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Irish Nature Tours, Green Hotels and Ecotourism Attractions
Move your curser over the counties to find tours and attractions we recommend as being nature-friendly. About Ecotourism in IrelandEcotourism can be defined as a type of tourism where the environment, local community and visitor all benefit. In Ireland, we believe this includes land and sea-based organisations protecting the natural resources as well as companies like the Burren Perfumery who actively take measures to protect the environment. Irish TourismTourism has long been a vital part of the Irish economy and still remains so even with the recent surge in pharmaceutical and technological light industry. Today, Ireland is positioned in the forefront of European ecotourism, and governments in both north and south are keen on protecting their heritage of natural beauty. TourClare highlights on this page tours, attractions, events and gardens showing a concerted effort to protect the Irish environment. Also, TourClare also draws no political boundaries in Ireland when it comes to promoting ecotourism. If you are looking for an alternative way to experience, we recommend our Irish small group adventure tours. These 3, 4, 5 and 7-day tours travel throughout Ireland and are working toward a carbon neutral goal. Listed on this page are Ireland Green Hotels who are members of The Cleaner Greener Production Programme in Ireland. Cleaner greener production aims to reduce consumption of resources and avoid generating pollution. We regret the Irish government discontinued the Green Hotels Programme in 2007 but we still feel these hotels are deserving of our patronage for taking steps to support a sustainable Ireland. Worldwide Green Hotels
Irish Nature Tours and Attractions
Antrim (NI)World of Owls - The primary aim of the "World of Owls" is to ensure the survival of owls throughout the world. This objective will be achieved by rescue, conservation, education, research and restoration of their natural habitat. CarlowAltamont Gardens - Known as the most romantic garden in Ireland, Altamont is an enchanting blend of formal and informal gardens located on a 100 acre estate. ClareArt at the Park
Shannon Region
Trails (Self Guided)
From € 66 pps The Old Ground Hotel's magnificent ivy clad exterior retains all the splendour of a bygone age while inside all the conveniences of a modern hotel prevail. The location of the Old Ground Hotel in Ennis provides visitors with the perfect base to explore County Clare and the beauty of the West of Ireland. Some of the activities on offer include a visit to the Burren, Cliffs of Moher, Lahinch seaside town, golfing, fishing to name but a few.
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From € 42 pps The West County Hotel is stylish, comfortable
hotel on the fringe of historic Ennis with an outstanding reputation for
quality of service, relaxed atmosphere and friendliness. With its many charming and historic features, the Clare region makes for a
wonderfully relaxing but yet activity filled holiday, from wind surfing in
Lahinch to a pleasant day shopping followed by lunch in charming Ennis town
centre. CorkAnnes Grove Gardens, County Cork - Famous, privately-owned gardens open to the public during the summertime. Ballymaloe Cookery School Gardens - There is a lot more here than our cookery school. The entire garden is managed organically. Bantry House and Garden - A house and garden dating from 1740. Fota Arboretum - This formal garden contains an extensive collection of trees and shrubs. Hillside Garden - This mature 4-acre garden has won the top national award in Ireland 1996 and again in the year 2000. It consists of a large, sloping Plantsman's Garden, featuring Beach, Pines, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Magnolias, wood land plants and exotic grass. Two ponds large rockery with waterfall, Scree beds and many gravel areas and a newly planted gravel bed in the old orchard. Many Australian and South African plants flourish in the garden. Whale Watch West Cork - All our trips are oriented towards education and putting forward the wider marine conservation message. Down (NI)Exploris Aquarium and Seal Sanctuary - To date, the Exploris Aquarium in County Down has helped over 200 injured and sick seals recover. The Green Living Experience - Eight zones will be at the event ranging from local food in the Food Village to Swedish massage at the Body and Soul Zone. There will be an outdoor adventure at the Children and Young Persons Zone and you can even learn how to make honey at the Bio-diversity Zone. Mourne Heritage Trust The region is currently designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is proposed as Northern Ireland’s first National Park. 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. Dublin
From € 65 pps Location: Experience the magic of the 18th century Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel in Killiney, Co. Dublin. Enjoy the charm and elegance of the south Dublin coast, Killiney, Dun Laoghaire and Dalkey with their gourmet restaurants and cosy pubs. Situated at the brow of Killiney Hill, and just nine miles from Dublin's bustling city centre, Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel is easily accessed from both Dublin Airport and Dun Laoghaire ferry port. Mountain Meitheal - We are currently working on the old stalkers' trail built by Charles Stewart Parnell's family up along the Carrawaystick River in Glenmalure. This route, commonly known as the "Zig Zags," is popular with hikers going up and down Lugnaquilla, Leinster's highest mountain. Visitors who wish to volunteer are always welcome providing they are over 18 years of age, healthy and don't mind getting dirty. They will need weather gear for the Irish hills and boots. A change of dry clothes is highly recommended for the visit to the pub afterwards. They should bring a hot drink and lunch for the day out. Mountain Meitheal provides work gloves and tools. The Dillon Garden - Created by gardening writer and broadcaster Helen Dillon and her husband Val, this home garden combines a chorus of lovely plants with the warm and inviting personality of the Dillons. Galway
From € 99 pps As one of the premier luxury Castle Hotels in Ireland, Ballynahinch Castle is located at the heart of the Ballynahinch Estate at Connemara, Galway. Comprising of 450 acres of beautiful woodlands, gardens, lakes and rivers. This sporting country estate offers a secluded retreat of peace for any visitor. Ballynahinch Castle and Connemara both offer a wealth of activities and pursuits. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation in Ireland or an active hotel break in the West, there is something to suit everybody no matter what pace you prefer. Pony trekking, hill walking, cycling, golfing and shooting are all close at hand. Please contact reception who can organise pony trekking on the beach or contact the walking centre for guided walks through the Twelve Bens.
