobs available in Ireland that you can take part in to get help in the initial stage.

You will need to take the help of online services to find Au Pair jobs in the country. It is best to look for the jobs earlier as there are many paper works and other formalities. If you find a host, you will be able to get shelter, food, and pocket-money and keep searching for full-time jobs, good universities, and explore the country without financial issues. This is one of the helpful benefits that will help you on your whole tour.

Volunteering

There are plenty of ways available for you to help out the country as mentioned above. You can keep the environment safe and inspire the local people of the country as an eco-friendly traveler. Among all the other ones, volunteering is known to be the best way of helping the country. You will get plenty of volunteering options available such as keeping the famous attractions clean, helping the locals to teach English, collecting waste with local people, guiding other tourists, and many more. All of these different options will not only help the country to stay clean or get help, it will also benefit you a lot to learn different things about the culture and their lifestyle.

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Ecotourism in Ireland: It’s Importance & best destinations

Demographic development, pollution of land and oceans, global warming… these subjects regularly make the headlines. They underline the need and the urgency of making the protection of the environment and its resources a real priority issue for our societies. Ecotourism is a way of traveling that is more responsible and more respectful of nature, its ecosystems and populations. In this post, find out more about the importance of ecotourism and ecotourism in Ireland.

The importance of ecotourism

Choosing to travel in a more  environmentally friendly  way is a matter of common sense, which we should all share. It is about the protection of our planet and  natural balances , and the preservation of  resources  for future generations.

At Hillwalk Tours , we are very sensitive to environmental issues and promote  ecotourism . We are committed to a  greener planet . We encourage all hikers visiting Ireland to follow the ‘ Leave No Trace ‘ principles in order to get the most of the surrounding nature while having minimal impact on the  Irish ecosystem .

For an ever-green Ireland – Leave No Trace

The first rule of ecotourism is this: No matter where you are, the only things you should leave behind are your footprints.

“ Leave No Trace ” means leaving no  trash  or  personal belongings  in the wilderness as you walk the beautiful trails of Ireland.

We are proud to support the ‘ Leave No Trace ‘ program ( www.leavenotraceireland.org ), an Irish organization which aims to promote responsible tourism and  preserve the  country’s  natural beauty .

Also read our post: Leave No Trace – The 7 Principles

Reduce quantities and reduce waste

Remember that every pound counts when you travel. The heavier your bag, the greater the  carbon footprint you  will leave. We therefore recommend that those who wish to include their trip in an  ecotourism initiative to take in their suitcase only things that they  really need .

More and more of us are exploring nature, and every day we are leaving more traces of our passage in the environment. The waste left by walkers  degrades the vegetation  and contributes significantly to  water pollution .

The most damaging scourge is  plastic . And plastic bottles represent a significant part of this waste left behind by tourists. As far as possible, we therefore advise you not to use  plastic water bottles  , and to prefer the use of  reusable water bottles .

Consume local

Another facet of ecotourism:  local products . Consume local produce when you travel to Ireland! In addition to  reducing the carbon footprint  (the products were not shipped from the other side of the world), it helps  support local businesses  and at the same time maintain the good economic health of the country.

And it cannot be said enough… fresh, local produce is  much better  than imported produce, and experiencing the  local cuisine  is part of the trip! This is also true for  beer  and  whiskey … so go ahead and eat local!

At Hillwalk Tours we pride ourselves on recommending the  pubs and restaurants  offering the best local produce on all of our hiking tours!

Ecotourism in Ireland: 5 destinations

1. killarney national park.

Home to  Carrauntoohil  – Ireland’s highest mountain –  Killarney National Park  in County Kerry is a hiker’s paradise and also one of the best destinations for ecotourism in Ireland. In this Park are more than  100 km2  of deep lakes and  green mountains , crossed by several hiking trails .

On the slopes of  the Torc or Mangerton Mountains , you may be able to spot  deer , a species that has lived on Irish lands for  thousands of years . This deer population was threatened 50 years ago, but the implementation of a protection campaign has increased their population, which now reaches 850 individuals throughout the National Park.

2. The Seal Rescue Association

Seal Rescue Ireland , in County  Wexford , is an association which rescues  baby seals  washed up on Irish beaches.

The motto of this association is “Save. Rehabilitate. Release”. The team of dedicated volunteers care for the seal pups until they are big and strong enough to be  released into the open sea .

