The term Eco-friendly and being green may be new to the travel world, but Ireland has a long history of sustainable, nature based and culturally sensitive travel choices. If you are looking for Eco-friendly activities, transport, accommodation and organic food, Dublin, Ireland is a good choice for your next holiday. Upon arriving in Dublin, the largest city in Ireland, Eco-conscious travelers will find a large selection of green options to choose from.
Eco-cab offers “free” short distance city center travel everyday between 10am and 7pm, it’s emission free and free of charge! Or you can brave the city on your own (not advisable) and rent a bio-diesel car with Atlas or Dan Dooley car rentals. The local public light rail transportation and biking are recommended.
There are many hotel options such as the 4 star Stillorgan Park Hotel that recently won the Silver Green Hospitality Award 2 years in a row. This hotel is stylish yet committed to implementing practices which prevent waste and encourage a green lifestyle. Maybe you are a backpacker and want an Eco- friendly hostel. The Avalon House Hostel is 3 star and located in the city center, only five minutes from Temple Bar, the heart of Dublin’s nightlife. This hostel uses wind energy to power the hostel and has full recycling facilities.
Dublin is a great base from which you can take one day Eco Tours. No crowds in large coaches and you can discover the hidden back road’s of Ireland. There are many companies offering tours such as Hiking to Slieve League ( highest sea cliffs in Europe) or surfing on the coast in Donegal. Visit the Rock of Cashel or Kiss the famous Blarney Stone. All of these tours are offered via veggie-oil fueled Eco Bus !
Last but not least, is the abundance of organic and local market type restaurants popping up all over the city. Fantastic food options are a must for any memorable vacation to Europe and Dublin does not disappoint. Recently featured on Anthony Bourdain’s no reservations show, the King Sitric Seafood Restaurant in the East Pier Howth district is committed to fresh, local and quality seafood. Listing the fish offered on the menu in six languages! In addition, the Alexis Bar & Grill, The Mermaid Cafe and the newly opened Dawsons are all restaurants where you can find vegetarian, organic and local fare.
Ireland’s natural beauty has always been it’s biggest attraction and so the locals and tourists are fighting to keep it that way. Go Raibh Maith Agaibh (Thank You in Gaelic) to Ireland for keeping the Emerald Isle green for the next generation of travelers!
Written by Carla Scott for EuropeUpClose.com
Bhatnagar Manjari
Thursday 24th of May 2012
Hi, I was in Dublin about a year back. Besides the buzzing Temple Bar I loved Galway, Donegal and the majestic Dromoland Castle. I stayed at the Dromoland Castle overnight. By the way, are all those stories about the flying pillows and wandering spirits really true in Irish castles?
Barbara Friday
Thursday 20th of August 2009
Fabulous article love Ireland and the people are truly the National Treasure! THANKS
carol Kaufman
Wednesday 19th of August 2009
lOVED THIS ARTICLE WELL WRITTEN AND VERY INFORMATIVE,
Sarah
Wednesday 19th of August 2009
This definetely makes me proud to be Irish, I have travelled alot and I have noticed that we do take alot of time in Ireland to make sure we are recycling and using less energy, I think some other countries may not have embraced being green as much but I just hope we are all doing our bit.
Cheers Sarah