Tag Archives: Burren Eco Tourism Network

The head of Clare’s largest tourism network says that tourism businesses in North Clare are facing closure in the months ahead as a result of a perfect storm of factors including increasing rates, VAT and payroll, as well as a lack of tourist accommodation. Chair of the Burren Ecotourism Network, George Quinn, has written to Taoiseach Simon Harris (FG) requesting urgent compensation be paid to businesses which he says are struggling as a result of a series of Government decision. Speaking at the AGM of the Burren Ecotourism Network, Mr Quinn said that the lights are going out on businesses all along the Wild Atlantic Way, with North Clare particularly badly hit. He highlighted the lack of available tourism accommodation as a key factor, with high profile tourist accommodation in Lisdoonvarna, Ballyvaughan and Kinvara now being used to house refugees from the war in Ukraine. Mr Quinn, who is the landlord of L’arco Restaurant in Ballyvaughan, says he is not …

The Burren has been named as ‘The Best Place to Holiday in Ireland 2022′ with judges praising its stunning landscape, breath-taking coast, grassroots food culture and vision for sustainable tourism. The win caps a remarkable double for Clare as the inaugural competition back in 2013 was won by the Loop Head Peninsula. The north Clare region, which was the unanimous choice of the judging panel, beat off stiff competition from the four other shortlisted locations: Achill, Co Mayo, Carlingford, Co Louth, The Causeway Coast / Portrush in Co Antrim and Inisbofin Co Galway. Among the other things which impressed the judges about The Burren are its breath-taking coastal scenery and world-class tourist attractions, its grassroots food culture, and its joined-up community approach to warmly welcoming visitors while also protecting what is a unique environment. The announcement was made live simultaneously on www.irishtimes.com and on The Ray Darcy Show on RTE Radio One. The win caps a remarkable double for Clare …

NEARLY 60 tourism and hospitality businesses in North Clare have been honoured for their commitment to sustainability. Certificates of Achievement were given to 58 businesses for honouring their commitments under the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark Code of Practice for Sustainable Tourism for 2020/2021. Developed with EU LIFE funding and launched by the Geopark in 2016, the Code is the only sustainable initiative of its kind in Ireland and in the network of 169 Geoparks spread across 44 countries. Congratulating the successful businesses during a ceremony at the Falls Hotel in Ennistymon Leas Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Joe Killeen, said: “The level of engagement by tourism operators across the Burren emphasises their commitment to implementing a range of social, environmental, and economic actions that benefit the environment, local communities, businesses and visitors.” “The number of businesses that have received accreditation is even more impressive when one considers the times we were in and the pressures faced by the tourism sector …

THE Burren Ecotourism Network is celebrating its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of growth, achievements and awards which have seen it become a worldwide leader in sustainable tourism. The network which now consists of nearly 70 tourism businesses has grown from 18 founding members when it was launched by Darina Allen and then Mayor of Clare, Councillor Christy Curtin at Gregans Castle Hotel on March 3, 2011.   Members range from operators like Burren Fine Wine & Foods and Marie McGauran’s Burren Walks to iconic tourist attractions such as the Cliffs of Moher. Businesses include those from hospitality, food, farming, activities, culture and heritage sectors, all committed to sustainable tourism in the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark. During the 10 years that followed the network continued to develop, with new members joining and initiatives in food and sustainability. This has contributed to the tourism group being widely regarded as ‘best in class’, with regular invitations to share the Burren story …

ONE of the highlights of the autumn calendar in North Clare, the Burren Food Fayre is to go virtual this year, enabling audiences to enjoy a host of demonstrations, discussions, tips and advice. The eagerly anticipated event boasts an impressive line-up of food producers and chefs from all over the Burren, who will be taking part in a series of free online events last this month. The event now, in its ninth year, will be live streamed on Facebook and YouTube over 12 days from October 23 to November 3 at 7pm each evening. “Our aim is simple, we want to showcase the rich food culture we have here in the Burren, and bring the recipes of our hugely successful book, Burren Dinners, alive,” said Jarlath O’Dwyer, CEO of Burren Ecotourism Network and organiser of the fayre. “This event is particularly important this year as it brings the Burren to attendees who are unable to travel, due to Covid-19 restrictions, …