Tourists can  visit the center  to learn more about the activities of the association. The center is funded by donations.

3. Wicklow Mountains National Park

Also known as the ‘ Garden of Ireland ‘, County  Wicklow  is an ideal playground for all lovers of the great outdoors and a perfect destinations for ecotourism in Ireland.

In the  Wicklow Mountains National Park , less than two hours from Dublin, you will find many incredible sites.  Glendalough , one of the most popular places in Wicklow, due to its beautiful mountains and  monastic site . But also  Glenmalure , nearby, the longest glacial valley in Ireland. There are many hiking trails through the Wicklow Mountains including the famous Wicklow Way .

Wicklow is a popular spot for  bird watchers , as it is home to over  100 species of birds . Observe the herons, peregrine falcons, and even the crested kinglets, which inhabit the Wicklow Mountains.

4. Cliffs of Moher / Burren National Park

The  Cliffs of Moher  in County  Clare  are Ireland’s most visited natural site. The spectacular panorama of the cliffs stretches over  300 meters above the ocean  crashing below.

This rock formation is estimated to be  300 million years old . Each layer that can be seen in the rock marks the story of an important event that helped shape this magnificent landscape.

Not far from the cliffs you will find the  Burren National Park . It is a beautiful place for hiking. The Burren is characterized by its  limestone rock landscapes.  Walking in the Burren feels like walking on the surface of the moon.

The Burren National Park Information Point in Corofin is open seasonally from April to September. Admission is free and you will get plenty of information on the  geology , fauna and the  specific flora  of the Burren.

The Burren Eco Tourism Network also won a Lonely Planet award in its ‘Best in Travel’ picks for 2021 being named Best Community Tourism Project.

5. Marine life on the west coast of Ireland

Ireland is one of the  best places in Europe  for whale and dolphin watching.

Since the early  1990s , Irish coastal waters have been declared a  ‘Whale and Dolphin Sanctuary’ . They provide a summer  feeding area  for a number of whale species and a  residence area  for the dolphins residing there all year round.

The  west coast of Ireland  from West Cork to West Kerry to Donegal is one of the best places to see a variety of species. These include minke whales, fin whales,  dolphins , harbor porpoises,  whale sharks  and even  humpback whales .

Also read our post: Whale & Dolphin Watching in Ireland

We hope you enjoyed this guide to Ecotourism in Ireland: It’s Importance & best destinations. In recent years, there have been more and more eco-responsible tourists in Ireland, and that’s good news! So please come and discover Ireland differently, travel ethically and authentically, and minimize your environmental impact! Hillwalk Tours is here to help!

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• The best Eco tourism places to visit in Ireland
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• June 13, 2010

The summer is here and we are all looking ahead for nice and relaxing weekends out of our cities, chilling out in a great nature destination, testing good food and enjoy a friendly atmosphere…but where to go? Tropical destinations are way too far and expensive, so why not enjoying a trip next door in the marvellous Ireland and in a responsible manner. Where? Our compass is here to help!

Dublin : the vibrant capital

Arrive relaxed and cool in the fair capital, Ireland is all about beautiful nature and warm welcomes, it will be the holiday of a lifetime! Stay in one of the many independent hostels in the capital, maybe eat a traditional fish and chips and an organic pint in Porter House! If you’d like to see some hidden and green spots of Dublin, tour with Sustainable Tourism Ireland, or hire one of the 400 Dublin Bikes for a different view of the city on 2 wheels. If you are just on a short break, don’t miss the coast! A trip to Howth or Greystones with the Dart (Irish rail) will offer you a glimpse of traditional fishing villages, stunning cliffs and sea views.

Countryside : just 2 hours train away from Dublin is the newly founded Irish Eco-Village, for unique insights about green technology and sustainable living, as well as art and heritage in the Cloughjordan community, once called Little Belfast. You can stay at the nearby Lough Derg House in Dromineer, at the shore of the Lough Dergh (2nd biggest lake in Ireland): the owner Declan, very experienced in local heritage, can offer you horse riding activities, bike riding and homemade organic food!

