Sustainable Travel Choices

Why not spend the weekend in one of the many eco-friendly accommodations available throughout Northern Ireland? Experience eco-friendly tours by land or sea, learn how to grow your own vegetables, spend a day foraging for food, or let someone else do the hard work and treat your taste buds to some homegrown produce. What better way to embrace the natural beauty of Northern Ireland this spring?

1. Scopers, Dundrum, Co. Down

In July of last year, great British Menu’s own Paul Cunningham launched his hot food bar in Dundrum, Co. Down. Scopers offers delicious food without skimping on the ethics around waste. With a Big, Not So Big and Wee item menu, you’ll definitely find something for everyone!

2. NearyNógs, Co. Down

Overlooking the Irish Sea, Carlingford Lough & the Mourne Mountains, you’ll find NearyNógs Stoneground Chocolate Makers, a solar-powered bean-to-bar chocolate maker. With sustainablysourced cacao from women farmers and entirely recycled or biodegradable packaging, they provide delicious, environmentallyfriendly chocolate products.

3. The Rock Stone Masonry, Co. Antrim

The Rock Stone Masonry offers visitors experiences around stone masonry as well as working to preserve and protect the drystone walls at Glenarm, and throughout Northern Ireland. All of the rock used is sourced from the nearby area and the experience is based around keeping the old skills and traditions alive and utilising the natural resources in a sustainable way.

4. Drenagh, Co. Londonderry

Nestled in beautiful parkland and surrounded by gardens, you’ll find Drenagh, a grand Georgian mansion house. Also in the grounds is a newly built café, the Orangery, which serves produce from the estate’s own walled garden and the local area, with the aim to have everything coming directly from the estate in the future. Drenagh also supports local artisans in the area and was recently featured in the two-part BBC Television series - Drenagh Estate: Deep Roots.

5. Erne Water Taxi, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh

The Erne Water Taxi is the only water taxi operator currently on Lough Erne using a fully electric boat, providing pick-ups and drop-offs from any accessible jetty on the Lough, as well as a range of private tours of Lough Erne. Immerse yourself in the beautiful lakelands as your passionate guides bring you through the lake’s stories!

6. Eazy Tours, Belfast

Why not explore Belfast in a sustainable way on an Eazy Tours bike tour through the city? Beginning at Eazy Riderz Head Quarters, this exciting and informative electric bike tour will take you on an unforgettable adventure through the city. Perfect for friends, families and big or small groups alike, you'll be sure to see the city in the most memorable and exhilarating way.

7. Strangford Lough Activity Centre, Co. Down

Paddle with a purpose while doing your bit for the environment! Grab a paddle and pick up litter and plastic as you go on this adventure with Strangford Lough Activity Centre. The important ‘Leave No Trace’ message will be discussed among the group on the paddle, with the aim being to protect the local environment and wildlife for now and future generations.

8. Killeavy Castle Estate, Co. Armagh

Looking for an antidote to the fast-paced hustle and bustle of modern life? Find it at Killeavy Castle Estate, a world-class sustainable hotel and eco-tourism resort nestled amongst 350 acres of farm and woodland. From growing its own food and rearing its own animals, to eliminating waste from plastic and single-use products, Killeavy Castle Estate is committed to protecting the local environment. With a relaxing spa and beautiful walks in the grounds, this is the perfect place for a getaway with loved ones or for a special celebration.

9. The Salthouse Hotel & Salthouse Eco Lodge, Co. Antrim

The Salthouse Hotel offers a number of eco-friendly lodges perched above the sea-side town of Ballycastle. The Salthouse encourages you to 'Discover Your Coastal Calm', taking in the beautiful scenery. Enjoy a taste of the Causeway Coast and appreciate the natural beauty of Ballycastle, Co. Antrim. With plenty of things to see and do it won't be hard to make it a trip to remember. This is the perfect place to leave it all behind and take time for yourself. Consider this your home away from home!

10. Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark, Co. Fermanagh

Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark aims to create a sanctuary for local communities, tourists, species and plant life. Stories of the past, the beauty of the present and the warmth of the surrounding local communities will always inspire what they do, with the ambition to create a better earth for all. Whether you’re in search of an exciting adventure, or want to explore mountains and caves, Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark has something for you. Book your planet-friendly short break or day out at discovernorthernireland.com and you’ll be making the sustainable choice for 2023. Another way to stay eco-aware this year is to sign the pledge to take care of Northern Ireland. It’s all part of our Visitors’ Charter which you’ll find on our website. The Charter sets out some of the ways we can all do our bit to help the planet. They’re small steps that we all can take. Together, they’ll make a giant difference.