Sustainable Suggestions & Ideas

The environment and the impact we have on the planet is now more than ever important for many of us.

In this thread, we would love to have you share with our community your suggestions, recommendations, tips, and anything else surrounding sustainable travel and Eco-friendly activities that would help other conscious travellers enjoy Ireland.

Your experiences can not only inspire but also help make a change.

For eco-conscious travelers looking to explore Ireland, there are many ways to ensure your trip is both sustainable and enjoyable.

Firstly, there are plenty of environmentally friendly activities to enjoy, such as walking, running, or hiking, to name just a few. Ireland is renowned for its beautiful scenery like the Wild Atlantic Way and the Wicklow Mountains. One of the best ways to explore these areas is by joining a local hiking club, where you can discover hidden trails, meet fellow nature lovers, and get insider tips on the most scenic routes. To stay sustainable during your adventures, bring a reusable water bottle and a small bag to collect your trash or any litter you find along the trails. Also, remember to respect wildlife by keeping a safe distance from animals and refraining from feeding them.
If you are interested in attending an educational workshop check out the Leave No Trace Ireland's website as they often organise events and workshops around sustainability.

Transportation choices play a significant role in sustainability too. Ireland has a good network of public transport, including buses and trains. Check out the Journey Planner from Transport for Ireland for public transport routes across the island.
Opting for public transport helps reduce emissions and ease traffic congestion. Many towns and cities, like Cork are also very walkable or bike-friendly, so consider these alternatives.

Thirdly, you can support local communities by opting for local accommodations such as eco-friendly lodges or family-run B&B which are committed to sustainability and offer a unique, authentic experience. You can also explore Ireland's rural areas by joining farm-to-fork experiences and supporting local producers along your journey.

Finally, for those eager to give back, you can always volunteer with environmental projects by reaching out to local conservation groups. Opportunities range from tree planting to beach clean-ups, allowing you to directly aid conservation efforts during your stay. It is a great way to contribute to the sustainability of the region you're visiting.

And don't forget that no matter how big or small, every effort to travel sustainably makes a positive impact!

I want to share some of my favourite packing essentials that I took with me on past trips to Ireland (and many other destinations around the world):



• Reusable water bottle - I never leave the house without my reusable water bottle, so this one is a no-brainer when packing for a holiday. At most airports you can find drinking water fountains once you’ve cleared security, so you can refill your bottle before boarding (and don’t have to spend money on expensive airport water…). One of my favourite activities on holidays is trying out cute coffee shops and I will normally bring a reusable cup too, so I can have my takeaway coffee while wandering through the streets of a new city. 


  
  
• Solid shampoo bars - While most hotels and guesthouses offer all sorts of toiletries, sometimes you want to bring your own skin- and haircare - and I will normally bring my own solid shampoo bar. These are not only good for the environment, but you can also pack them in your carry-on, and from my experience they last way longer than regular shampoos and conditioners. 
  
  
• Tote bag - Did you know you’ll no longer get a (free) plastic bag when shopping in Ireland? For me, that’s a good enough reason to bring a reusable bag on every trip I take. This way I’ll always come prepared when I want to go shopping for some gifts and souvenirs.
  
  
• Snack bags - My last suggestion depends a little on the type of trip I’m going on, but I generally throw some (reusable) ziplock bags in my luggage. They won't take up much space but are such an easy way to pack snacks if I’m planning for a day of outdoor adventures. 


If you are planning a trip sometime soon, make sure to check out this article on ‘How to travel sustainably in Ireland’. How do you pack for your travels? Do you have any other tips and ideas you want to share?