Environmental Objectives - Aillwee Burren Experience

Ecotourism

Environmental and other Policies, Actions and Objectives

Aillwee Burren Experience, a family business, recognise that we have an important role to play in protecting and enhancing the physical & cultural environment both generally and locally in the Burren Region. We have sustained, since 1976 a sound tradition of welcoming to, educating about and interpreting the Burren Region personally for our diverse groups of visitors. We along with our full time employed staff achieve this year-round – underground through fully guided cave tours and overground through narrated Flying Displays and Cheesemaking Demonstrations and also one to one hawk walks. For us, being members of the Burren Ecotourism Network acknowledges the great work laid down by the generation that came before us and, as the number of stakeholders within the Burren Region grows, strengthens the common goals between all of passing on the values shared to us by our parents on to our children.

Energy

To reduce our Energy consumption by 5% in 2023/2024 over 2022.

Waste

To reduce the waste we send to landfill by 150kg during 2023/2024. Front of House Waste Separation system introduced in 2019 expanded in 2023 assists in this target.

Green Purchasing

To engage with our suppliers to reduce packaging by 5% during 2023/2024.

To increase usage of recycled paper products to 20% of all paper/cardboard purchased.

Community Social Responsibility

To continue to Support our charitable partners, ie The Golden Eagle Trust, Vulture Conservation Research in Nepal, Cuineamh and Chlair, The Burren Gaels Ladies Football Club and several community and schools fundraising efforts through out the county.

To engage in a local “Clean Up” at twice a year in conjunction with the Burren Ecotourism Network “Adopt a Hedge Row” scheme Scheme

To communicate quarterly i.e. every three months our performance & achievements through our website.

Community Social Responsibility through sustainable activity.

We continue to Support our charitable partners, ie The Golden Eagle Trust, Clare Memories, Vulture Conservation Research in Nepal, Cuineamh an Chlair, The Burren Gaels Ladies Football Club and several community and school fundraising efforts through out the county.

To engage in a local “Clean Up” twice a year in conjunction with the Burren Eco Tourism Network “Adopt a Hedgerow” scheme. To communicate quaterly ie. every 3 months our performace and achievements through our website and social media.

Interpretation & Guiding

We have sustained since 1976 a sound tradition of welcoming to, educating about and intrepreting the Burren Region personally for our diverse groups of visitors. We achieve this year round; underground through fully guided cave tours and overground through narrated Flying Displays, one to one hawkwalks, bushcraft camps and masterclasses. All our employees engage in a comprehensive induction training course prior to starting work with us. For example, to invite our customers, visitors, suppliers and contractors to participate in our efforts to protect the environment, staff training and awareness of The Leave No Trace Seven Principles helps us to achieve this.

Sustainable Transport

Our website provides links to information on bus services in the area.

While with us our visitors receive and are personally guided through a site map. They are encouraged to park their car and use the paths that connects all the facilities. These efforts minimise short and unnecessary car trips.

We also provide a secure bike and locker park for people visiting by foot or bicycle. We have adopted a ‘Have a free Cuppa Tea if you Cycle to me’ initiative.

We intend communicate at least quarterly i.e., every three months, our performance & achievements through our website and on our social media sites.