Eco Adventure weekends in The Burren, County Clare, Ireland

Walking lanes in The Burren, County Clare, Ireland. Photo: Gregans HotelThe Burren, County Clare, is one of Ireland's most dramatic National Parks, with a glossy grey karst limestone landscape, sweeping down to equally impressive cliffs and seascapes, most famously the Cliffs of Moher. Tourists often just pass through en route to neighbouring Connemara or Kerry, unaware of the area's many qualities. 

One of these is a commitment to all things green. A recent Ecotourism Initiative pioneered by leading tourism providers in this area has been kickstarted by Gregans Castle Hotel, an elegant four star manor in the heart of The Burren. Gregans has created a  two day Burren Eco Adventure break. This comprises two nights accommodation in this sumptous spot, with a gourmet dinner prepared by award-winning chef Mickael Viljanen who uses the freshest and very best local and Irish ingredients.Gregans' extensive wine list also includes an impressive collection of organic and biodynamic wines.

However, you will have plenty of opportunities to walk it all off on this break, such as on the five hour guided walking adventure along the Burren Way with Tony Kirby, author of The Burren & The Aran Islands Walking Guide. Plant lovers can take part in a cottage garden tour at nearby Caher Bridge Garden,  in the midst of the stunning and relatively sheltered Caher Valley,  to ramble through the idyllic award-winning one acre garden of Carl Wright.  With a particular emphasis on Day Lilies, Hostas, Snowdrops and Arisemas, Carl has single-handedly created a horticultural haven with many plant varieties unseen anywhere else in Ireland. Bird lovers can opt for a guided bird walk on the Cliffs of Moher, or gourmet guests might choose the tour of The Burren Smokehouse.

On departure guests also receive a goodie bag of local produce from the Burren.  Gregans will arrange Cliffs of Moher. Photo: Catherine mackcollection from Ballyvaughan village for those travelling by bus (although some buses will drop you at the hotel gate), and all transportation during the stay is provided. This pioneering  package, exemplary in its ethos of working together as a regional network to provide good green travel options,  is available May 9-11 and June 1-3 with further weekends planned for the autumn.

Prices from €309.00 per person sharing. Read Gregans Castle's full listing on green traveller and Catherine Mack's review of the hotel.