 Irish Eco-tourism and Sustainable Resources
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All right then, lads. These sites need support from you.
Take some time away from the pub when visiting Ireland and nourish
your soul a bit.
We've included a number of walking tours on
this page because we have found the guides on these outings are
frequently experts on the local fauna and flora.
If you know of or represent an ecologically sound link we should have here,
please sent us an email to our Link Director on the Contact list to the left.
We are also happy to include projects that promote the use of sustainable
resources in Ireland. TourClare.com is quite serious about promoting Irish ecotourism so if you
would like to get involved and lend a hand in this regard, please let us know. |
Hotels and Guesthouses in Ireland
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Ecotourism Tours and Attractions -
This
page lists eco-friendly hotels and attractions in Ireland. Unfortunately, the
Irish Government ended the Green Hotel programme in 2007 but we have the hotels
who participated in this endeavor listed here.
Imecofarm
- County Clare
Imecofarm is a place to visit and learn
having fun! Eco Crafts, Eco Courses, Farm Animals, Renewable Energy,
Vintage, Wildlife and Nature. Activities include forest and river trails,
treasure hunts, picnics, play areas, crafts and cafe.
Over the past 10 years, Eddie has been studying different courses on
Nature, Wildlife, Eco-Living and Renewable Energy. Because imecofarm is
situated in such a favourable location, on the Fergus Estuary, across
from Dromoland and Shannon, it has a great variety of habitats and
biodiversity.
Imecofarm is a place for people to visit for a relaxing walk, see the
renewable energy displays at IslandMcGrath House, or attend an eco
course.
Irish Garden Tours -
visit some of
the most beautiful gardens in Ireland. Self guided or coach tours for groups.
Ballymaloe House -
Nestled in a 400 acre estate in rural East Cork, Ballymaloe House is only 20
miles from the historic city of Cork, and minutes from the breathtaking south
coast. Ballymaloe House is renowned for its restaurant's use of local, fresh
food.
Annes Grove Gardens,
County Cork
Famous, privately-owned gardens open to the public during the summertime. Annes Grove Gardens are situated in County Cork, Southern Ireland.
Annes Grove demesne, known in the 18th century as Ballyhimock, was originally an
estate of the Grove family.
In the late 18th century it became the property of the Hon. Arthur Grove
Annesley, as a consequence of the marriage of his uncle, the first Earl Annesley,
to Mary Grove.
His descendants have lived here ever since.
An Taisce
Our extensive website tells you about the
environment and
planning in Ireland, and explains
What We Do nationally.
It contains fascinating pictorial
information about
Your Area and tells you
What You Can Do to help.
Ard Nahoo
Ard Nahoo is an award winning Eco Retreat, settled in the hills of the North
Leitrim Glens. We offer self catering breaks in our Eco Cabins, perfect for
families or groups, as well as yoga, surf and family retreats, holistic
therapies and venue hire. Awarded the EU Flower for accommodation in 2006, Ard
Nahoo offers an ethical break in breathtaking surroundings.
Athenry
Environmental Network
We are a network of individuals living in and around Athenry, Co. Galway,
promoting environmental awareness and better living practices for individuals
and communities everywhere.
Badger Watch
Ireland
Welcome to the Badgerwatch Ireland's
website. Badgerwatch is a non-profit organisation dedicated to
Badgers. Badgerwatch are actively involved in Badger conservation,
Badger welfare issues and of course, Badger Watching. In short, this
site has everything you've ever wanted to know about Irish Badgers.
Bagenalstown Festival
Welcome to the Bagenalstown website. We are aiming to increase eco-tourism to the area and to benefit the
local economy and to create a sense of pride in the town, the river
and the surrounding area.
Located in scenic County Carlow, South East Ireland, beside the
beautiful River Barrow, Bagenalstown is one of Ireland's hidden
treasures. Experience authentic Ireland.
Explore the town & area through this website and remember to sign our
Guestbook.
Bat
Conservation Ireland
On this site you can find information on bats in general and Irish
bats in particular - where you can find them, what different species
there are, why they might be roosting in your roof, how they might
affect developers.