From € 67 pps The Connemara Coast Hotel enjoys one of the most breathtaking locations in Ireland. Perched overlooking Galway Bay yet just ten minutes from the Galway City. With extensive grounds that sweep right down to the shores of Galway Bay and
panoramic views across the Bay, the Burren and in the distance, the Aran
Islands, this is the ideal place for that special break. Aran Islands - A timeless land in an endless sea, weathered monuments on awesome cliffs, great labyrinths of limestone, meandering walls, patchwork fields, quiet beaches and a welcoming island people. No vehicles are allowed on the Islands from the mainland. 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). Kildare
Clanard court is set in 6 acres of landscaped gardens, it enjoys a
pivotal position in the midlands just 40 miles from Dublin and 1 mile
from Athy.
Athy is a heritage town situated on the river Barrow linking
Dublin to Kilkenny and Carlow to Portlaoise.
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This majestic Victorian Manor house, dating back to 1861, evokes an image of
bygone days, a time in our history when appreciating the finer things was
considered an art form. From the hotels beautifully appointed guestrooms to the
indulgent services offered by the Country Club, there is much to pamper you and
much to experience.
Killashee House Hotel is set amidst 80 acres of manicured gardens and woodland,
with magnificent views over the Wicklow Mountains and Kildare countryside.
The Setanta House Hotel is located on the edge of the beautiful historic Dublin
City suburb of Celbridge in County Kildare. Celbridge is a growing town on the
River Liffey about 12 miles from Dublin.
This town is steeped with charm and character. The River Liffey flows through
the town giving an air of peaceful, watery stillness. The Irish name for
Celbridge is "Cill Droicid," meaning "the church of the bridge."
The Setanta House Hotel is located in the heritage town of Celbridge in Co.
Kildare where Castletown House, Ireland's finest Palladian country house is
situated.
The hotel, originally an 18th century school, has historic links to the
Connolly family who built and resided in Castletown House.
Designed to reflect style, planned with meticulous care to
deliver service excellence, The Portlaoise Heritage Hotel has earned itself the
reputation of being the most sought after hotel in Ireland. It's White Flag
Award Winning Health & Leisure Club also features Ealu Spa Therapy. Nestled in the heart of Portlaoise Town, this sophisticated urban setting is
perfect for business or pleasure. Its striking entrance creates an impressive sense of space and classic modern
elegance. Only a short walk from the main line railway station and 1 mile from
the Dublin/Limerick/Cork motorway. The Portlaoise Heritage is located off the N7
in the centre of Portlaoise.
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.
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.
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.
From € 45 pps
Welcome to this little "Piece of Heaven."
Set in 26 acres of beautiful countryside on the banks of the River Shannon, the
4 star Castle Oaks House Hotel is proud of its reputation as one of the finest
hotels in Limerick.
The hotels location is idyllic, situated in the picturesque village of
Castleconnell just 10 minutes from Limerick city and 30 minutes from Shannon
Airport. This haven of tranquillity offering you a chance to escape the
pressures of everyday life and relax in the surroundings of our Georgian Manor
House with an ambience of old world charm, comfort and spaciousness.
From € 60 pps
This Hotel is located just 10 miles from Limerick City Centre and is situated
on the banks of the River Maigue just 1 mile from the historical splendor of
Adare.
