Ballyvaughan, Co Clare, Ireland - Tel: +353 65 707 7005, Fax: +353 65 707 7111, email: stay@gregans.ie



Ecotourism & Environmental Policy

Ecotourism Policy

Environmentally Sustainable Practices
Gregans Castle Hotel is committed to reducing its environmental impact through the better efficiencies in the use of energy, the minimisation of waste, packaging and water usage. A full list is available in our Environmental Policy below.

Natural Area Focus
Gregans Castle Hotel sells packages/experiences to its guests which encourage interaction with the natural environment of The Burren through walking, birdwatching, botany and education.

We encourage our guests to leave the car behind and explore the area.

Interpretation and Education
Gregans Castle Hotel provides its guests with literature (books, leaflets etc.) and maps on the local area. We are always happy to give further information and make recommendations based on sound local knowledge.

Contributing to Conservation
We are members of the following organisations: The Burren Ecotourism Network; The Burrenbeo Trust; An Taisce; Birdwatch Ireland and Leave No Trace. We are also a supporter and sponsor of The Burren in Bloom Festival held in Ballyvaughan each May.

Each year we organise a litter cleanup of The Corkscrew Hill which is a very popular tourist viewing point.

Hotel guests are provided with a copy of The Burren Code which seeks to help protect the limestone pavement, plants and built heritage of this irreplaceable ‘fertile rock’.

Benefiting Local Communities
We actively work with other local business whether through informal referrals or through formal partnerships (such as through The Burren EcoTourism Network). We employ as many local personnel as possible. We purchase as many quality local products and services as is possible.

Visitor Feedback
Visitor feedback is important so as to maintain and improve our products and services including our environmental practices and impacts. All guests are given a Customer Feedback Form and encouraged to complete it.

Responsible Marketing
We use web based marketing activities as much as possible and have a strict policy of not using mailshots. We keep in contact with regular customers through the use of e-zines. Recycled paper and card are used in the printing of brochures and leaflets.

Cultural Respect and Awareness
Staff at the hotel are encouraged to be respectful of the culture of visiting guests. Equally guests are encouraged to be respectful and aware of local culture and sensitivities. Guests are encouraged to interact locally through the use of local pubs, traditional music and dancing and attend any local events such as sporting activities.

Environmental Policy

At Gregans Castle Hotel we take very seriously the potential negative effects on the environment that the activities of our business can cause.

In line with this we continue to strive to improve our environmental practices in a range of areas including energy and water useage. We will also continue to develop a number of ecotourism experiences for our customers to enjoy. A special Eco Package which encompasses walking, birdwatching, gardens and food is planned for 2011.

We are founding members of The Burren Ecotourism Network. Ecotourism is defined as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people” - The International Ecotourism Society (TIES)

It is B.E.N’s long-term vision that the Burren will be a premier internationally recognised ecotourism region ensuring the future economic and social growth and sustainable development of its communities, environment and heritage. B.E.N. aims to become a recognisable network of enterprises in the Burren, all of whom have achieved independent accreditation, demonstrate ecotourism ‘best practice’, positively discriminate in each other’s favour, provide ‘one voice’ representation on issues impacting the Burren (where appropriate) and inspire conservation activism.

B.E.N. has three specific aims:
  • The development of a self-sustaining ecotourism network of accredited Burren businesses with a Burren ecotourism brand
  • The promotion of the Burren as an accredited ecotourism destination.
  • The provision of continued training, mentoring and accreditation in ecotourism for businesses interested in joining the network.

List of Burren EcoTourism Network Members:

The Boghill Centre
The Burren Centre
Burren Coaches
Burren Fine Wine & Food
Burren Outdoor Education Centre
Burren Ecotours
Burren Painting Centre
Burren Smokehouse
Cassidy's Pub & Restaurant
Clare Rock Hostel
Corofin Camping & Hostel
Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience
Clare Farm Heritage Tours Co-op
Father Ted's House (website coming soon)
Heart of Burren Walks
Kilfenora Hostel
The Roadside Tavern

In July 2009 as part of ongoing EcoTourism training owner Simon Haden received a Certificate in Ecotourism which was awarded by Sligo Institute of Technology.

The following are actions we have already taken to minimize our footprint on the environment.
  • Since May 2000 we have purchased all our electricity from Airtricity. This electricity is generated from windmills located on the west coast of Ireland.
  • All food waste and waste office paper is composted (some is collected and some is composted in our own vermi-composter).
  • All garden waste is composted and then reused in the garden.
  • Cardboard packaging, newspapers, magazines, glass, cans, plastic bottles and used light bulbs and batteries are all returned for recycling. In the past five years we have reduced waste to landfill by 66%.
  • Most of our heating and hot water is generated by super efficient combi condensing gas boilers.
  • All heating, hot water, refrigeration and electrical equipment is serviced and maintained annually.
  • When replacing electrical equipment only “A” rated appliances are purchased.
  • For 2011 we have commenced an energy useage monitoring system. We are gradually replacing light bulbs used in the hotel with low energy halogen and fluorescent versions.
  • We use timber trimmed from our own trees for firewood.
  • We use a natural puraflo peat moss treatment system which purifies all wastewater generated by the hotel.
  • Our water supply is sourced from a spring on the Corkscrew Hill. We also harvest rainwater for use in the hotel.
  • Each year we carry out a cleanup of litter from The Corkscrew Hill.
  • As much as possible of our food is sourced from local producers thereby reducing food miles (the distance that food must travel to get from farm to fork). For example Lamb is supplied directly by local Burren farmers. Other products such as smoked fish, salads, eggs and cheeses are from the locality. As much produce as possible is sourced from small artisan producers.
  • In 2005 we planted 250 new trees. Over the past 30 years we have created new habitat for birds and other wildlife. Recently native Irish Red Squirrels have moved into our garden.
  • We do not use weedkillers or other harmful chemicals in our gardens.
  • When redecorating the hotel, we use when possible natural pigment paints and natural fabrics.
  • We provide high quality Aveda natural bath products in our guest bathrooms.
  • In 2011 we will be commencing useage of more environmentally-friendly cleaning products.
  • We support environmentally sustainable tourism by encouraging guests to walk or cycle while staying at the hotel. We have bicycles for free guest’s use and book a local walking guide for walks on The Burren. We host many small walking and cycling groups at the hotel and sell our own walking packages.
  • We are members of Slow Food Clare, The Burrenbeo Trust and Leave No Trace.
  • For many years we have lobbied local and central Government on planning and conservation matters which relate to The Burren.

You can play your part:
  • If you feel that you can reuse your towels please hang them back on the bathroom rail.
  • Please try not to run water unnecessarily and inform a member of staff if you notice any leaks.
  • Please turn off all lights and electrical equipment when leaving your room.
  • Please close the windows if the heat is on in your room. To regulate heating contact reception.
  • Place glass and plastic bottles, used batteries and newspapers and magazines beside your dustbin. These will be collected by Housekeeping.
  • We have provided you with a copy of The Burren Code. Please read this and inform yourself about The Burren and why it is so important to both protect and respect it. We have further information available at Reception.
  • We welcome any questions or suggestions. Please do not hesitate to contact us at Reception.


Welcome         The Hotel         Restaurant         Locality         Reservations