Eco-tourism is destined to be the next big thing when we are finally able to travel again, predicts Tourism Ireland. And with the world celebrating Earth Day today, the tourist board points out that there are plenty of options for travellers to reduce their carbon footprint the next time they visit the Emerald Isle.

All around the wild and natural Irish landscapes there are hundreds of green activities and sustainable experiences, whether in remote coastal and rural areas, isolated islands, scenic greenways, slow travel on calm inland waterways, or even on bikes in busy cities.

And beyond eco-friendly destinations like the Wild Atlantic Way, The Burren, and Giant’s Causeway, Tourism Ireland reports that more and more hotels, B&Bs, hostels, cottages, self-catering rentals and even caravan sites on the island are committing to sustainability, making it easy for visitors to find and eco-friendly hideaway for any budget.

Here just a few recommendations for eco-inclined travellers:

• The Burren, the remarkable rocky landscape of County Clare, is perhaps the leading eco destination in the country. A network of local enterprises in the area is helping to make The Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark into a global leader for sustainable tourism, scooping a Lonely Planet ‘Best in Travel’ pick for 2021 in the process.

The multitude of eco-friendly activities in area include heritage and eco-centres, walking tours, cycling, adventure sports, culture, well-being, surfing, pubs, dining, and local food producers – all of which promotes responsible travel and the conservation of the environment.

• Another pure eco-destination to head for is Cloughjordan Ecovillage in County Tipperary. This internationally recognized destination for learning about sustainable living has over 100 residents living in high-performance green homes, and offers plenty of arts and crafts, heritage and culture, a cookery school, a community farm, and more to explore. Tours of the eco-village will be available when circumstances allow, and there is also an eco-hostel for longer stays.

• Travellers can try anything from a leave no-trace walk along the clifftop above the Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim to a yoga retreat in an Ard Nahoo eco-cabin in County Leitrim, created with locally salvaged wood; or a visit to the Cool Planet Experience, a climate change museum for kids within the scenic surrounds of Powerscourt Estate & Gardens in County Wicklow.

• The ‘smart’ carbon-neutral ethos of The Salthouse in County Antrim goes hand in hand with sustainability and jaw-dropping views of the Causeway Coastal Route, while water waste is one of the top eco-priorities at Delphi Resort in Connemara, County Galway.

• In County Meath, Bellinter House uses underground heat for its swimming pool, while at the Lackan Cottage Farm in County Down guests can have a completely off-grid self-catering stay in an organic smallholding.