DESTINATION IRELAND
AUTUMN 22 46
Sustainable new ways to explore Ireland
Travellers who want to feel good about how they ’ re impacting the planet will find plenty of ways to keep it green on the island of Ireland in 2022 .
WHAT ’ S HOT !
Ireland is simply green by nature , and as more and more accommodations , facilities and attractions do their bit for planet Earth , all around the island new and sustainable experiences are being added to help travellers lower their impact .
Nothing is as sustainable as walking , so those who like to stretch their legs will love the new Ulster-Ireland section of the International Appalachian Trail , which continues one of the world ’ s largest trail networks from its origin in the USA , into Canada , Iceland , across to the island of Ireland and beyond .
At the other end of the country , look out for a spectacular new Wild Atlantic Way Viewing Point on a clifftop site at the unique Blasket Centre in beautiful County Kerry . The new viewing point provides stunning views of the Atlantic coast and the Blasket Islands , a group of six islands located off the coast of County Kerry .
The newly upgraded trail begins on the west coast of County Donegal in the Republic of Ireland , starting at the spectacular cliffs of Slieve League . The trail then passes through the wide-open spaces of the Sperrin Mountains , into the rugged Causeway Coast and across the magnificent Glens of Antrim in Northern Ireland to finish at the port of Larne .
Spanning 279 miles , the route takes walkers through wonderfully diverse landscapes and can be walked in its entirety , completed in stages or enjoyed as part of a day walk . Historic monuments , dramatic views , areas of outstanding natural beauty and a UNESCO World Heritage Site , all with geological links to the Appalachian Mountains , can be encountered along the way .
There are plenty of places to experience the local food and drink along the trail , and for places to rest up look no further than the stunning new treetop lodges of Burrenmore Nest in Castlerock , County Londonderry .
Each of the lodges is perched on stilts so guests can enjoy panoramic views , and they all have ensuite waterfall shower rooms , king-size beds , kitchenettes , built-in home-cinema projectors , private outdoor whirlpool baths and come complete with a complimentary breakfast basket .
The lodges are set within a forest in the historic Downhill Estate and are close to the tourist hotspots of Mussenden Temple and Benone Beach . Sink into your outdoor bath under the night sky , enjoy the peace and tranquillity , or recover from your walking , amid the birdsong of the forest .
The centre , situated at the tip of the Dingle Peninsula in the heart of a Gaeltacht ( Irish-speaking area ), honours the community that once lived on the remote islands . Well worth a visit , the centre illustrates the islanders ’ ultimate commitment to a sustainable existence alongside the unique literary heritage of the Great Blasket Island .
For those who like to combine luxury with sustainability , the perfect destination is the Killeavy Castle Estate in County Armagh , recently completed and opened with strong eco-credentials built in .
Named winner of the Luxury Castle Hotel ( Europe ) Award at the prestigious World Luxury Awards 2021 , the hotel is renowned for its environmental consciousness and passion for sustainability .
From saving water to zero plastic , the hotel ’ s heartbeat is sustainable practices . Guests can even enjoy the sights and sounds of the estate ’ s working farm , which supplies its restaurant with everything from Cheviot lamb and Longhorn beef to fresh seasonal vegetables and herbs picked daily from a vast walled garden or foraged from the extensive onsite woodlands .
Amazing experiences to be found close to the castle or on site include estate walks , cycling , golf , distillery tours and guided walks to the top of nearby Slieve Gullion mountain , as well as electric biking on a network of trails , and forest bathing right beside the hotel .