Now that we have a greater knowledge of climate change and the impact we can have on the environment, how we holiday is important. This summer because most of us will take holidays in Ireland, we should consider the more sustainable options. There is a variety of places around the island of Ireland that will provide great holidays with less impact on the environment.
The Salthouse Eco Hotel, Co. Antrim
A luxury eco-hotel with breath-taking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Perched above the quaint seaside town of Ballycastle. The Salthouse with its inspiring scenery and light, airy spaces to unwind has a unique atmosphere that is designed to connect you to the outdoors. It provides the ultimate backdrop for unforgettable active adventures, coastal getaways and romantic weekend retreats.
Both the interior and the exterior of the Salthouse embrace its stunning location and successfully mixes tradition and nature. The production of salt shaped the local landscape from Pans Rocks to Fair Head playing a key part in the history of Ballycastle and enjoys a central theme within The Salthouse Hotel.
The Dolphin Hotel, Inisbofin Island
The Dolphin Hotel is only 700m from the pier and a lovely 10-minute walk to the sandy green coast beaches of the east end of the island. Nearby the Cloonamore Looped Walk features dramatic cliffs and coves with spectacular views of the Mayo and Connemara coast.
The hotel is named after a ‘nobbie’ fishing boat from the 1920s called the ‘The Dolphin’, owned by Pat Davis from West Quarter, grandfather of the owner. At that time about 10 of these boats fished out of Inishbofin. The original sail, lug lantern and compass can be seen in the Inishbofin Heritage Museum.
Designed to be in tune with nature, the curved restaurant uses recycled local stone and weathered cedar. Two outdoor deck areas are perfect for summer dining.
Finnlough Forest Domes, Fermanagh
Designed with the surroundings in mind, each room is bright and airy with a nod to the tranquil views beyond.
Tucked away in their private forest Finnlough’s transparent domes give you uninterrupted views so you can immerse yourself in nature and sleep beneath the starry skies.
Their Premium Domes offer more spacious interiors and lots of luxurious extras including a roll-top bath overlooking the forest.
Killeavy Castle Estate, Co Armagh
This is the perfect antidote to the modern fast-paced world. As the centrepiece of 350 acres of mixed farm and woodland in County Armagh’s stunning Slieve Gullion, it’s the ideal place to retreat, relax and unwind. Killeavey Castle is ten minutes outside Newry City and one hour from Belfast and Dublin Airports.
At Killeavy Castle Estate it is all about living life more slowly and in the present. Whether nature, history, loved ones or even yourself, this secluded country Estate will provide everything you need to emerge fully rejuvenated. All with keeping your conscious clear in this sustainable estate.
Shepards’ Huts at Blackstairs Eco Trails, Co. Carlow
Blackstairs Eco Trails have four beautiful Shepherds’ Huts in the gardens of their old rectory, three miles from Borris in Carlow. Each hut is decorated in rustic style and contains a comfy double bed. Guests use the state-of-the-art Eco Centre, with a kitchen, bathrooms and facilities for washing.
This is a gold accredited Eco-Tourism, destination certified by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.No fertilisers or sprays are not used on the land and recording of the wildlife has been going on for over 40 years. There is a young, five-acre oak wood that guests can explore. There is a trail through the wood which is a haven for birds and mammals.
Guests can use the small lake for swimming and canoe for trips around its small island. Outdoors, there is a wildflower meadow and a classical Old Rose Garden to be enjoyed.
