How to Travel Ireland the Eco Way
Eco Escape Handbook Recommends Green Holidays on the Emerald Isle
Nov 10, 2008
Catherine Mack's Handbook for Responsible Escapism, published in May 2008 by Greenguide, helps those who want to explore Ireland with as little damage to the environment as possible – but without missing out on the comfort. Her portraits of green places to stay are inspirational, whether they are sustainably managed castle hotels, B&Bs with their own vegetable gardens or spiritual retreats with self-catering cottages. In addition the author offers helpful advice on slow travel in Ireland.
Ballynahinch Castle Protects Salmon Stocks and Plants Oak Trees
Each Eco Escape profile starts off with a brief description of the history of the place and the people behind it. Mack explains the environmental approach which was taken, for example regeneration. The proprietors of Ballynahinch Castle hotel in the heart of Connemara are actively working on the conservation of threatened fish stocks and have contributed to the rising figures of salmon in the local rivers. Oak trees, which once covered all of Ireland with endless woodlands, are in the centre of another project: So far one thousand have been planted, and hotel guests are encouraged to contribute their own oak tree as well.
Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre Blends into Nature with Eco-Friendly Technology
Another example is the controversially discussed new visitor centre of the Cliffs of Moher. While Mack does not dwell on the well known beauty of the breathtaking cliffs, Mack carefully points out the advantages of the 31 million Euro cave construction that blends into the grassy slopes behind the cliffs unobtrusively. Geo-thermal heating and cooling system, solar panels and on-site water treatment plant are state-of-the-art. The seeds for the grass roof were collected from the very spot before building work started. And while some might say that the many paved footpaths “tame” the natural appeal of the rugged cliffs to a certain extent, but the sheer amount of daily visitors required that something was done about the security aspect and about the accessibility.
Public Transport, Cycling, Eco-Taxi - Slow Travel Reduces Carbon Footprint
After getting so very used to cheap flights and the comforts of your own car, it certainly takes a lot of determination to start to travel slowly. But it's not necessarily a sacrifice. Slowing down, letting go of efficiency ideas that dominate most people's working life, also offers the opportunity to discover more, to meet people, to relax. It is actually possible to reach even extremely remote areas with public transport; some hosts also offer an eco-taxi service. And then there are walking and cycling, which would be the most carbon-neutral ways to travel limited distances.
Travel journalist Catherine Mack not only presents the reader with a good choice of entries for their holiday wish list, but also inspires with her portraits of eco-conscious people, who put the environment first when planning their enterprises. Their stories are fascinating beyond the touristy context, as they show that it is possible to live and do business in a responsible way.
Catherine Mack: Eco Escape Ireland. The Handbook for Responsible Escapism. Greenguide 2008, ISBN 978-1-905731-29-9
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