Clare County Council, in partnership with the Burren Ecotourism Network and the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, has recognised 69 tourism businesses for their commitment to sustainable tourism practices at an awards ceremony held at the Falls Hotel, Ennistymon, last week.
The Code of Practice for Sustainable Tourism Awards celebrate businesses that are actively working together to develop the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark as a sustainable destination, while conserving natural and cultural heritage, supporting communities and strengthening the local economy.
Participants in the Code of Practice demonstrate measurable commitments across a wide range of sustainability areas, including energy and water conservation, waste and waste‑water management, local sourcing, visitor communication, accessibility and climate action planning.
Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Paul Murphy, said, “When businesses choose to work as a network, the impact is far greater than what any one organisation can achieve alone. The Burren businesses have been working together as a Network since 2008, and since 2019 they have demonstrated their sustainable credentials through a third-party evaluated Code of Practice. This is unique in Ireland, and it is one of the foundation stones of Clare’s journey towards Sustainable Destination Certification.”
Carol Gleeson, Manager, Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, said, “The Code of Practice sets a clear benchmark for what sustainable tourism looks like in the Burren. These 69 businesses are leading by example, embedding care for the landscape, heritage and local communities into how they operate every day, while offering high‑quality visitor experiences rooted in place.”
The Code of Practice for Sustainable Tourism Awards form part of the wider Sustainable Destination Certification process, which provides a structured framework for continuous improvement. Businesses engage in training and mentoring and develop tailored environmental action plans aligned with the Geopark Code of Practice for Sustainable Tourism.
The Code of Practice is built on six core principles, including: working together; caring for the landscape; understanding heritage; supporting vibrant communities; strengthening livelihoods; and ensuring sustainable environmental management.
Certificates were presented across six categories, including: accommodation; activity providers; attractions and visitor experiences; food producers; restaurants; and retailers. Some 25 of the 69 businesses also achieved Emerald status, which recognises scores of 91% or higher under the Code.
The Burren Ecotourism Network works in partnership with Clare County Council and the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark to establish the region as a premier internationally recognised sustainable tourism destination, while supporting high standards, collaboration, skills development and long‑term environmental and economic resilience.
