The best sustainable stays around Ireland

Compiled by Lauren Heskin & Megan Burns

Wren Urban Nest, Dublin

Sustainability Wren Urban Nest, nestled in the heart of Dublin City, was purpose-built in 2021 as Ireland’s first net-carbon-neutral hotel and the only hotel in the country with an A BER rating. Located on an unassuming side street off bustling Exchequer Street, it’s discreetly tucked into the urban landscape. But don’t let the restrained exterior fool you – inside is a warm, modern, comfortable hotel that’s made a commitment to sustainability its number one priority. From a zero-waste food policy at its Alt Bar & Restaurant, the hotel doesn’t burn any fossil fuels, using 100% renewable energy to power all of its 137 rooms.

What to expect Intentionally designed as a compact hotel, rooms are small but perfectly formed, with every nook and cranny used for clever storage, while the beautiful timber surrounds make for the perfect place to make your own little urban nest. Many of the rooms boast floor-to-ceiling windows with views across the River Liffey and beyond. Working with local producers like Mourne Textile for throws in the bedrooms, there are also ethical toiletries to be found in all the bathrooms (in refillable glass bottles, of course) and filtered water taps on every floor to discourage the use of single-use plastics.

Highlights While Dublin may be teeming with great brunch spots, the breakfast at Alt Bar & restaurant is absolutely not to be missed. Homemade granola, fresh pastries, charcuterie boards as well as your typical breakfast fare make up the offering, but it’s all elevated thanks to carefully chosen seasonal ingredients sourced as locally as possible. Do not pass up on the caramel French toast. They’re even working on producing their own honey from beehives in the Dublin Mountains.

What to do Pretty much everything is walkable from here – Grafton Street, Trinity College, Temple Bar, The Guinness Storehouse. However, you can stay local to just the neighbouring streets for plenty of independent Irish shops and eateries. 

Details Rooms from €162 per night for two people. wrenhotel.ie

Fernwood, Galway

Photography Cliondha Prendergast and Doreen Kilfeather

Sustainability Tucked within a 150-acre organic beef farm, Fernwood is a family-run enterprise of three sustainably built accommodations, each with their own unique twist. Surrounded by native woodland and bogs with the tinkling sound of the river, the Stilt House, Studio and Treehouse Dome are all purpose-built to minimise their impact on the landscape. Husband and wife team Simone and Anne Ashe have brought a holistic approach to holidaying, not only trying to maintain the nature around every space, but also incorporating natural materials like cork and timber into each of the spaces, while also planting 1,200 native trees in 2023 and 2024. 

What to expect Each location sleeps two people, the latest edition being the Stilt House opened in August 2022. Sitting amongst the treetops, each window of this modern, A-rated design offers a different view and includes all the self-catering luxuries you could expect, such as a huge bathroom and an outdoor wood-fired hot tub suspended above the canopy. The geodesic dome sits five metres off the ground and is perfect for a cosy weekend away, with a super king bed, kitchenette and woodburning stove and suspended decking. If swinging from the treetops isn’t quite your thing, there’s The Studio, a contemporary space, small but perfectly formed and includes all the mod cons including underfloor heating and a private garden,

Highlights The sprawling estate includes an unusual saltwater lagoon, flooding in from the nearby Clifden Bay, where you can take a dip with the resident seal who is usually lolling about. Or take one of the meandering forest paths that wrap around the shoreline. You might find the rope bridge, soaring above the rushing waters. However, if it’s a complete pause you’re looking for, then the stunning lakeside sauna and plunge pool is the spot to while away the afternoon. 

What to do The glorious town of Clifden is within walking distance, with ample food and drinking options including Vaughans, Guys Bar and locally loved, Lamplight Wine Bar. Or follow the curve of the water down to the mouth of the bay. A quick hop over the turnstile at the sailing club will have you within sight of the spectacular ruins of Clifden Castle. 

Details For two people, the Studio starts from €500, the Treehouse Dome from €649 and the Stilt House from €749, all for two nights minimum.

Hotel Doolin, Clare 

Sustainability Ireland’s first certified carbon-neutral hotel, Hotel Doolin has won many awards for its sustainability due to its impressive efforts. As well as reducing food and water waste, they regularly plant native trees in the local area, source most of the produce for the restaurant from within a 50-kilometre radius of the hotel, including growing their own in a polytunnel, collect rainwater, and use renewable energy, a combination of their own solar PV panels and green electricity from other suppliers. Their efforts are extensive, with ideas such as furniture made from upcycled materials and no disposable cups or plastic bottles on-site show how much impact small measures can have.

