Care...

BURREN ECO TOURISM NETWORK

B.E.N. is a network of tourism enterprises with the objective of establishing the Burren as a premier internationally-recognised sustainable tourism region ensuring the future economic and social growth and sustainable development of its communities, environment and heritage. It seeks to support continued training, mentoring and accreditation in sustainable tourism for its members and for businesses interested in joining the Network.

The Network aims to be a recognisable network of enterprises in the Burren, who have achieved independent accreditation, demonstrate ecotourism ‘best practice’, positively discriminate in each other’s favour, provide ‘one voice’ representation on issues impacting the Burren (where appropriate), and inspire conservation activism.

The Burren Ecotourism Network and the Geopark have enjoyed a special relationship since 2008, when the Burren Connect Project first instigated the establishment of the Network. The two organisations now work in partnership, having agreed in late 2012 to pool their resources in pursuit of their common objective. Both organisations are committed to the promotion of responsible tourism that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people. They work together to promote ‘The Burren & Cliffs of Moher Geopark’ as a leading sustainable visitor destination, celebrated for high standards in visitor experience, conservation and learning.

For more information on the Burren Eco Tourism Network and Events during 2019 

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS

We are pleased to announce that Hotel Doolin has won the Best Green Medium Sized Organisation of the Year 2019 at the Green Awards for the second year in a row. Doolin Folk Festival won the award for A Greener Event at the A Greener Festival Awards in London in February 2018. The hotel has also won IBEC Environmental Awards 2016, Responsible Tourism Awards for Best Responsible Menu, The Tourism & Entertainment Award from the Green Awards 2015, 2016 & 2017, Green Hospitality Member of the Year Award 2014, Best Hotel for Responsible Tourism Award 2014 together with our current Gold Award Hotel with Green Hospitality Ireland which we maintain since 2013, placing Hotel Doolin as the leading hotel in sustainable tourism in Ireland. Hotel Doolin is also a member of the Burren Food Trail which won the EDEN 2015 (European Destination of Excellence) Award for developing a tourism offering based on their local gastronomy that balances sustaining the local environment with the promotion of viable tourism.

Other Awards Include:

Luxury Eco Friendly Hotel at the Luxury Travel Guide Awards 2018
Energy Award 2017 at the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark Life Awards
Water Conservation Award 2017 at the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark Life Awards
Waste Management Award 2017 at the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark Life Awards
Sustainable Tourism Operator 2017 at the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark Life Awards

Thank you to our green team and all our dedicated staff that help make this possible. Keep up the good work!

LEAVE NO TRACE IRELAND

Leave No Trace Ireland is a network of organisations and individuals with an interest in promoting the responsible recreational use of the outdoors. As increasing numbers of people seek the beauty and exhilaration of outdoor recreation, our collective mark on the environment and its natural processes, increases. Litter, disturbance to vegetation, water pollution, wildlife, livestock and other people are all indicators of the need to develop a national ethic that protects both natural and cultural heritage. Techniques designed to minimise the social and environmental impacts to these areas are incorporated into the Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics Education Programme.

The Burren & Cliffs of Moher Geopark is partnering with Leave No Trace Ireland to identify and target opportunities for reducing environmental impact in recreational activity within the region. In co-operation with this initiative, we have completed Leave No Trace Awareness Training and are now an official Leave No Trace Partner.

At the heart of Leave No Trace are seven principles for reducing the damage caused by outdoor activities. These are:

Plan Ahead and Prepare
Be Considerate of Others
Respect Farm Animals and Wildlife
Travel and Camp on Durable Ground
Leave What You Find
Dispose of Waste Properly
Minimise the Effects of Fire
Leave No Trace Ireland promotes and inspires responsible outdoor recreation through education, research and partnerships. The programme strives to build awareness, appreciation and respect for Ireland’s natural and cultural heritage and is dedicated to creating a nationally recognised and accepted outdoor ethic that promotes personal responsibility. It encourages all outdoor enthusiasts (e.g. walkers, mountain bikers, canoeists, orienteerers, horse riders) to do their part to maintain those lands used by the public for the benefit of the environment and for future generations.

Practicing a Leave No Trace ethic is simple. Make it hard for others to see or hear you and LEAVE NO TRACE of your visit.

To learn more about the Leave No Trace programme, visit www.leavenotraceireland.org.

SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT OPTIONS
To get to Doolin by Bus please click here from and to Galway

"FREE CUP OF TEA IF YOU CYCLE TO ME"
This is the first initiative of its kind in Ireland and is highlighting the fact that the best way to see the Burren is on a bike. Developed by the Burren & Cliffs of Moher Geopark and An Taisce Green Schools Travel officer Roisin Garvey, in conjunction with the Burren Ecotourism Network, the ‘Free cup of tea if you cycle to me’ scheme will see cyclists offered a free cup of tea when cycling to participating businesses.

Businesses involved in the scheme are:

Aillwee Cave and Birds of Prey Centre, Doolin Cave, The Burren Smokehouse, Wild Kitchen, The Burren Centre, Hotel Doolin, The Boghill Centre, Kilfenora Hostel, Burren Experience Guided Walks, Kilshanny House, The Farmyard.