With Adare only a 30 minute drive from Shannon International Airport, gateway
to the Southwest, this splendid hotel offers you the perfect choice of
accommodation to base yourself when visiting other destinations such as Cork ,
Kerry , Clare and Galway.
Visitors can enjoy a choice of up to 7 local golf courses including the Robert
Trent Jones designed championship course and the neighbouring Adare Manor Golf
Club.
Knowth - The Megalithic Passage
Tombs of Newgrange,
Knowth,
Dowth,
Fourknocks,
Loughcrew and
Tara are located in the
present day County of Meath on the east coast of Ireland.
The Boyne Valley Mounds at Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth were built around 3200 BC
making them older than
Stonehenge in
England and the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
Loughcrew House and Historic
Gardens -
Rich in historical, archaeological, religious and natural interest.
One of ancient Ireland's major roads passes through Loughcrew, crossing the
great Road of the Chariots nearby.
The Sligo Park Hotel is set on seven acres of quiet parkland and surrounded by
some of the most scenic countryside in Ireland.
Sligo City truly is the Land of Heart’s Desire, with some of the most scenic
countryside in Ireland ranging from the majestic Benbulben to the gentle waters
of Lough Gill.
Sligo is home to one of Ireland’s most famous sons, W.B. Yeats and if you are
familiar with any of his writings about Sligo, you already know of its
beautiful hills, streams, lake-lapped valleys, wide bays and golden beaches.
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.
From € 45 pps
Nestled in the unspoiled greenery of the Shannon region, offering style, comfort
and elegance, extensive conference & banqueting facilities, a lively bar &
night-club and a new Leisure & Fitness Club, the Abbey Court hotel is the ideal
place to stay, whether you are travelling for business or pleasure.
Chief amongst Nenagh's attractions is Nenagh Castle, constructed by the
Fitzwalter (also known as Butler) family in the 13th Century, and one of the
finest of its kind in Ireland. Also worth a visit is the ruined Franciscan
abbey.
Many outdoor sporting activities are also available on the hotel's doorstep,
including golf, fishing, boating, sailing, horse-riding and cycling.
From € 86 pps
This hotel in Waterford is housed in an 18th century mansion in Waterford
Ireland which has been restored to provide luxury accommodation in Ireland's
magnificent South East.
Faithlegg House Hotel Waterford offers the perfect combination of luxurious
guestrooms and self-catering accommodation, well appointed conference and
banqueting facilities, superb leisure, health and beauty amenities, with a
championship parkland golf course in Waterford, one of the more challenging golf
courses in Ireland. It is a true haven of tranquillity.
Kilmokea Country House
and Gardens - The gardens at Kilmokea, which cover some seven acres,
fall into two distinct parts.
Around the house are formal walled gardens and set into the stone wall a heavy
wooden door leads you into the magical world of the lower garden.
The owners, Mark and Emma, offer guests organic and home-grown produce direct
from their garden.
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.
Where Dublin goes to chill out the BrookLodge is located in a spectacular
Wicklow valley a designated area of outstanding natural beauty just one hour s
drive from the capital.
Serene country house style and state of the art facilities combine to deliver a
unique experience.
Luxuriate at the ultra comfortable Wells Spa whose extravagant experiences
include a mud chamber aroma baths Hammam massage a flotation room Finnish baths
and Jacuzzi's as well as the full Decleor Carita range of treatments.
All the water used is from our own wells and a unique indoor to outdoor
swimming pool completes the experience.
The Strawberry Tree Leinster's Restaurant of the Year serves only wild and
organic foods in possibly Ireland s most dramatic dining rooms.
Macreddin Village also hosts Acton s Country Pub and Brewery the Orchard Cafe
an organic bakery and smokehouse specialty.
BrookLodge is also just 15 minutes drive from Glendalough Ballykissangel and
some great golf courses. Hunting Brook
Gardens - Hidden in the foothills of the majestic Wicklow Mountains, lies Hunting
Brook - a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the modern world.
Killruddery House and
Gardens - Killruddery is unique in having one of the most extensive early formal
gardens, still in their original style, surviving in Ireland, largely laid out
in the 17th century and added to in the 19th century.
Mount Usher
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Like all the great gardens of Ireland, Mount Usher offers varying pleasures at
different seasons of the year. Rhododendrons in Spring, a blaze of Summer
colour and the wistful tints of Autumn, all elegantly set off by the crystal
waters of the river.
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. Award-winning small group
tours of Ireland
- It's like a safari only with pubs. |
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