A Connemara camping and caravan site overlooking Omey island has been awarded gold level certification by the Sustainable Tourism Network (STN).
Clifden Eco Beach Camping and Caravanning Park is currently the only campsite in Ireland to hold this certification, STN says.
The family business run by Tatjana and Kris Acton is located on the Aughrus peninsula and overlooking Omey island in Co Galway.
It says it has always had a focus on sustainability since it was first certified back in 2014. The 2024 reissue of their gold award follows a detailed onsite audit by an independent auditor.
Some of the highlights of its sustainability efforts include:
- Banning toxic formaldehyde-based camper toilet solution and insisting on an eco-friendly product instead since 2014.
- Banning plastic water bottles and single use plastics since 2014.
- Becoming Europe’s first certified climate neutral campsite in 2015.
- Sourcing spring water from beneath its sand-bearing soils which is free from chemicals.
- Limiting the amp of power to each camping pitch to conserve energy.
- Use of 100% green energy through their provider.
- Forgoing the use of hard stands (concrete) for pitches so that the site can be returned to a green-field site easily and quickly.
- Providing a pick-up service for customers that travel by public transport.
- Providing bikes for customers.
The business also demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement - another essential element of sustainability.
Planned future initiatives include:
- Upgrading the facilities to increase accessibility for people with disabilities, highlighting a dedication not just to environmental sustainability but also to social responsibility.
- The introduction of smart meters and solar panels to further their use of renewable energy sources.
- The introduction of QR codes at each pitch point, which both enhances visitor experience but also reduces paper use.
Speaking about the certification, Kris Acton states “This independent certification is important for us because it allows us to talk to an Irish and international audience about our sustainability. It says we are a sustainable business at the highest level. The audit is very evidence based.”
Tatjana adds, “The learning we got as we worked with STN as we worked towards recertification was priceless. The environmental education we are getting is second to none and it’s ongoing as we engage with STN.
The campsite sits in a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for bottlenose dolphins and is a designated machair habitat site.
Machair sites are beach/sand dune habitats backed by peatland/wetlands and support pollinators and wading birds amongst other species.
Rob Rankin, STN director, said it was a “ remarkable accomplishment”.
“We are so impressed with this business. They prove that a small operation can be truly powerful leaders when it comes to sustainability. We are just delighted to see them reaping the rewards of their hard work,”he said.
The independent audit uses criteria recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
The GSTC is an independent non-profit UN-mandated organisation that has developed criteria that serve as globally accepted standards for sustainable tourism.
