Clandeblog Planning an eco-friendly stay in Northern Ireland 2024

Planning a green getaway in 2024? Northern Ireland is the perfect destination for embracing responsible travel and sustainable tourism. In fact, Belfast has been recognised among the Top 20 global sustainable destinations by the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index). Read on to discover how to reduce your carbon footprint while enjoying the rich culture, stunning scenery, and warm hospitality of this beautiful region!

Why choose Northern Ireland for your eco-friendly holiday?

Sustainable hotel in Northern Ireland — Ards Peninsula, courtesy of ANDBC

From the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Giant's Causeway to the Mourne Mountains and the Ards Peninsula, Northern Ireland boasts diverse and breathtaking landscapes perfect for ecotourism. The region is also brimming with low-carbon activities and lots of wonderful attractions to discover it's rich cultural heritage.

Step 1: Find green accommodation

Ecotourism is on the rise across Northern Ireland, with many hotels adopting sustainable practices. When planning your stay, look for hotels with a sustainability policy or the Green Tourism accreditation on their website, indicating their commitment to sustainable tourism practices. Many green hotels are continually striving to reduce their environmental impact through energy efficiency, waste reduction, local sourcing and conservation efforts.

Consider staying at Clandeboye Lodge, situated in a secluded woodland setting on the outskirts of Bangor, only 15 minutes from Belfast. Here, we embody sustainability through ongoing innovation and responsible practices.

Sustainable Practices at Clandeboye Lodge

Waste reduction: We reduce waste and recycle whenever possible.
Food provenance: Our menus focus on sustainability and seasonality.
Water conservation: Our systems prioritise responsible resource management.
Energy savings: We focus on conservation and efficiency.
Conscious ethos: We encourage sustainable actions by staff and guests.

Step 2: Enjoy locally sourced food

Northern Irish traditional cuisine often features fresh seafood, locally farmed meats and root vegetables. The region’s fertile soil, climate and proximity to the coast provide ideal conditions for a diverse range of high-quality, seasonal produce. As you plan your environmentally friendly stay, visit restaurants with local, seasonal foods.

The Coq & Bull brasserie

The Coq & Bull brasserie is a fantastic example of this practice. The chefs create dishes based on the best of what is available locally and in season, with menus changing accordingly. Vegetables are grown on the Ards Peninsula, dairy produce comes from grass-fed herds, and fish is freshly caught in the Irish Sea. This approach emphasises partnerships with suppliers and using their expertise to create surprising and delightful dishes. Some of these local suppliers include Clandeboye Estate Yoghurt, Keenan Seafood, Coyagh Farm, North Down Fruit & Veg, Lisdergan Butchery, Clements Eggs and Draynes Farm.

Step 3: Participate in eco-friendly activities

Northern Ireland offers a wealth of eco-friendly activities and attractions for environmentally conscious travellers. From exploring natural landscapes to enjoying sustainable cultural experiences, there's much to discover in this region dedicated to preserving its natural beauty and promoting sustainability.

Top Eco-Friendly Activities

Cycling: Check out the Comber Greenway, a traffic-free path stretches from Belfast to Comber, offering a scenic route for cyclists of all levels.
Wild swimming: Enjoy the refreshing dip at Brompton Bay or Helen's Bay beach. Check out our Wild Escape package!
Hiking and walking trails: Explore the walking trails and country parks such as Redburn Country Park, North Down Coastal Path, and Cairn Wood for breathtaking views.
Heritage sites: Visit historical landmarks and museums such as Helen's Tower, Scrabo Tower, and the Titanic Museum in Belfast for a dose of culture and history.
Bird watching: Castle Espie wildlife sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to observe a variety of bird species in their natural habitat.
Seaweed bath: Enjoy a relaxing seaweed bath experience, known for its therapeutic benefits. Check out out Tranquil Indulgence package which includes an in-room VOYA seaweed bath pack.
Picnic at Bangor's Walled Garden: This beautiful spot is perfect for a relaxing picnic amidst seasonal flowers and greenery. Check out our Perfect Picnic package!
Ecotours: There are plenty of local walking / food tours that allow you to explore on foot with a local guide.

Step 4: Support local and sustainable businesses

Visiting local markets and artisan shops is an excellent way to support small businesses. Local markets such as St. George’s Market in Belfast showcase a variety of local produce, handmade crafts, and unique products from artisans, many of which have environmentally friendly practices. Purchasing from these small businesses helps reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance shipping and supports the local economy.

Step 6: Follow eco-conscious tips during your stay

At Clandeboye Lodge, we are committed to sustainability and encourage our guests to help us in our efforts to keep their trip green. Here are some simple yet effective tips to reduce your environmental impact during your stay:

Switch off the lights in your hotel room when not in use.
Unplug mobile phone chargers when not in use, as they consume surprising amounts of energy even when not actively charging.
Ensure windows are closed when the heating is on to prevent heat from escaping.
Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth instead of leaving it running.
Opt for showers over baths, as they use only one-third of the water.
Boil only the necessary amount of water in the kettle, saving more electricity than you might think.

Ready to embark on your green getaway? Embrace responsible travel and discover the best of sustainable tourism in Northern Ireland with a stay at Clandeboye Lodge.