We will be unable to answer the contact number during business hours but please leave a message or send an email and we will reply as soon as possible..

Phone: 087 7413618 | Email: info@thefarmyard.ie

Burren Eco Tourism

The Farmyard is a proud member of the Burren Ecotourism Network.

Ecotourism is defined as –

“responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people”

Ecotourism focuses on ecologically and socially responsible, nature-based tourism that fosters environmental appreciation and understanding while contributing to the local economy.

We are a member of the Burren Ecotourism Network- a group of tourism providers in the Burren region who have worked together over an extended period to obtain independent ecotourism certification and to promote the Burren as a premier international ecotourism destination. We offer visitors opportunities to engage with the protected landscape of the Burren in a manner which is sustainable both in terms of the environment as well as the community. Tourism businesses within the network are committed to local produce, conservation and the community, as well as to continuing high standards of sustainability, and offer a range of accredited, nature-based experiences. Our shared vision is that providing genuine ecotourism travel experiences in the Burren will ensure the sustainable development of its communities, environment and heritage.

When visiting us, you can expect to gain privileged insights and knowledge about the nature and culture of the Burren. You can also be assured that people involved in providing your holiday have adopted environmentally sustainable practices.

BENEFITS OF BURREN ECOTOURISM

  • You will have the opportunity to engage with a protected and most unique landscape in a way that is sustainable both for the environment and the local community.
  • You can be assured that the business and experience have met a defined environmental and ecotourism standard and has subjected itself to independent scrutiny and monitoring.
  • You can be satisfied that the experience is genuine and authentic.
  • You will gain a privileged and intimate insight into the nature and culture of the Burren, engaging directly with local people, local heritage and/or local culture.
  • The individual personalities you meet and their local knowledge guarantee a unique and authentic experience that is truly representative of the Burren way of life, culture and heritage.
  • Because Burren ecotourism providers collaborate with each other on a number of fronts, visitors can rely on excellent local knowledge of other options in the area and can avail of more than one ecotourism experience, even on one trip.
  • The environment benefits from active conservation activities e.g beach clean-ups, schools liaison, as well as the financial support and patronage of the ecotourism providers.
  • Sustainable travel to the Burren helps preserve the local economy and the ability of the community to live and thrive in the area.

USEFUL LINKS

Eco-tourism:
www.sustourism.ie – Sustainable Tourism Ireland. Sustainability and Environmental Resources:
www.ecotourism.org – Ecotourism definitions and principles, factsheets.
www.sustainability.ie – Irish Sustainable living magazine online links page.
www.seat61.com –  International Slow Travel advocate.
www.failteireland.ie – Facts and figures on tourism and the environment and climate change
www.world-tourism.org/code_ethics/eng.html – Global Code of Ethics for Tourism.
www.change.ie – Advice, information and research, plus carbon calculator.
www.cultivate.ie – Irelands original Sustainable Living directory, they organise an annual sustainable living symposium and networking event in Dublin.
www.wakeuptowaste.org – Refuse and recycling information
www.burren.ie
www.burrengeopark.ie

The Farmyard has completed its Leave No Trace Awareness Training.

At the heart of Leave No Trace are seven principles for reducing the damage caused by outdoor activities. These are:

  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Be Considerate of Others
  3. Respect Farm Animals and Wildlife
  4. Travel and Camp on Durable Ground
  5. Leave What You Find
  6. Dispose of Waste Properly
  7. Minimise the Effects of Fire

Leave No Trace Ireland promotes and inspires responsible outdoor recreation through education, research and partnerships. The programme strives to build awareness, appreciation and respect for Ireland’s natural and cultural heritage and is dedicated to creating a nationally recognised and accepted outdoor ethic that promotes personal responsibility. It encourages all outdoor enthusiasts (e.g. walkers, mountain bikers, canoeists, orienteerers, horse riders) to do their part to maintain those lands used by the public for the benefit of the environment and for future generations.

Practicing a Leave No Trace ethic is simple. Make it hard for others to see or hear you and LEAVE NO TRACE of your visit.

To learn more about the Leave No Trace programme, visit www.leavenotraceireland.org.