Why the island of Ireland is green by nature

There are a wealth of impressive, low-impact and environmentally friendly accommodation options across Ireland, which don’t compromise on style, comfort or modern amenities. The Salthouse in Co. Antrim is a luxurious hotel and spa overlooking the seaside town of Ballycastle, which is powered by onsite wind turbines and solar panels, lit by energy-efficient LEDs and is free from single-use plastics. It also offers a range of off-grid luxury eco lodges in Knocklayde Forest. 

Luxury and sustainability also go hand-in-hand at Killeavy Castle Estate in Co. Armagh, which is renowned for its eco-friendly credentials and passion for the environment. The castle is hidden in 350 acres of mixed farm and woodland in the Slieve Gullion mountain, and encourages guests to live life more slowly and in the present. 

Nestled in the heart of the Burren in Co. Clare, Gregans Castle Hotel is a founding member of The Burren Ecotourism Network, which won Lonely Planet’s Community Award – Best in Travel 2021. The hotel has a strong focus on sustainability, and is also a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World 

There’s also the option to sleep under the stars, and Rock Farm Slane is a glamping, ecotourism and activity centre and organic farm on Slane Castle estate in Co. Meath, right by the River Boyne. Guests can choose from yurts, shepherd’s huts, bell tents, cabins and houses. 

Eco-friendly activities in Ireland

There are a wealth of activities and experiences across Ireland which have been designed with sustainability in mind, and aim to have a positive impact on the local area. 

Escape to the award-winning Mulranny in Co. Mayo

Visitors can discover why Mulranny on the Wild Atlantic Way was voted as Ireland’s Best Destination for Responsible Tourism at the Irish Responsible Tourism Awards. In this spectacular area they can go horse riding along pristine beaches, wander through the wild, mountainous scenery of west Mayo, or try their hand at seaweed harvesting and tasting. Then suggest popping into one of the many welcoming pubs or restaurants. 

Explore the new Mourne Gullion Strangford Unesco Global Geopark

Three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Northern Ireland’s south-east, The Ring of Gullion, the Mournes and Strangford Lough and Lecale, have recently gained Unesco Global Geopark accreditation. This beautiful region is just one hour from Belfast and is home to 400 million years of geological history, and is of huge significance both naturally and culturally. It’s the perfect place to embrace the great outdoors and take a scenic hike or cycle or get out on the water to enjoy kayaking or paddleboarding.  For something different, advise clients to head to Slieve Gullion Forest Park and sign up for Xhale’s ‘Awaken Your Senses’ forest bathing experience.

Discover The Burren - go green in an eco-destination

To keep their holiday carbon footprint to a minimum, your clients can visit the protected, moon-like and eco-friendly terrain of the Burren in Co. Clare. Along with the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren is part of a Unesco Global Geopark, where sustainability, socially responsible, nature-based tourism and excellent eco-travel experiences are the norm. Visitors can stay in sustainable accommodation, eat locally sourced food and revel in environmentally-friendly activities and experiences.  

Get on your bike (or boat) on Ireland’s greenways and blueways

Ireland’s network of traffic-free greenways and blueways are a haven for walkers, cyclists and water sports enthusiasts and provide the perfect place for visitors to immerse themselves in the natural splendour of Ireland’s great outdoors. Soak up the raw beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way with a cycle along the Great Western Greenway or hire a kayak and paddle past historic sites along the Boyne Blueway Trim in Co. Meath.

Taste the island

With its pure waters and green fields, Ireland has an abundant natural larder of fresh, locally sourced produce. Your customers can can learn more with a food tour, enjoy a farm-to-fork experience with Causeway Coast Foodie Tours, visit oyster farms and gin distilleries in Co. Galway with Irish Artisan Food Tours, or indulge in a craft beer and seafood trail experience in Howth, Co. Dublin.