At Overland Ireland, we are excited to share our new partnership with Leave No Trace Ireland, a movement committed to preserving the natural beauty of our cherished Emerald Isle. As enthusiastic explorers of Ireland’s wilderness, we recognize the significance of responsible tourism. By joining forces with Leave No Trace, we aim to ensure that our adventures leave behind nothing but memories.
This partnership guarantees that sustainability, conservation, and respect for the environment are integral to our small-group tours, customized tours, and self-drive tour packages across Ireland.
Scroll down to discover more about Leave No Trace Ireland, the significance of our membership, and the principles we are committed to uphold. If you have any questions for the Overland team, please feel free to reach out to us.
What is Leave No Trace Ireland?
Leave No Trace Ireland is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting responsible outdoor recreation through education, research, and collaboration. Their mission is to minimize the environmental impact of outdoor activities by encouraging individuals and organizations to adhere to seven core principles.
While we will detail these principles below, they generally emphasize respect for nature and fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Their aim is to guide individuals in making responsible choices while experiencing the breathtaking landscapes of Ireland. From the dramatic Cliffs of Moher to the tranquil lakes of Killarney National Park, Leave No Trace Ireland offers vital guidelines for reducing our ecological footprint.
As more people venture into nature, our collective impact grows. While enjoying the great outdoors is beneficial for both physical and mental health, lack of proper education can lead to increased litter, water pollution, and disturbances to wildlife, plants, and livestock.
Leave No Trace effectively communicates ways to enjoy nature positively through its many members.
Why Does This Partnership Work?
Our membership reflects our commitment to responsible tourism and our promise to educate our guests on the importance of leaving no trace behind. As proud members of Leave No Trace Ireland, Overland Ireland has undertaken to uphold the organization’s values and principles.
In essence, our membership empowers us to lead in sustainable tourism. We can explore Ireland’s stunning wild places with a clear conscience!
Our love for the Irish landscape runs deep at Overland Ireland. From the rugged coastline of the Wild Atlantic Way to the ancient Rock of Cashel, we are fortunate to uncover our country’s breathtaking scenery and captivating attractions. With this privilege comes a responsibility.
We decided to partner with Leave No Trace Ireland because we believe in safeguarding and preserving Ireland’s natural wonders for future generations. By collaborating with Leave No Trace, we can continue to offer our guests unforgettable adventures in the Emerald Isle while positively impacting the environment.
The Love This Place campaign exemplifies our partnership with Leave No Trace. This initiative encourages both locals and visitors to contribute to the protection of Ireland’s natural beauty through five simple actions:
- Keep Ireland litter-free
- Protect our wildlife
- Be responsible with our dogs
- Embrace our island and cultural heritage
- Stick to designated paths to safeguard our land and coastline
Are you eager to experience the authentic, unfiltered essence of Ireland on your trip? We invite you to explore our blog post, What are Non-Touristy Things to Do in Ireland?, filled with inspiration for your journey!
What are the Principles of Leave No Trace Ireland?
Leave No Trace Ireland advocates for the following seven core principles that provide guidelines for responsible outdoor recreation.
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
Organize your activities and route to ensure an enjoyable outdoor experience that won’t negatively impact the environment.
2. Be Considerate of Others
Respect others’ rights to enjoy the outdoors and maintain a peaceful atmosphere.
3. Respect Farm Animals and Wildlife
Observe wildlife from a distance and avoid disrupting their natural behavior. Do not feed any animals you encounter.
4. Travel and Camp Responsibly
Stick to designated trails and campsites to protect delicate ecosystems. Infrastructure is in place for your safety and the environment’s health.
5. Leave What You Find
Preserve the landscape’s natural beauty by leaving rocks, plants, and other natural objects undisturbed.
6. Dispose of Waste Properly
Pack out all trash and leave no trace behind. Litter not only detracts from a location’s beauty but also poses a threat to wildlife.
7. Protect Nature from Fire
Use established fire rings for campfires and adhere to fire safety regulations.
Leave No Trace crafted these seven principles with clarity in mind. This framework is easy for everyone to implement as we explore Ireland’s breathtaking nature. Moreover, they apply as much to remote locations as they do to local parks and neighborhoods!
Join One of Our Eco-Friendly Tours of Ireland!
Now all you need to do is choose the small-group tour of Ireland that best meets your needs! Alternatively, you might prefer the personalized experience of our customized tours or the freedom offered by our self-drive packages.
No matter which option you choose, feel free to reach out to us with any questions.
Looking for even more travel inspiration in the Emerald Isle? Be sure to check out our recommendations for the best outdoor activities in Northern Ireland.