Environmental Policy

Successful tourism depends on a great environment

– This has been the bedrock of our thinking and actions since starting our business in the Burren in 2009. At Wild Honey Inn our environmental policy is intrinsically linked to the way we operate the business.

Our aim is to positively impact the community in which we operate through energy-efficient practices and environmental education, while maintaining high-quality services to our guests. We acknowledge the need for responsible and sustainable environmental management at all levels, and will strive to incorporate good environmental practices into all of our decisions and operations.

To achieve our goals at Wild Honey Inn we monitor and record our environmental impacts on a regular basis and set targets to continually improve our sustainability.

Energy

Our energy consumption is continually monitored and we continue to improve our efficiencies in this area at every opportunity.

  • Low energy lighting has been installed in most areas of the building.
  • Heating and lighting can be isolated/turned off in unused areas.
  • A high efficiency boiler has been installed with regular checks made and recorded.
  • When replacing electrical equipment only A- rated appliances are purchased.
  • We are continually improving the structure of our buildings to reduce energy use in heating.

Water

  • Notice in guest bedrooms to remind them to minimise water wastage.
  • Water usage is closely monitored.
  • Flow restricted taps fitted in toilets.
  • Frequent monitoring for water leaks in place

Reduce, reuse, and recycle

We operate a strict Reduce, Reuse and Recycle policy which we and our staff adhere to in an effort to reduce our carbon footprint. All waste products are separated and placed in the appropriate bin for correct disposal. Our waste management company is Clean Ireland Recycling a company committed to excellent environmental management practices.

  • Low energy LED lighting has been introduced to reduce energy costs.
  • Stationary is reused where possible and recycled paper used.
  • Cans, paper, plastic, bottles, oil, light bulbs, batteries, toner and cartridges are recycled.
  • Guest bedrooms have recycling notices to promote recycling, reducing and reusing.
  • Toiletries used in bathrooms are free from parabens, phthalates or artificial colours. The container is a paper bottle with a 92% reduction in waste after use compared to plastic.
  • We work with suppliers to reduce and reuse packaging on all products supplied.

Conservation

We have created a natural biodiverse garden free of chemicals and pesticides. To encourage birds, insects and wildlife into the garden we have installed birdfeeders, bug boxes and planted native flowers and shrubs.

A portion of the proceeds from the purchase of toiletries we use in our guest bathrooms supports honey bee and sustainable pollination research.

Members of Burrenbeo Trust – a non-profit organisation, established in 2002 based in Kinvara, Co. Galway. The objectives of the project are to promote education and awareness of the Burren and in particular to acknowledge and support the positive contribution of the local farming community to the natural heritage of the area. Burrenbeo also seeks to promote the Burren as a haven for ecotourism through education and marketing.

The Burren is a unique area where over 70% of Ireland’s native flora can be found, including 24 out of 28 native orchid species. The environment supports 600 plant species and is especially unique as Arctic, Alpine and Mediterranean plants grow side by side. At Wild Honey Inn we understand the importance of communicating with our guests so that they can experience this fascinating landscape for themselves. Guests are provided with information on nature walks as well as on the local landscape, biodiversity and conservation measures in the area.

Information and Interpretation

Our focus is to offer the best experience possible to our guests in order to make their visit a truly memorable one. We are aware of the need to showcase the Burren area as a whole and to highlight the many activities and experiences that is possible while visiting the area. We are committed to making our guests and staff aware of environmental issues and the responsibilities they have to the environment, through guest information and communication and by induction, meetings and training of our staff.

Green Purchasing

The aim of our Green Purchasing policy is to ensure that products and services purchased conform to the goals of our business Environmental Policy. We strive, where feasible, to purchase environmentally preferable products and services that meet our needs. We source local, free-range and organic goods where possible.
(Separate Green Purchasing Policy attached)

Leave No Trace

The ‘Leave No Trace’ code of outdoor ethics is useful in guiding visitor interaction with the environment so as to minimise any negative impacts. ‘Leave No Trace Ireland’ is an all-Ireland network of organisations and individuals with an interest in promoting the responsible recreational use of the countryside and wild places. We as a tourism provider help communicate its seven principles to visitors.

Sustainable Transport

We actively encourage sustainable transport to visitors and provide detailed and relevant information before and during their visit. Information on sustainable transport is available on our website.