West : we suggest you to spend some time at the Burren National Park; the Burren with its unique geology is a stunning and beautiful environment. Tony Kirby of Heart of Burren walks will guide you with light steps through the national park; for an extra relaxing day, try the Boghill centre, where you can learn traditional arts or simply relax in the nature. Nearby, you will be able to visit the very famous Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre, recently renovated to minimise its environmental impacts.

South : the South coast is very famous for its many attractions, the most visited part of Ireland; from the sunny South East, to Kinsale the artistic sustainable city near Cork, to the Ring of Kerry and Dingle…the most breathtaking sceneries! For a full list of green gateways, visit green-business

North : the least visited part of Ireland, but probably the greenest because of all the rain! Donegal and the Lakes around Enniskillen in UK, are all amazing places to visit. The Greenbox in particular offer many locations of unique value, starting from the first Irish pilgrimage, a unique walking tour discovering Irish spirituality (offered by Gyreum), to eco-luxury breaks at Ard Nahoo or Tawnylust Lodge; all these businesses are awarded by and Eco-flower certification.

For more details about these businesses and their sustainable certification credentials, visit: Sustainable Tourism Ireland

Enjoy your stay in the Emerald Island!

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Sustainable Travel & Ecotourism in Ireland

Responsible tourism is conscientious travel. It means being careful with the environments you explore, and respecting the communities you visit. Two overlapping components of responsible travel are eco-tourism and ethical tourism. The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) defines eco-tourism as responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people. TIES suggests that eco-tourists follow these principles:

• Minimize environmental impact.
• Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect.
• Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts.
• Provide direct financial benefits for conservation and for local people.
• Raise sensitivity to host countries' political, environmental, and social climates.
• Support international human rights and labor agreements.

You can find some eco-friendly travel tips and statistics, as well as touring companies and associations -- listed by destination under "Travel Choice" -- at the TIES website, www.ecotourism.org .

Responsible Travel (www.responsibletravel.com) is a great source of sustainable travel ideas; the site is run by a spokesperson for ethical tourism in the travel industry. Sustainable Travel International (www.sustainabletravelinternational.org) promotes ethical tourism practices, and manages an extensive directory of sustainable properties and tour operators around the world.

In the U.K., Tourism Concern (www.tourismconcern.org.uk) works to reduce social and environmental problems connected to tourism.

Volunteer travel has become increasingly popular among those who want to venture beyond the standard group-tour experience to learn languages, interact with locals, and make a positive difference while on vacation. Volunteer travel usually doesn't require special skills -- just a willingness to work hard -- and programs vary in length from a few days to a number of weeks. Some programs provide free housing and food, but many require volunteers to pay for travel expenses, which can add up quickly.

For general info on volunteer travel, visit www.volunteerabroad.org and www.idealist.org .

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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Eco-Tourism in Ireland

Eco-tourism is going to be the next big thing when we are finally able to travel again – and for those seeking a destination that’s renowned for being clean and green, the island of Ireland will rank high.

As more and more hotels, B&Bs, hostels, cottages, self-catering rentals and even caravan sites on the island commit to sustainability, committing yourself to finding the right eco-friendly hideaway to fit your budget is straightforward.

The ‘smart’ carbon-neutral ethos of The Salthouse in County Antrim, for example, goes hand in hand with sustainability and jaw-dropping views of the Causeway Coastal Route, while water waste is one of the top eco-priorities at Delphi Resort in Connemara, County Galway.

In County Meath you’ll find Bellinter House using underground heat for its swimming pool, while at the Lackan Cottage Farm in County Down you can have a completely off-grid self-catering stay in an organic smallholding.

Green travel is great travel in Ireland, and The Burren, the remarkable rocky landscape of County Clare, is perhaps the leading eco destination in the country. A network of local enterprises in the area is helping to make The Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark into a global leader for sustainable tourism, scooping a Lonely Planet ‘Best in Travel’ pick for 2021 in the process.

The multitude of eco-friendly activities in The Burren include heritage and eco-centres, walking tours, cycling, adventure sports, culture, wellbeing, surfing, pubs, dining and local food producers – all of which promotes responsible travel and the conservation of the environment.

Another pure eco-destination to head for is Cloughjordan Ecovillage in County Tipperary. This internationally recognised destination for learning about sustainable living has over 100 residents living in high-performance green homes, and offers plenty of arts and crafts, heritage and culture, a cookery school, a community farm and more to explore. Tours of the eco-village will be available when circumstances allow, and there is also an eco-hostel if you want to stay longer.

