Hi Everyone
Please see a recent article published in the Business and Finance magazine on Ecotourism and the Greenbox.
Click on the link below to view the article:
Business and Finance Article
Monday, June 29, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
The Launch of Donegal Walking Week
Donegal Walking Week 2009, launched today by Donegal Sports Partnership, is hoping to encourage as many individuals, families, schools and workplaces as possible to get active and get walking. The event is primarily taking place from the 24th until 30th May with a focus on community led family fun walking programme all across County Donegal. The week will also include workshops and presentations on walking fitness, the environment and heritage.
The week long event will kick off with a family walk at the Bluestack Centre outside Donegal Town on the 24th May. This walk will include information sessions and practical demonstrations on outdoor activities such as tent pitching, outdoor footwear and clothing and personal safety.
Donegal Walking Week provides a great opportunity for both the local community and visitors to get out and sample the many walking opportunities Donegal has on offer. All abilities are catered for and local accommodation providers are offering overnight packages to encourage visitors to stay in the Donegal area.
A full programme of activities is planned throughout the week in all areas of the county including 26 guided walks both coastal and inland, a family challenge, educational workshops on outdoor activities and also on the environment and walking for health.
The week long festivities will conclude with a family fun day at Glenveagh Castle where they will present one lucky family with a €500 gift voucher sponsored by Wet’n'Wild, Letterkenny for having completed the family walking challenge!
Once again we have scheduled in some FitWalk workshops at various locations throughout the county, these workshop locations will be finalised shortly and a list will be published on www.activedonegal.com
The key sponsors of the event include Irish Sports Council, Fáilte Ireland, Health Service Executive, Gartan Outdoor Education Centre, Donegal VEC, Udarás na Gaeltachta, Donegal County Council, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Donegal Local Development Company, the Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and the Bluestack Centre.
The week long event will kick off with a family walk at the Bluestack Centre outside Donegal Town on the 24th May. This walk will include information sessions and practical demonstrations on outdoor activities such as tent pitching, outdoor footwear and clothing and personal safety.
Donegal Walking Week provides a great opportunity for both the local community and visitors to get out and sample the many walking opportunities Donegal has on offer. All abilities are catered for and local accommodation providers are offering overnight packages to encourage visitors to stay in the Donegal area.
A full programme of activities is planned throughout the week in all areas of the county including 26 guided walks both coastal and inland, a family challenge, educational workshops on outdoor activities and also on the environment and walking for health.
The week long festivities will conclude with a family fun day at Glenveagh Castle where they will present one lucky family with a €500 gift voucher sponsored by Wet’n'Wild, Letterkenny for having completed the family walking challenge!
Once again we have scheduled in some FitWalk workshops at various locations throughout the county, these workshop locations will be finalised shortly and a list will be published on www.activedonegal.com
The key sponsors of the event include Irish Sports Council, Fáilte Ireland, Health Service Executive, Gartan Outdoor Education Centre, Donegal VEC, Udarás na Gaeltachta, Donegal County Council, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Donegal Local Development Company, the Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and the Bluestack Centre.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Hi Everyone,
On Thursday, 14th May 2009, the Greenbox and some of its Network Members were featured on the RTE Six One News. James Hanrahan from Sligo Institute of Technology, Noeleen Tyrrell of Ard Nahoo Health Farm and Kevin Currid from Lough Allen Adventure Centre all took part in the interview with Eileen Magner.
To view the video clip, please click on the link below. Scroll down the page until you come to the heading "In Focus - Growth in eco-tourism". Well done to everyone involved for a great interview promoting the Greenbox and ecotourism.
http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/0514/6news.html
On Thursday, 14th May 2009, the Greenbox and some of its Network Members were featured on the RTE Six One News. James Hanrahan from Sligo Institute of Technology, Noeleen Tyrrell of Ard Nahoo Health Farm and Kevin Currid from Lough Allen Adventure Centre all took part in the interview with Eileen Magner.
To view the video clip, please click on the link below. Scroll down the page until you come to the heading "In Focus - Growth in eco-tourism". Well done to everyone involved for a great interview promoting the Greenbox and ecotourism.
http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/0514/6news.html
Friday, April 3, 2009
Inishbofin Arts Festival
May 8th to 20th 2009
Fri - Cunninghams featuring Sharon Shannon, Elanor Shanley & Dessie O Halloran
Sat -Imelda May with Support Small Cars
Sun - John Spillane
Day Activities include - Falconry display, Archaeological walk, Marine walk, Teddy bears picnic, Play, poetry reading
Fri - Cunninghams featuring Sharon Shannon, Elanor Shanley & Dessie O Halloran
Sat -Imelda May with Support Small Cars
Sun - John Spillane
Day Activities include - Falconry display, Archaeological walk, Marine walk, Teddy bears picnic, Play, poetry reading
NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME AT LEITRIM DESIGN HOUSE identifying and answering the needs of the marketplace.
The Leitrim Design House is dedicated to supporting the creative industries in County Leitrim. As part of our 2009 Business Development Training Leitrim Design House will run a “New Product Development Programme”. The programme begins on April 15th at the Dock in Carrick-on-Shannon.
