This region in Ireland stands out for its commitment to sustainable tourism and is on Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2021 list.
Burren is a region located in County Clare, on the west coast of Ireland. It is 45 minutes from Galway and 2h 30 minutes from the capital, Dublin. The region is part of the Atlantic Coastal Route. Burren is one of the largest limestone areas in Europe and is known for its lunar landscape and unique vegetation. These natural features make it a unique place in the world. This lunar landscape that characterises the Irish region is the lunar karst landscape made up of 560 km2 of limestone. It is also a historic region where Neolithic remains such as the Poulnabrone Dolmen (R-480, Car Park Poulnabrone Dolmen) can be found.
Cliffs of Moher. Image courtesy of Tourism Ireland.
As for its unique vegetation, there is an extraordinary combination of Mediterranean and Arctic-alpine plants. As well as three quarters of the Irish wildflower species, and up to 23 species of orchids. Nature also offers us the 214-metre high Cliffs of Moher.
Ecotourism Network, essential for the ‘success’ of the area
Given the natural uniqueness of the region, the Burren Ecotourism Network was established in 2011, with 70 local businesses committed to promoting the region through responsible and sustainable tourism. All businesses in the network must adhere to the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark ‘Code of Sustainable Practice‘. This is an online platform that measures waste production, water consumption and energy use and encourages each business to make reductions in these areas.
Dolmen of Poulnabrone. Image courtesy of Tourism Ireland.
These efforts by local businesses have not been in vain, as three destinations in County Clare –Cape Loop, the Burren Food Trail and the monastic site of Scattery Island – have been awarded European Destination of Excellence status.
A highly rated place
Burren is also in luck, as Lonely Planet’ s Best in Travel 2021 list has chosen the Irish region as one of the top ten winners in the “Community” category for “Best Tourism Project”. The list, compiled by Lonely Planet, selects 30 projects from around the world in three categories: community, sustainability and diversity. It focuses on “sustainable tourism”, highlighting pioneering initiatives to regenerate local communities and environments, as well as people who are driving more inclusive tourism proposals. The jury was impressed by the efforts of the Burren Ecotourism Network, which demonstrates how tourism and sustainability need not be incompatible. Following this recognition by Lonely Planet, a new video has been created to celebrate the region’s achievement.
Image courtesy of Tourism Ireland.
Burren is the ideal destination to enjoy without making a big ecological and environmental impact. It is a unique place for all kinds of adventures and sustainable activities.
