Eco Tourism at Doolin Cave
Doolin Cave is a member of the Burren Ecotourism Network which promotes sustainable tourism in the Burren helping to conserve the environment and improve the well being of local people. Doolin Cave is one of Ireland’s leading ecotourist attractions.
As a member of the Burren Ecotourism Network Doolin Cave follows a detailed conservation policy. The polocies in place for the day to day operation of the business concentrate on the following areas:
1. We use LED (low energy) light bulbs in the main building. 2. The design of the Visitor Centre, particularly the grass roof and triple-glazed areas, reduces our energy use as natural sunlight lights, heats and retains heat in the building as much as possible.
1. We collect rain water from the roof for our animals in the eco-trail and are installing an underground tank to collect rain water for use in the washrooms. 2. Our toilets are all double flushing to conserve water use.
1. We use only Fair Trade coffee and tea. 2. We source our foodstuffs from sustainable sources.
1. We do not use pesticides. 2. Fruit bushes have been planted to make jams and use the fruit in the cafe menu 3. We have planted 300 native trees on site as well as natural hedgerows of indigenous plants 4. We have a composter on-site and use the compost on flowers and other plants on site
1. We have a comprehensive system in place of recycling, composting and reducing materials used.
1. All cleaning products used are naturally biodegradable. 2. We use steam cleaners and power hoses to eliminate the need for detergents as much as possible
1. We support local food producers as outlined in the menu section 2. We promote local attractions, accommodation, etc. 3. We host a Burren Information Point which is an initiative of the Burren Connect project by Clare County Council. 4. We give employment in the area as we have a policy of using local staff as much as possible
Sustainable tourism is embedded in the ethos here at Doolin Cave and we take our responsibility to run our visitor attraction in a sustainable way very seriously. Part of sustainable code of practice involves encouraging the use of sustainable transport in our wonderful destination. There are bike parking spaces available in the car park at Doolin Cave.
The Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark
In 2011 the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher gained Global Geopark status, already spectacular neighbours, their coming together formed a destination of natural wonders. Making up over 530 square kilometres the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark offers diversity that is second to none. This rich and alluring landscape of staggering sea cliffs, limestone karst terraces, fertile valleys, vibrant villages and welcoming communities offers some truly inspiring experiences. The Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark not only has outstanding natural and culture heritage but a management organisation that supports its people and organisations to work together to ensure a cared-for landscape, a better-understood heritage, more sustainable tourism, a vibrant community and strengthened livelihoods.
For more information visit: www.burren.ie
About the Burren Ecotourism Network (B.E.N.)
B.E.N. is a network of tourism businesses with the objective of establishing the Burren as a premier internationally-recognised sustainable tourism region ensuring the future economic and social growth and sustainable development of its communities, environment and heritage. It seeks to support continued training, mentoring and accreditation in sustainable tourism for its members and for businesses interested in joining the Network. The Network aims to be a recognisable network of enterprises in the Burren, who have achieved independent accreditation, demonstrate ecotourism ‘best practice’, positively discriminate in each other’s favour, provide ‘one voice’ representation on issues impacting the Burren (where appropriate), and inspire conservation activism. The Burren Ecotourism Network and the management organisation of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark have enjoyed a special relationship since 2008. The two organisations work in partnership, having agreed in late 2012 to pool their resources in pursuit of their common objective. Both organisations are committed to the promotion of responsible tourism that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people. They work together to promote ‘The Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark’ as a leading sustainable visitor destination, celebrated for high standards in visitor experience, conservation and learning.
Leave No Trace
Leave No Trace Ireland aims to promote and inspire responsible outdoor recreation through education, research and partnerships. It began in 2004 as a concerted effort across a range of recreational and land-managing bodies to address the increasing burden of negative impacts on the mountains. Today, Leave No Trace Ireland exists as a not-for-profit company run by volunteers and employing one part-time person.
At the heart of Leave No Trace is an educational message that encourages us as recreational users to understand the consequences of our actions, and challenges us to make good choices when we do our activities in the outdoors. The program uses a framework of seven principles to guide us towards better choices:
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Be Considerate ot Others
- Respect farm animals and wildlife
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Leave what you find
- Dispose of waste properly
- Minimise the effects of fire
The Burren & Cliffs of Moher Geopark endorses the these messages, we aim to adhere to this principles during all outdoor activities and events and we have incorporated Leave No Trace into our training programme.
To learn more about the Leave No Trace programme, visit www.leavenotraceireland.org.
