Sixty businesses in North Clare and South Galway have been recognised for their participation in an environmental initiative focused on sustainable tourism in the Burren region
The initiative, funded by EU LIFE and launched by the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark Code of Practice, is the only one of its kind in Ireland and is part of a network of 169 Geoparks worldwide
Businesses involved in the initiative are working on reducing environmental impact, promoting local produce, conservation, community outreach, and green purchasing, with examples ranging from a hotel using hydropower for electricity to an artisan food producer embracing sustainable practices.
The 60 businesses awarded Certificates of Achievement this year include Aillwee Burren Experience, Burren Court Holiday Homes, The Burren Distillery, Burren Fine Wine and Food, Gregans Castle Hotel, Hazelwood Lodge, Hylands Burren Hotel, Monks Seafood Restaurant & Bar, Newtown Castle, Wild Atlantic Lodge (Ballyvaughan); Burren Outdoor Education And Training Centre (Bellharbour); Burren Farm Experience, INStone – Irish Natural Stone (Boston); Burren Forts Ltd. (Caherconnell); Michael Cusack Centre (Carron), Burren Experience Guided Walks, Dysert O’Dea Castle & Clare Archaeology Centre, Limestone Yoga, Walk with Pius (Corofin); Aran View Filling Station, Doolin Cave, Doolin Ferry Co., Doolin Inn, Doolin Pantry, Fiddle and Bow Hotel, Hotel Doolin, Nagle Doolin Camping, The Clare Jam Company, The Lodge Doolin, The Lodges at Sea View House, Wild Meadow Huts (Doolin); Market House Foodhall, Falls Hotel (Ennistymon); Aloha Surf School (Fanore); Lady Gregory Hotel (Gort), St. Tola Goat Cheese Farm (Inagh); The Burren Centre (Kilfenora); Burren Nature Sanctuary; Burren Yoga Retreats (Kinvara); Castledarcy Glamping, Lahinch Golf Club, Lahinch Leisure Centre, Spooneys Restaurant Lahinch, Wild Kitchen (Lahinch); Cliffs of Moher Experience, Cliffs of Moher Hotel, Cliffs of Moher Retreat, Cormac’s Coast, Irish T-shirts , Moher Cottage, Vaughans Anchor Inn (Liscannor); Common Knowledge, The Burren Smokehouse, The Ritz, Lisdoonvarna Failte CLG, Sheedy’s Hotel & Restaurant, Slieve Elva Bed & Breakfast, White’s Hotels (Lisdoonvarna); and Linanne’s Lobster Bar, Café Linnalla ice cream (New Quay).
Carol Gleeson, Manager of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, commented, “The Code’s success has not been achieved overnight, but instead is the result of years of careful planning and building a consensus in the Burren that more can be achieved by businesses and organisations working together. The businesses in receipt of certificates are a shining example for the rest of the country and are instrumental in ongoing efforts by the Clare Green Team to achieve Ireland’s first Global Sustainable Tourism Council Destination Certification.”
Deirdre O’Shea, Clare County Council’s Head of Tourism said “the journey towards sustainability often begins with small steps taken by individuals, communities, and businesses. The Burren has long shone the light for others to follow and I think this will stand to the sector in the months and years ahead.”
George Quinn, Chair of the Board of the Burren Ecotourism Network said, “working with the Geopark in rollout and promotion of the Code, the Burren region is making significant strides towards becoming a truly sustainable destination. Every two years members of the Network submit evidence to the Geopark Code of Practice online system. They are then externally evaluated on their commitment to these standards. This shared commitment by Network members to implementing sustainable tourism practices has received national and international recognition as highlighted through recent award wins such as the Lonely Planet Community Award for Best in Travel 2021 and the green light award for sustainability in the Irish Independent’s 2023 ‘Reader Travel Awards’.”
Jarlath O’Dwyer, CEO of the Burren Ecotourism Network said, “The businesses of the network make a significant effort to work together through the Code of Practice, implementing a range of social, environmental, and economic actions that benefit the environment, local communities and visitors. As a destination-based hospitality group, we look forward to businesses of all types and sizes continuing to play their part in building a sustainable future for the Burren and for those who have the good fortune of working, living or visiting here.”