Of course, all around the wild and natural Irish landscapes there are hundreds of green activities and sustainable experiences to enjoy, whether in remote coastal and rural areas, isolated islands, scenic greenways, slow travel on calm inland waterways or even on bikes in busy cities.

You could try anything from a leave no trace walk along the clifftop above the Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim, a yoga retreat in an Ard Nahoo eco-cabin in County Leitrim, created with locally salvaged wood, or a visit to the Cool Planet Experience, a climate change museum for kids within the scenic surrounds of Powerscourt Estate & Gardens in County Wicklow.

Whatever getaway you choose, you’ll be upping your sustainable game and minimising your impact on the planet.

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Holly Rydout, Game of Thrones Studio Tour

The Sustainable Travel Ireland workshop was extremely helpful for formatting our sustainability policy. The Game of Thrones Studio Tour places sustainability as one of our highest priorities and I feel confident that after working with the team, we will have a clear policy that reflect this. I look forward to attending the range of other workshops going forward!

Niall Trant, Frosch Ireland

The facilitation of the workshop was excellent, very clear instruction as to the objectives and enough time to carry out the tasks. The workshop covered a lot and really good examples to help with completing the draft policy. Overall, great work.

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Very informative and to the point. I was able to calculate my carbon footprint during the workshop. Keep doing what you do!

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Advanced guides, featured posts, latest posts, three eco-friendly routes through irish cultural heritage.

Are you ready for an eco-friendly adventure through the rich cultural heritage of Ireland? Look no further, because we've got three fantastic routes that will take you on a journey like no other. Discover the Ancient East Route, where ancient history and breathtaking landscapes collide. Or embark on the Wild Atlantic Way Route, where rugged…

Eco-Tourism: Preserving Ireland's Cultural Tapestry

Imagine yourself immersed in the vibrant landscapes of Ireland, surrounded by the echoes of ancient traditions and the stories of generations past. Welcome to the world of eco-tourism, where you have the power to not only explore the beauty of this enchanting country, but also play a vital role in preserving its cultural tapestry. Through…

Eco-Friendly Journeys Through Ireland's Cherished Landmarks

Are you ready to embark on an eco-friendly adventure through Ireland's cherished landmarks? Imagine exploring the iconic Dublin Castle, immersing yourself in its sustainable charm. Picture yourself marveling at the breathtaking nature and rich history of the Giant's Causeway. Experience the thrill of eco-conscious adventures in the Cliffs of Moher, preserving the past at Blarney…

Green Initiatives at Ireland's Heritage Sites

Imagine stepping into a world where ancient castles and historic sites coexist harmoniously with nature. Picture yourself surrounded by lush green landscapes and vibrant wildlife. In Ireland's heritage sites, this dream becomes a reality through their commitment to green initiatives. From sustainable energy practices to waste reduction efforts, these sites are leading the way in…

Top Eco-Tips for Ireland's Heritage Tourists

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Unveiling Ireland's Economic Growth Through Sustainable Tourism

Are you ready to discover the untapped potential of Ireland's economic growth? Unveil the power of sustainable tourism, a force that drives prosperity and preserves the beauty of this remarkable nation. By embracing sustainable travel practices and harnessing natural resources, Ireland has unlocked endless opportunities for growth. In this article, we will explore the key…

10 Most Beautiful Ecotourism Destinations To Visit In Europe (& What To Do There)

• Europe offers some of the most eco-friendly destinations in the world, making it a top choice for sustainable travelers looking for unforgettable ecotourism experiences.
• From Slovenia's Lake Bohinj to Iceland's natural wonders, there are numerous breathtaking destinations in Europe that prioritize sustainability and offer a wide range of eco-friendly activities.
• Whether it's hiking in Connemara National Park in Ireland or exploring the green-focused city of Grenoble in France, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature responsibly and make environmentally conscious choices throughout Europe.

Europe is one of the best places in the world for ecotourism , as it is home to so many incredible natural wonders and attractions. But not just that. Europe stands at the forefront of ecotourism.

Across the continent's countries and cities, travelers with sustainable minds will be delighted to find many of the most eco-friendly destinations in the world, providing greener to other destinations around the world.