What to expect Situated in the much-loved village of Doolin, the hotel has 17 bright, modern rooms. Dine or simply enjoy a drink at Fitz’s Pub, or for something special head to Glas Restaurant, where the team make use of local delights including Michael Connell’s Lobster, Flaggy Shore Oysters, St. Tola’s Goat’s Cheese, Burren Smoked Salmon and organic salads and herbs from their garden and polytunnel. On a sunny evening, grab a wood-fired pizza from Stonewall and sit outside.

Highlights Catch live music in Fitz’s Pub every evening, or for diehard music fans, time your visit to coincide with the Doolin Folk Festival.

What to do The location of Hotel Doolin, just off the Wild Atlantic Way is ever popular. Take a guided walk from Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher with Doolin Cliff Walks for a dose of local history alongside the iconic views. The Burren National Park is nearby, always worth a visit for its otherworldly stone formations and pretty wildflowers, or hop on a ferry to explore the Aran islands, or to appreciate the beauty of the cliffs from the water.

Details Rooms from €340, including breakfast. hoteldoolin.ie

Finn Lough, Fermanagh

Sustainability This lakeside haven has taken extensive measures to ensure a minimal footprint on the environment, from the way their buildings are constructed by craftspeople without heavy machinery, using local materials, to the locally sourced food served in their restaurant. Solar energy accounts for 60 per cent of their electricity usage, single-use plastic has been removed, they are rewilding the land with native species and rainwater is used to fill the spa pools. Touches including using repurposed drinks bottles from the bar as toiletries dispensers and reusable water bottles provided for guests are a lovely touch.

What to expect Made for unwinding in nature, all of Finn Lough’s accommodation options bring you closer to the natural world its sustainability efforts seek to preserve. From Bubble Domes hidden away in a forest or overlooking the river, a riverside cabin or a lakeside villa, each will treat you to a sense of serenity and breath-taking views. Opt for a Bubble Dome to have the added bonus of a view of the night sky as you drift off to sleep.

Highlights The Barn restaurant puts Irish ingredients in the spotlight, through a selection of small plates with bold flavours. And with menus for coeliac, vegetarian, and vegan diners, there’s also something to suit everyone, ideal if you’re travelling with a group.

What to do With two spas to experience, the Elements Trail Spa and the lakeside Shoreline Spa, it would be remiss not to treat yourself to a relaxing experience while drinking in the natural surroundings. Soak in a private tub on the water’s edge, or take a freshwater dip after a sauna – the choice is yours. You can also immerse yourself in the gorgeous landscape through a choice of activities, including kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, bike rides, and morning yoga in the Shoreline Dome. If the weather isn’t inviting, simply curl up in the Vintage Cinema Room with some popcorn.

Details Rooms from €216 per night, including breakfast. finnlough.com

The Salthouse, Antrim

Sustainability Nestled just minutes from the breathtaking north coast, The Salthouse Hotel aims to create an experience that is as sustainable as it is luxurious. An onsite wind turbine and solar PV panels generate electricity for the hotel, while heating and hot water are primarily provided by air-source heat pumps. Outside temperature sensors allow the building to adapt to the exterior conditions, while there are EV chargers powered by the onsite renewable electricity and the hotel doesn’t have any single-use plastics.

What to expect There is a choice of accommodation options, including the self-catering Eco Farmhouse with its own hot tub and sauna, Eco Lodges, or opt for one of the 24 luxury bedrooms, some of which have sea views. With two restaurants to choose from, The Salthouse and The Lookout, there’s plenty of choice, and both focus on local ingredients while offering spectacular views of the coast.

Highlights Don’t leave without spending time in the spa. Outdoor facilities including hot tubs, seaweed baths, a sauna and a shower offer panoramic views of the landscape, while there are further options inside the spa to ensure you leave feeling fully relaxed. One of their signature treatments will leave you feeling renewed.

What to do Just five minutes from Ballycastle, and with the whole north coast at your fingertips, you’ll have no shortage of activities. Foodies will want to tick as many of the area’s hotspots off their list as possible – don’t miss Ursa Minor bakery in Ballycastle, artisan cheese toasties and pantry staples at Mægden in Bushmills, and fresh takes on local seafood at Lir in Coleraine. While those who love the outdoors are spoilt for choice with beautiful beaches and places to explore. Admire the cows nestling in the sand at White Park Bay, get a different view of the coast from the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, head out to Rathlin Island or make use of the many golf courses dotted around the coast.

Details Rooms from €215 per night, including breakfast. thesalthousehotel.com