You can also find out about bat-related events, and contact us should
you require any further information or advice.
Birdwatch
Ireland
BirdWatch Ireland (BWI) is the trading name of the Irish Wildbird
Conservancy (IWC) formed in 1968.
We are the the leading voluntary
conservation organisation in Ireland, devoted to the conservation and
protection of Ireland's wild birds and their habitats.
BWI has over 10,000
active members and supporters, and a network of 20 branches throughout
the country actively promoting the importance of birds and habitats,
and general conservation issues.
Blaney Spa
and Yoga Centre Ireland
Some of the finest views over lough erne.
Bray Strollers
Situated close to the Wicklow Mountains the club makes full use of
this wonderful amenity with walks provided on Tuesdays, Wednesdays,
Saturdays and Sundays.
At times we travel to other parts of the
country; from Carrauntoohill to Slieve League, from Mt. Leinster to
the Mournes, yes the 4 corners of the country, literally.
Some of our members climb abroad giving the opportunity for exploring
mountain ranges across Europe.
Bryson Charitable Group
Northern Ireland's oldest community-based social services and environmental
charity. We are committed to identifying and developing sustainable responses to
existing and emerging social and environmental need.
Burren Life
The Burren is one of the most important and best-known landscapes in
Europe due to the wealth and diversity of its natural and cultural
heritage.
As a result, much of the Burren has been designated as part
of the Natura 2000 Network under the EU Habitats Directive.
The
Burren Perfumery
The Burren Perfumery creates a variety of perfumes and soaps from the
renewable resources of Ireland's wild Burren area.
Keen on protecting the natural resources of the Burren, owners Sadie Chowen and
Edward Biggs gather and distill natural flowers and herbs to produce unique
fragrances from Ireland.
Protected Burren species, such as the Fragrant Orchid, are grown for them in
mirrored habitats but all ingredients in their perfumes and soaps are natural.
Burren Walking Tour
These rambles are an ideal
introduction to the geology, natural history, botany, archaeology,
history, agriculture and conservation of the region. Most Burren flora and many archaeological sites are encountered on
routes which take the visitor to the heart of the Burren within short
time spans.
The mixed walks are in different areas of the Burren and range from
1 to 6 hours in duration. Most Tours can be completed by all age
groups and some will require good footwear.
The Cave Hill
Conservation Campaign
A voluntary group of approximately 100 people based in Belfast. It was founded
in 1989 to counter the threat of a prospecting licence for the mineral zeolite
being issued for the Cave Hill. The Campaign organised a petition which
attracted over 11,000 signatures and helped to see off the threat of mining in
the area. Today, the Campaign operates through an active committee which meets
monthly.
CELT
A community group and registered charity involved in Ecology, Nature
conservation, Traditional skills, Environmental education, Training, Renewable
energy, Wildlife, Sustainable Woodland management, Native trees, Willow-work,
Lime / Hemp Plastering, Woodcarving, Sugan chair making, Thatching, Blacksmith,
Copper/Tinsmith, Coppice crafts, Footwear making, Native Tree Nursery and
planting, Schools projects, Herbs, Canoe building, Yurt construction and more!
Celtic Spirit Tours
Celtic Spirit offers cultural
holidays in Inishmore (Inis Mor), Ireland. We specialize in walking tours, Celtic heritage courses, Single
Holidays, Irish singing and dancing, basket making and archaeological
tours.
Clare Walks
In the early 1990s people from the ten parishes of East Clare came together
with a common goal to bring sensitive tourism to the more remote areas of East
Clare. Walking was an activity suggested to achieve this common aim.
Clare Walking
Tours
County Clare
We specialise in Single Centre-Self Guided walking tours, holidays and short
breaks in the East Clare region, on the shores of the beautiful Shannon River
and Lough Derg.
Cloona Health Centre
Secluded yet accessible, restful yet energizing, these residential detox
programmes provide an opportunity to reflect, refresh and rejuvenate.
Conservation Volunteers
Northern Ireland
For over twenty years, Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland has been helping
local people improve their local environment.