From the beautiful Nordic country of Iceland to the gorgeous Italian region of Tuscany (and beyond), here are some of the most beautiful destinations in Europe to visit that are also eco-friendly for an unforgettable and sustainable ecotourism experience.

Related: 10 Most Beautiful Eco-Tourism Destinations To Visit In The U.S. (& What To Do There)

Lake Bohinj, Slovenia

Lake Bohinj is one of the most beautiful places in Europe for ecotourism; it is the largest natural lake in Slovenia, and it is located in Bohinj Valley, where it radiates incredible scenery to visitors year-round. While it may not be as popular as Lake Bled, it is far less crowded and still offers opportunities for a wide range of activities like hiking, kayaking, and sunbathing.

A visit to this lake is perhaps the best ecotourism experience in Slovenia. This is because Bohinj has introduced a sustainable tourism approach to its area - the Bohinj Green Movement , which encourages environmentally friendly practices and ecotourism awareness-raising initiatives and is thus helping in the grand-scale effort toward sustainable tourism in Europe.

• Location: Municipality of Bohinj, Triglav National Park

Sweden is a gorgeous European gem that is at the forefront of sustainable travel. The country is among the most beautiful sustainable destinations in Europe because it promotes ecotourism and conscious exploration by creating the Nature's Best label for tour operators and hotels in Sweden. This makes it easy for visitors to identify eco-certified operators in Sweden, so they can get the best of an ecotourism vacation in Europe here.

In addition, Sweden is home to many incredible natural attractions that offer opportunities for adventures like kayaking and hiking. Sweden is also one of the best places to see the northern lights, and these are just a few eco-friendly experiences Sweden has to offer.

• Top eco-friendly attractions in Sweden: Northern Lights, Sarek National Park, Lake Vanern

Iceland is among the most beautiful eco-friendly destinations in Europe; everything in the country is suited for an unforgettable, environmentally-focused experience. The country is incredibly clean and green-oriented, the air is fresh, and there are so many natural endowments begging to be explored here.

While the list is endless, some of the best ways to enjoy ecotourism in Iceland include:

• Soaking in the Blue Lagoon
• Going on a whale-watching tour with companies that respect the environment and the animals
• Visiting some of the best waterfalls in Iceland
• Exploring some of Iceland's best national parks

Lagoa De Fogo (Lake Of Fire), Azores

Tourists looking to enjoy a sustainable vacation in Europe should check out the Lake of Fire. This is a natural jewel in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores and the ideal spot to admire nature's beauty when in the country. The lake was formed more than 15,000 years ago on a volcanic crater, and today, it offers incredible scenery that changes according to the seasons.

In addition to its scenery, the lake is the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life and, above all, a perfect place for ecotourism.

While swimming in the lake is not allowed to help protect the delicate natural environment and its ecosystems, hiking is an exciting and sustainable thing to do here (keeping on the trails so as not to disrupt wildlife), as it is the best way to capture the spectacular views the natural landscape kept pristine through the ages.

• Location: Ponta Delgada, Portugal

Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany is known for many things, from being one of Italy's most renowned wine regions to being the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. It is also among the best places in Europe for ecotourism and offers incredible natural scenery.

The region is made up of rolling hills covered in vineyards, gorgeous beaches, and jaw-dropping islands. Enjoy an unforgettable ecotourism experience in this region by visiting its numerous vineyards and then proceed to visit one of its parks to spend more time in nature - but be sure to stick to paths and trails to avoid impacting the delicate environment and ecosystems.

Also, if opting for a tour with an excursion company, be sure to select a provider that showcases respect and care for the area and the environment.

• Top eco-friendly attractions in Tuscany: Poggio Neri Forest Park, Maremma Regional Park

Connemara National Park, Ireland

The Connemara National Park is an amazing place in Ireland to enjoy ecotourism. The park boasts magnificent scenery, diverse wildlife, and a wide variety of plant species. Hiking is particularly enjoyable here, but visitors can also camp.

There are so many amazing gems to be seen while engaging in some of these adventures, from gorgeous beaches to rivers, woodlands, lakes, and more. It would be a mistake not to come with a camera.

