It’s likely that your carbon emissions are lower than usual this year, so why not continue your efforts by going on an Irish eco-trip? You’ll be able to bask in holiday smugness knowing that you’re doing your bit for the environment along the way.

We’ve rounded up six of the finest eco-friendly Irish staycation destinations to give you some inspiration for your next getaway.

1. Hotel Doolin – Co. Clare

Ireland’s first certified carbon neutral hotel boasts some impressive stats when it comes to green hospitality. Since 2017, they’ve cut their oil consumption by 68% and reduced water usage by 59% per guest. The hotel is bursting with green initiatives, having removed all single-use plastics from guest bedrooms and offering free charging points for electric cars.

Whether relaxation or adventure is on your to-do list this summer, you won’t be short on places to explore. You’ve got the Burren National Park, the Cliffs of Moher, Ailwee Cave, Bunratty Castle and Lahinch Seaworld all just a short distance from the hotel.

2. Errigal House – Co. Donegal

This eco-friendly home is located at the base of Errigal Mountain, so the views are undeniably spectacular from every angle. The owners designed the house to have minimal impact on the surrounding landscape, and have made it eco-friendly with underfloor heating and a peat-burning stove.

Nearby, you’ve got Dunlewey Village, the Wild Atlantic Way and Glenveagh National Park. These options may come in handy once the novelty wears off of having a mountain to climb quite literally at your doorstep.

3. Podumna Village – Co. Galway

Consider staying in an eco pod this summer if tree-lined surroundings sound idyllic to you. Each pod is fully-insulated and sleeps up to five people. You won’t have to go without your home comforts, as they all come fully-stocked with mattresses, electricity and even heating.

You’re spoiled with picturesque landmarks in the area, like Portumna Castle, Portumna Abbey, Portumna Forest Park and you’re a 20-minute drive from Lough Derg. After a day of exploring, take a seat on the pod’s furnished decking area to enjoy the satisfaction of an eco-friendly holiday well done.

4. Westport Woods Hotel – Co. Mayo

If being immersed in a 300-year-old wood sounds like your ideal spot for a staycation, this could be the one for you. Dubbed ‘one of Ireland’s Greenest Hotels’, Westport Woods on a mission to achieve full carbon neutral status. They’ve stopped using oil for heating, put a huge emphasis on recycling and composting, and even use recycled car tyres and runners on the playground surface.

Nearby you’ve got Croagh Patrick and Achill Island to explore, and the Great Western Greenway if cycling is your thing. Or stay in the hotel grounds and marvel at the 2,000 new hardwood trees that have been planted.

5. Inch Hideaway – Co. Cork

Just a 15-minute walk from Inch Beach leads you to eco-glamping paradise with handbuilt yurts that all come with a private garden and your very own barbecue. You can also treat yourself to massages, therapies and yoga classes on site to ensure you fully unwind on this adventure.

Close by, you can get stuck into surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking and obstacle courses if a high-energy staycation is your idea of fun. Or consider walking hotspots White Bay and Roches Point if you prefer your holiday action at a more leisurely heart rate bpm.

6. Slieve Bloom Manor Eco B&B – Co. Kerry

As one of the first B&Bs on Muckross Road, Slieve Bloom Manor is mindful about sustainability using solar panels, serving local produce, offering bike rentals and putting a keen emphasis on recycling. They encourage guests to leave no trace during their stay. They use eco-friendly cleaning products and energy-saving lights too so you can take inspiration for your own household when you leave.

This eco-friendly haven puts you in a great location for exploring the south-west coast of Ireland. Killarney National Park will produce enviable photography that’s destined for sharing on your social channels, as well as giving breathtaking surroundings perfect for enjoying a picnic in the sun.

Source: RTÉ