Coole Park and
Garden, Galway
The National Parks &
Wildlife Service welcomes you to Coole Park which, together with the
adjoining Garryland, is a Nature Reserve of approximately 405 hectares
(1000 acres). The seven woods celebrated by W.B. Yeats are part of the
6 kilometers of nature trails taking in woods, river, Turlough, bare
limestone and Coole lake.
Crann
CRANN works to make people aware of our trees, hedgerows and woodlands promoting
sustainable and bio-diverse woodlands and encouraging the development of a
vibrant Irish wood culture.
Butterflies of Ireland
This site contains a photographic
guide to the Butterflies of Ireland. The butterfly species are
divided into four groups: Small, Brown, White and Multi-coloured
butterflies. There is a section entitled 'General Information'
which should be read first, as among other information, it gives
details of the format of this guide.
Comeragh Mountaineering Club
The Comeragh
Mountaineering Club, CMC for short, is one of the premier
Mountaineering and Hill Walking Clubs in the South East of Ireland. We
are based in Waterford City and our local mountains are the
Comeraghs.
Dominican Farm and
Ecology Centre
The Dominican Sisters established the Dominican Farm and Ecology Centre in
1998 on their 70-acres of land in Wicklow. It is an organic/biodynamic farm and
Centre for Ecology and Spirituality.
Eagles Flying
Situated amid the beautiful landscape of the North-West of Ireland,
Eagles Flying, Ireland's biggest sanctuary for birds of prey and owls
offers you incomparable impressions of majestic raptors soaring over
one of the most lovely locations to be found.
The Irish Raptor Research Centre is a scientifically managed institution
specialising in Birds of Prey. We also serve as a hospital for injured specimens
of birds and other wildlife brought to us. We are working closely together with
other Zoological Gardens breeding endangered species for release-programmes.
Free-flying demonstrations with different
birds of prey such as eagles, hawks and falcons twice daily at 11 am
and 3 pm lasting one hour each and that there is also a pet-zoo
Ecoseeds
Protecting and enhancing local biodiversity - A principle objective that
underlies our activities is the need to re-establish the significance and
diversity of natural habitats in Ireland's rural environment.
Exploris -
Northern Ireland Aquarium
The Seal Sanctuary affords the visitor the opportunity to view the
process of rehabilitation of rescued seal pups from their arrival
through to full health when they are re-introduced to the wild.
Footfalls Walking Tours
Offers you everything from
mountain peaks to lush green valleys, broad-leaved woodlands and a
rugged Atlantic coastline. Ireland has less then four million people
and hill walking being a relative new pursuit means that we virtually
have the hills to ourselves! Back in the villages you will encounter
the homely warmth of the local hospitality-fine food, music, and 'craic.'
Fox Watch Ireland
Since its launch in 2000, the Foxwatch Ireland website has picked up
awards from the following.
These awards are dedicated to all the foxes that have been torn apart
by foxhunters, gunned down by shooters, poisoned and snared by farmers
and run over by motorists.
Friends of the Earth, Northern Ireland
Friends of the Earth Northern Ireland campaigns for environmental
justice and inspires people to take action to improve their lives.
Friends of the Earth, Republic
of Ireland
Friends of the Earth campaigns for environmental justice and sustainability. We
believe in sustainable development - meeting the needs of the current generation
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
Friends of the Irish Environment
A network created by conservationists in Ireland in order to monitor
the full implementation of European environmental law, to work for
changes in the Irish planning laws, and to pursue concerns and cases
in both the built and the natural environment.
Greening Irish
Hotels
The objective of the CGPP is to encourage companies in Ireland, particularly
SME's, to adopt a high standard of environmental performance by adapting or
improving processes and services in order to minimise negative impact on the
environment.
The Green
Living Experience
Green Living Experience presents a sensory feast of sustainable living over two
days in the beautiful Castlewellan Forest Park, County Down.
The Green Sod
Land Trust
The Green Sod Land Trust is working to save this land for present and future
generations.