• Location: Letterfrack, Ireland

Related: The Ultimate Eco-Travel Checklist: 10 Things To Be Aware Of When Traveling Sustainably

Lahti Region, Finland

The Lahti Region of Finland may be lesser known in Europe's tourism landscape, but it is, by far, a remarkable European ecotourism destination. A former recipient of the Green Capital award in 2021, the city is earnestly working toward a carbon-neutral lifestyle by 2025, among other efforts to reduce climate change.

Lahti is also beautiful; surprisingly, it does not get all the attention among sustainable travelers. The landscape here combines lush forests and enchanting lakes waiting to be explored. Check out the lakes in the Lahti Region, including Lake Päijänne (the second-largest lake in Finland and the Asikkalanselkä section of the lake, a major clean water source for over a million Finnish people). This lake also offers plenty of activities on its shores.

Don't forget to visit Lanu Park and see gorgeous sculptures while the renovated harbor area commands a scenic stroll.

• Top attractions: Lanu Park, Lake Päijänne

Nera Gorge-Beusnita National Park, Romania

The Nera Gorge-Beusnita National Park is a place of indescribable beauty and natural splendor in Romania. The park is home to gorgeous turquoise lakes, refreshing waterfalls, and beautiful trees.

The best way to enjoy an unforgettable ecotourism adventure here is by hiking, as it takes one through all the natural gems here, including the interesting wildlife and unique plant species. As usual, stick to paths to avoid affecting the park's delicate terrain and ecosystems while trekking.

• Location: Near Anina city

Related: Eco-Tourism 101: What Is Eco-Travel, And Why Is It So Important?

Grenoble, France

Set at the foot of the towering French Alps, Grenoble is yet another one of the most sustainable vacation destinations in Europe; it's a beautiful city that offers amazing opportunities for ecotourism. It's one of the best cities in Europe for ecotourism; here, visitors will be met with so many natural attractions, from snow-capped mountains to picturesque lakes and beautiful gardens. But that's not all.

But what makes this French city stand out in terms of green labels? Well, Grenoble is committed to eco-tourism and is even one of the greenest cities in France. Visitors here can begin a fun ecotourism experience by taking a zero-carbon trip on a cable car to enjoy charming mountain views and then proceed to visit one of the city's archeological museum to learn more about its history.

• Eco-friendly attractions to visit in Grenoble: Ovalie Park, Fiancey Park, Parc Paul Mistral

Tallinn, Estonia

For quite some time, Tallinn has remained one of the greenest places in Europe to visit; it has been involved in several initiatives to promote a sustainable green environment.

To prove why it's one of the most sustainable cities in Europe to visit, know that Tallinn has undertaken profound efforts to achieve carbon neutrality, improve the sanity of its climate, sustain the health of citizens, and is still driving towards ultra-green status by 2035.

The city was even awarded the European Green Capital of 2023 as a reward for its efforts, and that's more than enough to make it perhaps the best destination for ecotourism in Europe.

There are many ways to enjoy an eco-friendly here, but one can start by visiting the Tallinn Zoo to see more than 350 species and also check out Kadriorg Park to see some beautiful flowers. Admiring its historic streets and Tallinn's old town on foot is also a fantastic experience.

• More eco-friendly attractions to visit in Tallinn: Tallinn Botanical Garden

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While many of us may consider carbon offsetting while we’re travelling, did you know that accommodation is the second biggest hitter in terms of the tourism sector’s carbon emissions?

Thankfully, it’s possible to do your bit for the planet by reducing your emissions and your carbon footprint while still visiting the places you love and supporting local communities, too.

We’ve lined up accommodation recommendations for every type of trip – so whether you feel like glamping under the stars at a place like  Rock Farm Slane ; or if you prefer more of an unplugged retreat, like the Trannish Island Bothy , you’ll find Ireland is teeming with sustainable places to lay your head!

Accommodation contributes to 20% of all tourism-related carbon emissions Did you know...

Environmentally friendly places to stay

Making sure that your accommodation is sustainable can sound like a chore – but the principles can add a lot of charm to the places that practise them! Take Limepark in County Antrim:  this delightful historic farm uses sheep and Shetland ponies in place of lawnmowers, and invites guests to make their own rose petal syrup from the flowers in its organic garden.

Tory Bush Eco Loft in County Down,  is a the two-person hideaway that’s cosily insulated with locally sourced wool from nearby sheep and fully equipped with everything you could need.

