Environmental and other Policies, Actions and Objectives

Our expert guides introduce our visitors to the geology and wonder of The dramatic Burren landscape through over and underground experiences.

The cave tour itself covers 1/3 of a mile or 1/2 km ensuring that learning is combined with exercise. Aillwee is one of the most ancient caves in the Burren and perhaps in Ireland. The earliest history of the cave is preserved in its roof.

In the roof of Mud Hall are numerous twisting tunnels cut into the rock. These channels (anastomoses) were formed in a bedding plane above a layer of mud in the limestone by a small underground stream.

Over the millennia one of these tiny channels became enlarged into an almost circular tube filled with fast-moving water, the remains of this half tube are to be seen throughout the full length of the cave indicated the route of the major fast flowing watercourse, gradually the underground stream cut itself in a deep trench in the rock perhaps 20-30m deep.

The ice and snow all vanished over the years, the stream ceased to flow and gradually the cave walls in the canyonlike trench began to decay. Great blocks fell from the walls and mud was washed in, infilling the creating a floor.

Stalactites and stalagmites started to form and the cave began to look as we see it today.

Paths and lighting have been installed throughout, making the visit suitable for all ages.

Energy

To reduce our Energy consumption by 5% in 2022/2023 over 2020.

Green Purchasing

To engage with our suppliers to reduce packaging by 10% during 2022/2023.

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

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.

Waste

To reduce the waste we send to landfill by 150kg during 2022/2023. Front of House Waste Separation system introduced in 2019and expanded in 2022 to assist in this target.

Environmental Objectives and Actions, Aillwee Burren Experience
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.

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INTERPRETATION & GUIDING

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 achieve this year round; underground through fully guided cave tours and overground through narrated Flying Displays and one to one hawk-walks. 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.

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Environmental Objectives and Actions, Aillwee Burren Experience
Environmental Objectives and Actions, Aillwee Burren Experience

SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT

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

While with us our visitors are encouraged and are personally guided through the downloading process of our on site APP. They are encouraged to park their car for the duration of their visit and use our Biodiversity Woodland Walk that connects all the site areas and experiences. 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 ‘A free Cuppa Tea if you Cycle to me’ incentive in place.

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

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AILLWEE CAVE

Our partners