Green Wood Chairs
Green Wood Chairs promotes a cleaner environment and
a more sustainable Ireland. They use coppiced hazel that is locally sourced for
making the chairs.
Coppicing is a sustainable way of managing woodland
where you cut the hazel trees every 7 - 10 years and they grow again as with a
crop.
You do not kill the trees with this method and, because the wood is
sourced locally, a very small amount of fuel is needed to bring it to my studio.
Most of the work is done using hand tools. The studio and workshop are purpose-
built timber frame buildings with high insulation and grass roofs.
Ground Beetles of Ireland
This web site is based largely on the book The
Ground Beetles of Northern Ireland, Anderson, R., McFerran, D., &
Cameron, A. 2000.
This site is another step along the way to encouraging interest in
Irish ground beetles. It extends the book by including more
illustrations of the species and providing a means to produce updated
distribution maps.
The Gyreum
Ireland's first ecolodge to be awarded the EU Eco-Label for tourist
accommodation offers a feast of events over the coming months.
Harvest Feast
Going to great pains to show the Irish really
can
cook.
The Heritage
Council
The Heritage Council was established as a statutory body under the
Heritage act 1995. Its role is to propose policies and priorities for
the identification, protection, preservation and enhancement of the
national heritage.
National Heritage is defined as including monuments, archaeological
objects, heritage objects such as art and industrial works, documents
and genealogical records, architectural heritage, flora, fauna,
wildlife habitats, landscapes, seascapes, wrecks, geology, heritage
gardens, parks and inland waterways.
The Council has a particular responsibility to promote interest,
education, knowledge and pride in the national heritage.
Ireland's Green
Holiday Experience
Come to the Green Box and enjoy a new experience, you will be staying
in a developing eco tourism destination.
We hope you will enjoy organic food and experience a different pace of
life and wellbeing. We will give you nature / educational based
holiday capable of broadening your mind and enlivening your souls, a
different destination firmly grounded in sustainable principles and
practices.
Irish
Bird Images
We like to share our Irish birding moments with digital images
displayed on our site. Some are common and rare visitors to our shores, with the added
interest of foreign birding. Updated weekly.
Irish
Council Against Blood Sports
Campaigning for an end to foxhunting, hare coursing, carted deer
hunting and all forms of hunting animals with packs of dogs.
Irish Dragonflies
They actually have a book on the history of Irish dragonflies and
links to other dragonfly sites.
Irish
Moths
What can we say?
Irish Seed Savers
The ISSA is a voluntary
organisation dedicated to the location and preservation of traditional varieties
of fruit and vegetables. The Association maintains a seed bank which distributes
seed of these non-commercially available vegetables, as well as a network of
heritage potatoes. We pass them on to members so that they can learn to save
them and in this way ensure a living agricultural legacy.
Irish Sea Leatherback
Turtle Project
 Leatherback
turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) are one of the seven species of marine
turtles found in the world's ocean today. However, unlike other turtles they are a highly pelagic
(open-ocean) species, which in general only approach land during the
nesting season.
The
Irish Seal Sanctuary
Seal rescue, treatment and release program in Ireland.
Irish Wildlife Trust
Conserving Ireland's wildlife and
habitats
Kerry Ecological
News
Promoting Environmental Awareness Celebrating Kerry's Natural Beauty
The Lisnavagh Timber Project
grows, sources, conditions and supplies fully traceable home-grown Irish
hardwood timber, from sustainable resources, to Ireland's furniture makers and
woodworkers.
Lough
Gur
Lough Gur is one of Ireland's most important archaeological sites. The visitor
centre tells the story of Pre-Celtic Ireland dating back to 3000 BC. The
interpretation includes a slide show, imaginative exhibition models and
interpretative panels.
Mc Govern
Organic Wines
We handpick our products, having regular tasting sessions with wine tasting
groups and friends. These wines are simply made the age old way, without
recourse to modern chemicals.
