The landscapes, the views, the stunning coastline; visitors to Ireland come for the greenness of the country and its vibrant scenery. It’s always been one of Ireland’s greatest attractions and it’s becoming more important in this time of climate change and its accompanying need for tourism which doesn’t impact the natural environment. So here’s Travelodge Ireland Hotels’ list of Top Five Eco Attractions in Ireland for you to enjoy and recycle.

1: Wicklow Mountains National Park

You can choose any one of our 5 budget hotels in Dublin city as a base for an eco-adventure into the Wicklow Mountains National Park. All of our Dublin 3-star accommodation is a short electric car journey to the area known as the Garden County and a perfect day trip from the centre of Dublin. Wicklow Mountains National Park has everything the most ardent eco-tourist could need. It has the scenery, it has the mountains, it has the waterfalls, it has the untouched countryside. Walk or hike along the paths of Glendalough or Glenmalure, look out for wildlife and birdlife of astonishing varieties and breathe in deep the fresh pristine air of a top eco spot.
 

2: Whale Watching in Cork

Just over an hour’s drive from the Travelodge Cork Airport Hotel, you can be in a completely different environment. Make your way to Baltimore in West Cork and you can be the beneficiary of the Irish government’s enlightened decision to create whale and dolphin sanctuaries up and down the island’s coast. West Cork is one of the best places for this sort of eco-marine tourism. Run out into the ocean on one of the eco-friendly boats from the harbour at Baltimore and you can see all sorts of dolphins, porpoises, sharks and whales in their most natural environment.

3: Burren National Park in Clare, near County Limerick

There’s nothing more natural and untouched in Ireland than the Burren. And a day spent in the Burren National Park will really make that crystal clear. Less than an hour’s drive from either of the two Travelodge Ireland Hotels in Limerick city can bring you to the moon! The rocky, cracked white limestone surface of the Burren has often been compared to the surface of the moon but unlike the moon, the Burren is home to lots of plant life and animals unique to that area of the country. Why not walk on the moon yourself in this most eco-friendly of attractions?

4: Seal Rescuing close to County Waterford

The ultimate in eco-friendly attractions the Seal Rescue Centre in Courtown Harbour, County Wexford is both a working animal charity and a fabulous place to visit for all the family. Originally based on the south coast in Dingle, the rescuing of seals then moved to Courtown and now the centre rescues, rehabilitates and then releases injured seals and abandoned seal pups from the Irish coast. Visitors to this eco-attraction, an hour and a half from our Travelodge Waterford Hotel, can see the whole seal rehabilitation process, watch hand feeding and see the seals as they recover before they are released back into the wild. This is a perfect day out for environmentally concerned visitors.

5: The Cliffs of Moher near Limerick

Just an hour from either of our Travelodge Ireland Hotels in Limerick city, the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare are not only one of the top eco-friendly spots to visit but one of the most visited tourist attractions full stop. There’s an environmentally friendly visitor centre but the trip is worthwhile for the raw beauty of the view across these spectacular cliffs with the sea pounding the rocks below. You can stroll along the cliff tips for incredible marine views or try O’Brien’s Tower for the best views of both countryside and ocean.