Tag Archives: Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark

SIGNS are positive for north Clare after the latest initiative aimed at developing sustainable tourism in the area. Failte Ireland recently unveiled the first viewing points along the Burren Discovery Trail, a new looped route off the Wild Atlantic Way. The trail is one of the projects that has emerged from the Visitor Experience Development Plan for the Burren and Cliffs of Moher, published earlier this year, that is designed to encourage visitors to explore more and stay longer in the Burren. Developed with an investment of €340,000 from Fáilte Ireland, the 95km Burren Discovery Trail takes visitors through the Burren Highlands in Clare and Lowlands in Galway encouraging them to engage with the stories of each local area and explore the many wonderful towns and villages in the region. Miriam Kennedy, Head of the Wild Atlantic Way at Fáilte Ireland, said, “The Burren is famous for its stunning karst natural landscape but it is also a living environment with …

A delegation comprising officials and members of Clare County Council is in China to officially mark the county/province relationship, as well as establish a formal link between the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark and the Stone Forest Geopark (Shilin Geopark) in Yunnan. Officials and members of Clare County Council and officials and public representative of the Chinese province today (Wednesday) signed an agreement aimed at developing close industrial, tourism, farming, educational and cultural ties between the regions. Yunnan, which has a population of more than 46 million, is located in the far southwest of China and borders Vietnam, Laos and Burma. Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, John Crowe ,who tabled a council motion calling for a twinning arrangement between the two regions to be explored in 2012 following the visit of the Chinese President to Clare, commented, “This is a historic occasion for the people of County Clare and Yunnan Province. Though separated by thousands of miles, this agreement …

The plaudits seemed endless for the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark and Burren Ecotourism Network at this year’s Responsible Travel & Tourism Awards, the Irish hospitality sector’s only environmental accreditation programme. Network members and the Geopark itself claimed the overall prize in 9 of 24 categories in the competition, which is designed to identify and celebrate businesses that are committed to implementing responsible business practices to reduce their environmental impact. The awards, which were judged by a panel of experts, led by GHP chairperson, Duncan Stewart, were open to any business that operates within the travel, tourism and hospitality industry. The winners were announced by Paschal Donohoe, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport at the Green Hospitality Programme (GHP) National Conference in Dublin. The Burren & Cliffs of Moher Geopark claimed the Best Destination and Best Responsible Travel & Tourism Business awards, while The Burren Ecotourism Network was named Best Green Group. There was also success for individual Burren …