Megalithic Ireland
Ancient pathways, etched in unyielding earth since time immemorial
reveal the hidden secrets of this mystical landscape. Stone walls, built with care and skill, remind us that this place
was once densely populated. Here and there ruins of stone-built cottages stand deserted, relics
of a famine-ravaged past. There potato beds lie; ridge and furrow,
beneath the purple heather where early nineteenth century toil yielded
crops. History walks ivy-clad cloisters where monks once forged a golden
age of learning for the darkness of the middle ages.
Mountaineering
This is a new web site
of some of the most popular Hillwalking and Mountaineering routes in
Ireland. It is not a walking guide and therefore should not be used
for planning a trip! More detailed walking guides are available in selected bookshops
and adventure sport outfitters.
Mountaineering in Ireland
Official site of the Mountaineering Council of Ireland, the national
body
representing hillwalkers and climbers in Ireland.
Mountain Meitheal
Mountain Meitheal is a group of volunteers who undertake conservation
and restoration projects on our mountain and forest paths and trails. In Mountain Meitheal we are attempting to counteract some of the
pressures, that are evident on our mountains, by working with the
various landowners including, Duchas (the National Park Service),
Coillte (The Irish Forestry Board) and private landowners.
Mourne Wall Walk
Built over
18 years between 1904 and 1922, the 22-mile Mourne Wall encloses 9000
acres of land which drains into the Silent Valley and Ben Crom
reservoirs.
The wall covers 9000-plus feet of ascent, rising and
falling over 15 mountains including Slieve Donard, Slieve Commedagh
and the ever popular Slieve Binnian. While it provides a physical
challenge to complete in one day, it is unquestionably the greatest
long walk in the Mournes, providing views and memories unsurpassed in
Northern Ireland.
Munster Hill Walks
This site contains a just a small selection of the many hill walks
available in the Munster area. All walks have been logged using a GPS
so it should be possible to repeat any walk using a map and a compass. All walks have been conducted on a preplanned basis in a group with
an experienced walk leader.
National Parks and
Wildlife Services
Irelands natural heritage is an integral part of our national
inheritance and forms part of our sense of identity, providing
resources of social, educational, recreational and aesthetic value.
Northern Ireland Environment Link
Forum and networking body for organisations interested in the environment of Northern Ireland.
Notice Nature
Ireland's public awareness campaign on biodiversity. The aim of the campaign
is to raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity and to encourage
everyone to play their part in its protection. This will help halt the damage
being done to our plants and animals and the landscape, waters and habitats in
which they live.
The Orchard Acre
We run creative craft, cookery and sustainable lifestyle courses throughout
the year.
The Organic
Centre
Established in 1995 as a non profit making company with the aim of
providing training, information and demonstrations of organic gardening,
growing and farming. The Centre is located on a site of 19 acres in Rossinver in the unspoilt
countryside of North Leitrim. Each year since 1995 has seen significant developments at the Centre.
Outsider Magazine
OUTSIDER is Ireland's top outdoor activities magazine. Published bi-monthly, OUTSIDER is a colourful collection of routes,
adventures, skills, gear and personalities, associated with walking,
mountaineering, climbing, mountain biking, skiing, canoeing, kayaking,
adventure racing and more.
Powerscourt House and
Gardens
Formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statuary, ornamental lakes, secret hollows,
rambling walks, walled gardens and over 200 varieties of trees and shrubs.
Protect Tara
Group dedicated to protecting the ancient grounds of Tara. Tara is located in the county of Meath, which is often referred to
as The Royal County, precisely because Tara is there, this is where the High Kings ruled from. Tara is
situated in the east of the country, north of Dublin.
Sacred Island Tours
Welcome to the
Sacred Island, a collection of ancient megalithic sites,
mythology, art and astronomy, with some virtual tours, by artist and
researcher Martin Byrne.
Sacred Site Tours
Journey through a lush green land
of rhododendrons (in May); foxglove & fuchsia (in July thru October) &
heather (in August & September) - a mystical, mysterious land filled
with mystery, legend, folk-tales & mythology. The mountains and loughs
we visit are homes of the gods & goddesses & reverberate with energy.
