Ireland is simply green by nature, and as more and more accommodations, facilities and attractions do their bit for planet Earth, all around the island new and sustainable experiences are being added to help travellers lower their impact.
Nothing is as sustainable as walking, so those who like to stretch their legs will love the new Ulster-Ireland section of the International Appalachian Trail, which continues one of the world’s largest trail networks from its origin in the USA, into Canada, Iceland, across to the island of Ireland and beyond.
The newly upgraded trail begins on the west coast of County Donegal in the Republic of Ireland, starting at the spectacular cliffs of Slieve League. The trail then passes through the wide-open spaces of the Sperrin Mountains, into the rugged Causeway Coast and across the magnificent Glens of Antrim in Northern Ireland to finish at the port of Larne.
Spanning 279 miles, the route takes walkers through wonderfully diverse landscapes and can be walked in its entirety, completed in stages or enjoyed as part of a day walk. Historic monuments, dramatic views, areas of outstanding natural beauty and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, all with geological links to the Appalachian Mountains, can be encountered along the way.
There are plenty of places to experience the local food and drink along the trail, and for places to rest up look no further than the stunning new treetop lodges of Burrenmore Nest in Castlerock, County Londonderry.
Each of the lodges is perched on stilts so guests can enjoy panoramic views, and they all have ensuite waterfall shower rooms, king-size beds, kitchenettes, built-in home-cinema projectors, private outdoor whirlpool baths and come complete with a complimentary breakfast basket.
The lodges are set within a forest in the historic Downhill Estate and are close to the tourist hotspots of Mussenden Temple and Benone Beach. Sink into your outdoor bath under the night sky, enjoy the peace and tranquillity, or recover from your walking, amid the birdsong of the forest.