We host small walking and cycling groups as well as the independent traveller and encourage guests to see the area on foot or by bicycle whenever possible to help reduce impact on the environment during their stay.

We offer a ‘Green incentive’ to guests who arrive on foot, bicycle or public transport of 10% off the cost of B&B. This offer is available through the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark App.

Burren Eco Tourism and Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark

We are members of Burren Eco Tourism a network of businesses in the region that have demonstrated a commitment to the principles of sustainable tourism. Together with these other businesses in the network we have the power to make a positive contribution to protect our unique landscape and natural heritage and to the sustainable development and prosperity of tourism in the area.

We are committed to and fully support the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark sustainable code of pray tice for tourism.

Michelin

This personally run inn started life as an 1840s hotel, so it may not look much like a pub from outside, but once inside it’s warm, cosy and full of pubby character.

Aidan McGrath is a mature and experienced chef. His menus have a classical French base and showcase the county’s produce in neat, confidently prepared dishes which are packed with flavour.

Burren Ecotourism Network

B.E.N. is a network of tourism enterprises 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.

Burren Ecotourism Network has been given the prestigious Lonely Planet ‘Best in Travel’ award for 2021. The Lonely Planet described the Burren Ecotourism Network as a ‘global leader for sustainable tourism’ for its commitment to slow tourism, local engagement and a more sustainable future for the area.

The Burren Cliffs of Moher region has achieved UNESCO-supported Global Geopark Status in recognition of the region’s significant geological, ecological and cultural value, as well as its sustainable tourism practices.
Global Geoparks focus on developing their regions as sustainable tourism destinations.

BurrenBeo Trust

Burrenbeo Teoranta, the non-profit precursor to the Burrenbeo Trust, was set up by Brendan Dunford and Ann O’Connor in 2001, initially as a website to help inform people about the living Burren and the role of the local community, particularly farmers, in its care. In 2003 the Ecobeo initiative was introduced to Burren schools by Burrenbeo, aimed at investing in the upskilling of the future guardians of the Burren. Further developments followed, including monthly walks, monthly newsletters and even a conservation café – Cafébeo, until it was decided to reconstitute Burrenbeo as a membership-based charitable trust in 2008. This signalled the significant expansion of Burrenbeo’s work programme to its current total of 26 different programmes, all based around a model of community-led conservation.  Whilst Brendan is still actively involved in the charity on a voluntary basis, Ann sadly passed away in 2015, though her legacy to the Burren continues. Today Burrenbeo Trust is a thriving, inclusive organisation dedicated to shaping a brighter future for the Burren, its communities and all those who love this special place.

Burren Geo Park

The Burren is yours to gently explore and discover.

Whatever your interest, from archaeology to adventure, from geology to botany, there is something at the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark that will stop you in your tracks. The best way to explore the Geopark is to take the time to sensitively wander – by foot or on bicycle. Get up close to nature. Immerse yourself in rich heritage. Discover the local culture.

Taking care as you go brings huge rewards. By leaving the lightest possible mark on our landscape, the beautiful Burren will leave the most memorable mark on you.

Great Hotels Guide

Discerning diners make a beeline for chef/patron Aidan McGrath’s 19th-century pub-with-rooms (the first in Ireland to win a Michelin star), which he runs with his partner, Kate, in a spa town on the edge of the Burren. In the informal bar and dining room, the refined bistro cooking uses flavourful Irish produce – organic vegetables, freshly picked berries, seasonal game, wild fish straight off the day boat. Typical dishes on the fixed-price menus: Lough Neagh smoked eel, fennel, apple; Irish Hereford rib-eye, crisp-fried celeriac. Simply decorated bedrooms, some snug, have a traditional country charm; the best have countryside views or a terrace with garden access. Delicious breakfasts fuel nature walks nearby.

Covid 19 Safety Charter

The COVID-19 Safety Charter is a Government-endorsed initiative to reinforce confidence in domestic and overseas visitors in tourism businesses. The COVID-19 Safety Charter is designed to give comfort and reassurance to employers, employees and customers that the business is ready to re-open safely.

Wild Honey Inn is approved by Fáilte Ireland as eligible for the COVID-19 Safety Charter. The Safety Charter demonstrates to customers and employees that the Wild Honey Inn, as a tourism and hospitality business, is operating in line with current Government public health advice and with safety and cleaning protocols in place.
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