Shannon Region
Trails (Self Guided)
The Shannon Region Trails website provides detailed directions and maps
for a variety of trails and includes information on EcoWalks, which explore the
wonderful biodiversity of the Shannon Region and take the walker on a delightful
journey through areas of stunning nature, old woodland and small villages.
Strangford Lough
Strangford Lough is a large (150km�) shallow sea lough situated on the east
coast of County Down, Northern Ireland. The Lough's northern tip is only about 6
km from the outskirts of Belfast.
Sustainable
Ireland
Excellent website on events and other information in Ireland.
Sustainability
Magazine
The Sustainability Institute is the parent organisation from which the
Sustainability magazine was conceived. The Institute is committed to the
propagation of ideas central to the concept of sustainability, and to providing
a forum for appropriate training and instruction.
Tipperary Litter & Tourism Inititative
Project aims to improve tourism and the environment.
Address: Tipperary Institute, Thurles, Co. Tipperary
True Ireland
Comprehensive guide to trail walks and other activities in Western
Ireland.
Ulster Wildlife
Trust
The largest locally based conservation organisation in Northern Ireland and a
partner in a national network of Wildlife Trusts
Uwalk.ie
(Europe)
A UWalk guided walk is ideal for
single travellers, couples, or groups of friends. Our group sizes are
small usually about 10 to 16 people.
Vasco Dine Wine Deli & Eco
Adventure
Craggagh, Fanore, Co. Clare
Tel: +353 (0)85 1411646
During the day, Vasco is the place for a wholesome breakfast, the best coffee in
the region, an alternative "take" on lunch and later for a glass of wine or a
cold beer and a mezze plate.
As evening approaches, Vasco transforms into an intimate venue where
customers can unwind with our speciality beers and wines and then stay for our
seafood feast whilst listening to the latest upbeat tunes.
Walnut Books
They are an Irish based independent specialist green book store. You can browse
their complete range by clicking on any link in the categories section.
Wexford Ecotourism
Situated on the North Slob, Ireland's premier wildfowl reserve, covers
550 acres, and is located at the western end of the 2,400 acres of
�polder land' claimed from the sea in 1847.
From Wexford Town,
towering above the long, low sea-wall, the tall chimney stack of the
North Slob Pumphouse (built to control and maintain water levels on
the slob), clearly marks the location of the reserve centre's main
entrance.
Whale and Dolphin Group
The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group
is Dedicated to the Conservation and Better Understanding of Whales,
Dolphins and Porpoise in Irish Waters.
Whale Watch West Cork
- All our trips are oriented towards education and putting forward the wider
marine conservation message.
We especially emphasise the impact of climate change, unsustainable fishing
practices and pollution on all marine life but especially the impact on marine
mammals that are at the top of the food chain.
A portion of all proceeds taken in on the tours goes towards research and we
actively contribute towards the research fund of the IWDG.
We strive towards carbon neutrality through the combined use of computer
controlled low emission engines, purchasing carbon credits and contributing
towards tree planting.
Wicklow
Mountains National Park
Wicklow Mountains National Park
is part of a mountain range that extends over most of County Wicklow
on the east coast of Ireland. The upper slopes and rounded peaks are
blanketed with heath and bog.
The open vistas are interrupted only by forestry plantations and
the winding mountain roads. Fast-flowing streams descend into the deep
lakes of the wooded valleys and continue their course into the
surrounding lowlands.
Wise Woman
Festival
This festival takes place annually in Dromahair, Co Leitrim. It is a weekend of
learning, discovery, celebration and fun for women of all ages. It is a time to
renew our connection with the earth, explore our creativity, honour
our self and each other and celebrate our wisdom. Workshops, celebrations, and rituals make this an educational and
inspirational weekend.
World of Owls -
The primary aim of the "World
of Owls" is to ensure the survival of owls throughout the world.
WWT Castle Espie Wetlands
Centre
- The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) is the UK's only
specialist wetland conservation charity with a national network of wetland
visitor centres. WWT is a world leader in the protection of ducks, geese, swans and flamingos
and the wetlands they inhabit.
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