That’s one of the most important points to note: “sustainability” doesn’t have to equal “sacrifice”! Salthouse Eco Hotel in County Antrim is powered by onsite wind turbines and solar panels, lit by energy-efficient LEDs and free from single-use plastics – but its guilt-free status doesn’t detract from its grandeur. 

Delphi Resort in County Mayo  is the first adventure centre in Ireland to win the ECO-centre award. With its prize-winning spa plus the spectacular sights of Connemara on its doorstep, this ticks all the boxes for a glorious eco-friendly hotel stay.

That’s the charm of many sustainable places to stay. Often, they reveal the natural beauty and local ways of life so well that visitors simply fall in love, and want to learn how to preserve them. Dreamy Ard Nahoo Eco Retreat unveils rural Leitrim  to yoga enthusiasts and canoeing groups alike; while The Dolphin Hotel on an island off the coast of Galway,  shows off the flora and fauna of wild Inishbofin to perfection.

Gregans Castle, County Clare

Co-existing with nature is at the heart of its philosophy.

Environmentally conscious escapes to enjoy

Despite the wind-powered energy, recycled paper and ecological cleaning products that keep award-winning Croan Cottages ticking, there’s something of a time-machine effect to many eco-friendly places like this. Decoy Country Cottages have the same feeling: though thoroughly modern, these beautiful stone chalets enclose a courtyard that has a distinctly old-world village vibe.

Then, there’s Riverside Paradise : a 3,200 square-foot house on the banks of the River Shannon, complete with jacuzzi and private use of a boat, this environmentally conscious spot is smack bang in the 21st century!

Of course, if you like, sustainable accommodation can offer something quite unique, too. Why not really immerse yourself in local life by pitching in on a organic farm in exchange for free room and board? How about enjoying the views from 19th century Killeavy Castle Estate , set on 350 acres of mixed farm and woodland in County Armagh’s stunning Slieve Gullion? Or travel to simple Port Moon Bothy : only accessible by sea, it’s well worth the journey – just remember to #LeaveNoTrace of your stay, by extinguishing any fires and taking your litter away with you.

I can honestly say, Ireland is one of the most green places I’ve ever travelled Blaze and Kati from The Matador Network

Rock Farm Slane, County Meath

Sustainable stays don’t have to mean sacrificing the nicer things in life...

Ireland's sustainable gems

Discover some of the island's most enticing places to stay

Blackstairs Eco Trails

Killeavy Castle Estate

Finn Lough - Lakeside Villas

Enniskillen

Limepark Self Catering - The Long Barn

Gregans Castle Hotel

Purecamping Retreat

Ard Nahoo Eco Retreat

The Salthouse

Ballycastle

Croan Cottages

Rock Farm Slane

Welcome to Killeavy Castle Estate, the perfect antidote to the modern fast paced world. Named winner of the Luxury Castle Hotel (Europe) Award at the prestigious World Luxury Awards 2021, it’s the ideal place to escape and unwind, and is located just 10 minutes outside Newry City.

Situated one mile from the Donegal/Fermanagh Border, Finn Lough offers the ideal setting from which to explore both counties. For those who are keen to stay put and relax there is plenty on offer within the 75 acre peninsula resort.

Think of crackling fires, cosy sofas and a warm welcome. Historic cottages in a Georgian retreat, ideally placed between the Glens and the Causeway Coast. Pub nearby. Fully equipped - linen, welcome pack, laundry facilities, snooker & library.

Trea and Kevin offer yoga and meditation in a beautiful centre set in acres of native woodland overlooking the Shannon Estuary on the Wild Atlantic Way. Coupled with cosy glamping options, it is a perfect outdoor nature retreat space.

Renowned eco retreat centre Ard Nahoo is the perfect place to escape it all and truly relax. Situated near Dromahair, County Leitrim, Ard Nahoo offers three well-equipped eco cabins constructed with the latest in sustainable architecture.

Five traditional style cottages on the grounds of an 18th Century country house. The cottages set around a courtyard and approached by a drive of lime trees. The property is home to a variety of rare breed animals and there are lots of walks nearby.

Rock Farm Slane is a gold-certified Ecotourism Ireland Glamping, Eco-lodge, tree climbing, electric bike hire and kayaking centre on an organic farm on the Slane Castle estate. They hold a Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence with 5 star reviews.