The summer is here and we are all looking ahead for nice and relaxing weekends out of our cities, chilling out in a great nature destination, testing good food and enjoy a friendly atmosphere…but where to go? Tropical destinations are way too far and expensive, so why not enjoying a trip next door in the marvellous Ireland and in a responsible manner. Where? Our compass is here to help!
Dublin: the vibrant capital
Arrive relaxed and cool in the fair capital, Ireland is all about beautiful nature and warm welcomes, it will be the holiday of a lifetime! Stay in one of the many independent hostels in the capital, maybe eat a traditional fish and chips and an organic pint in Porter House! If you’d like to see some hidden and green spots of Dublin, tour with Sustainable Tourism Ireland, or hire one of the 400 Dublin Bikes for a different view of the city on 2 wheels. If you are just on a short break, don’t miss the coast! A trip to Howth or Greystones with the Dart (Irish rail) will offer you a glimpse of traditional fishing villages, stunning cliffs and sea views.
Countryside: just 2 hours train away from Dublin is the newly founded Irish Eco-Village, for unique insights about green technology and sustainable living, as well as art and heritage in the Cloughjordan community, once called Little Belfast. You can stay at the nearby Lough Derg House in Dromineer, at the shore of the Lough Dergh (2nd biggest lake in Ireland): the owner Declan, very experienced in local heritage, can offer you horse riding activities, bike riding and homemade organic food!
West: we suggest you to spend some time at the Burren National Park; the Burren with its unique geology is a stunning and beautiful environment. Tony Kirby of Heart of Burren walks will guide you with light steps through the national park; for an extra relaxing day, try the Boghill centre, where you can learn traditional arts or simply relax in the nature. Nearby, you will be able to visit the very famous Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre, recently renovated to minimise its environmental impacts.
South: the South coast is very famous for its many attractions, the most visited part of Ireland; from the sunny South East, to Kinsale the artistic sustainable city near Cork, to the Ring of Kerry and Dingle…the most breathtaking sceneries! For a full list of green gateways, visit green-business
North: the least visited part of Ireland, but probably the greenest because of all the rain! Donegal and the Lakes around Enniskillen in UK, are all amazing places to visit. The Greenbox in particular offer many locations of unique value, starting from the first Irish pilgrimage, a unique walking tour discovering Irish spirituality (offered by Gyreum), to eco-luxury breaks at Ard Nahoo or Tawnylust Lodge; all these businesses are awarded by and Eco-flower certification.
For more details about these businesses and their sustainable certification credentials, visit: Sustainable Tourism Ireland
Enjoy your stay in the Emerald Island!