Here at Overland Ireland, we’re thrilled to announce our partnership with Leave No Trace Ireland, a movement dedicated to preserving and protecting the natural beauty of our beloved Emerald Isle. As passionate explorers of Ireland’s wild side, we understand the importance of responsible tourism, so we’ve joined forces with Leave No Trace to ensure that our adventures leave behind nothing but memories.
With this membership, you can be sure that sustainability, conservation, and the environment are at the heart of our small-group tours of Ireland, tailor-made tours of Ireland, and Ireland self-drive tour packages.
Scroll down to learn more about Leave No Trace Ireland, what our membership means, and the principles we will uphold. If you have any questions for the Overland team, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
What is Leave No Trace Ireland?
Leave No Trace Ireland is a non-profit organization that promotes responsible outdoor recreation through education, research, and partnerships. Their mission is to minimize the impact of outdoor activities on the environment by encouraging individuals and organizations to adopt seven core principles.
We cover these principles in more detail below; but, broadly speaking, they focus on respect for nature and fellow outdoor enthusiasts. They are intended to guide people to make ethical decisions while enjoying our beautiful natural landscapes. From the rugged Cliffs of Moher to the serene lakes of Killarney National Park, Leave No Trace Ireland provides essential guidelines for minimizing our footprint on the land.
As more people seek out the beauty of the great outdoors, the larger the collective mark we all leave. Enjoying nature is great for physical and mental health, but without proper education and advice, we will continue to see increases in litter and water pollution along with disturbances to wildlife, vegetation, and livestock.
Leave No Trace can effectively communicate positive ways to enjoy the outdoors through its many members.
Why does this partnership work?
Our membership signifies our dedication to responsible tourism and our pledge to educate our guests on the importance of leaving no trace behind. As proud members of Leave No Trace Ireland, Overland Ireland has committed to upholding the organization’s values and principles.
Put simply, our membership empowers us to be sustainable tourism leaders. We can enjoy the best wild places in Ireland with a clear conscience!
At Overland Ireland, our love for the Irish landscape runs deep. From the rugged coastline of the Wild Atlantic Way to the ancient Rock of Cashel, we are privileged to explore our country’s stunning landscapes and fascinating attractions. However, with privilege comes responsibility.
We joined Leave No Trace Ireland because we believe in protecting and preserving Ireland’s natural wonders for future generations to enjoy. By partnering with Leave No Trace, we can continue to help our guests have unforgettable adventures in the Emerald Isle, but all while making a positive impact on the environment.
The Love This Place campaign is just one example of why we have partnered with Leave No Trace. This initiative encourages locals and visitors alike to do their part to protect nature in Ireland, and all it takes are five simple steps:
- Keep Ireland litter-free
- Protect our wildlife
- Be responsible with our dogs
- Embrace our island and cultural heritage
- Stick to the path to protect our land and coast
Do you want to embrace unfiltered, authentic Ireland during your trip? We think you’ll love reading our blog What are Non-Touristy Things to Do in Ireland? when you have finished here. It’s filled with all the inspiration you need!
What are the Principles of Leave No Trace Ireland?
Leave No Trace Ireland promotes the following seven core principles that serve as guidelines for responsible outdoor recreation.
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
Plan activities and a route to ensure an enjoyable outdoor experience that doesn’t have a negative impact on the environment.
2. Be Considerate of Others
Respect the rights of others to enjoy the outdoors and maintain a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere.
3. Respect Farm Animals and Wildlife
Observe wildlife from a distance and avoid disturbing their natural behavior. And do NOT feed any animals you encounter.
4. Travel and Camp Responsibly
Stay on designated trails and campsites to avoid damaging fragile ecosystems. Infrastructure is in place to keep you safe and the environment healthy.
5. Leave What You Find
Preserve the natural beauty of the landscape by leaving rocks, plants, and other natural objects undisturbed.
6. Dispose of Waste Properly
Pack out all trash and leave no trace of your visit. Litter doesn’t just make a place look ugly, it can also harm and kill wildlife.
7. Protect Nature from Fire
Use established fire rings when building campfires and be mindful of fire safety regulations.
Leave No Trace created these seven principles with ease of understanding in mind. This is a framework that we can all implement as we explore Ireland’s gorgeous nature. And best of all, they’re just as applicable to the most remote of locations as they are to local parks and neighborhoods!
Join One of Our Eco-Friendly Tours of Ireland!
All you need to do now is choose which of our small-group tours of Ireland best suits your needs! Or perhaps you prefer the personal touch of our tailor-made tours of Ireland or the independence of our Ireland self-drive tour packages.
Whichever route you want to take, please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions for us.
Looking for even more travel inspiration here in the Emerald Isle? Be sure to read our picks for the best outdoor activities in Northern Ireland.