A member-based business development and marketing organisation the Leitrim Design House is dedicated to promoting excellence and economic development in the field of contemporary art, craft and design. The Leitrim Design House provides a strong support system for artists, designers and craft workers based in Leitrim and is a very clear example of how the talents of local people can be turned into a viable enterprise.
The “New Product Development Programme” will enable designers and makers to develop new suites of products or additions to existing ranges. It will help those working in creative business to determine what it is they really want to achieve from their own business. In these challenging economic times all businesses are looking at creative ways to develop and grow.
The programme is suitable for people from a wide range of disciplines including fashion, art, home wares, traditional and contemporary craft, photography, print & publishing and any organisation or individual wishing to develop, brand and promote a product or service.
Led by Eddie Shanahan this practical programme will address key issues from market research and consumer trends, sources of inspiration and competitor analysis. From research through to development it will cover crucial topics such as introduction to marketplace and promotion, market structure and strategy.
All aspects of developing your “own” creative business will be dealt with from marketing and design to range development, protecting intellectual property, brand development and presentation to market.
Eddie Shanahan works with a host of leading Irish and international companies and individuals and is one of Ireland’s leading experts on fashion, lifestyle and retail. He is a business consultant to several leading Irish design companies including Louise Kennedy, The Kilkenny group, Enterprise Ireland and Dunne’s stores.
His practical advise and guidance means this programme will be very hands on – working with real product created by individual designers .Participants will be supported and encouraged through a group dynamic and they will have the opportunity to learn from the experience of others as the programme progresses.
Delving into influences on contemporary lifestyle and how it assesses design, value and service participants will explore the emotional / rational dichotomy of selling.
The programme will define the characteristics of strong brands and assist participants in leveraging the power of their brands as a launch pad for new products.
The programme starts on the 15th of April and will run one day per month from 10.30 to 4pm on May 13th, June 10th and July 15th. The programme fee is €200.00 per person. For a booking form or further information contact Anna-Marie or Geraldine at the Leitrim Design House on 071 96 50533 or email info@leitrimdesignhouse.ie
The Leitrim Design House supports local creative industries and helps conserve the cultural identity of County Leitrim.
A member-based business development and marketing organisation the Leitrim Design House is dedicated to promoting excellence and economic development in the field of contemporary art, craft and design. The Leitrim Design House provides a strong support system for artists, designers and craft workers based in Leitrim and is a very clear example of how the talents of local people can be turned into a viable enterprise.
The “New Product Development Programme” will enable designers and makers to develop new suites of products or additions to existing ranges. It will help those working in creative business to determine what it is they really want to achieve from their own business. In these challenging economic times all businesses are looking at creative ways to develop and grow.
The programme is suitable for people from a wide range of disciplines including fashion, art, home wares, traditional and contemporary craft, photography, print & publishing and any organisation or individual wishing to develop, brand and promote a product or service.
Led by Eddie Shanahan this practical programme will address key issues from market research and consumer trends, sources of inspiration and competitor analysis. From research through to development it will cover crucial topics such as introduction to marketplace and promotion, market structure and strategy.
All aspects of developing your “own” creative business will be dealt with from marketing and design to range development, protecting intellectual property, brand development and presentation to market.
Eddie Shanahan works with a host of leading Irish and international companies and individuals and is one of Ireland’s leading experts on fashion, lifestyle and retail. He is a business consultant to several leading Irish design companies including Louise Kennedy, The Kilkenny group, Enterprise Ireland and Dunne’s stores.
His practical advise and guidance means this programme will be very hands on – working with real product created by individual designers .Participants will be supported and encouraged through a group dynamic and they will have the opportunity to learn from the experience of others as the programme progresses.
Delving into influences on contemporary lifestyle and how it assesses design, value and service participants will explore the emotional / rational dichotomy of selling.
The programme will define the characteristics of strong brands and assist participants in leveraging the power of their brands as a launch pad for new products.
The programme starts on the 15th of April and will run one day per month from 10.30 to 4pm on May 13th, June 10th and July 15th. The programme fee is €200.00 per person. For a booking form or further information contact Anna-Marie or Geraldine at the Leitrim Design House on 071 96 50533 or email info@leitrimdesignhouse.ie
The Leitrim Design House supports local creative industries and helps conserve the cultural identity of County Leitrim.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Launch of Ireland's First Ecotourism Handbook
Fáilte Ireland and leading ecotourism organisation, Greenbox, today published Ireland’s first Ecotourism Handbook with support funding from Border Action. Launched today, the ‘Ecotourism Handbook for Ireland’ is aimed at people working in tourism and is a concise guide to help tourism businesses operate in a green environment.
The Ecotourism Handbook for Ireland will be distributed to over 3,000 tourism businesses by Fáilte Ireland over the next few months and at ecotourism awareness seminars, as a sign of its commitment to helping change the face of Irish tourism.
Speaking at the launch, Paul Keeley, Director of Business Development and Investment at Fáilte Ireland said -
“An environmental approach to tourism is not only an ethical choice but also a business necessity. As a nation, we sell ourselves as a “green” country. Visitor expectations of unspoilt landscapes and a green environment are part of the attraction that lures many to our shores. However, it is not just a matter of image. An environmental approach has the potential to yield cost-savings for tourism businesses – an important consideration given the challenges we face in the year ahead.”
The ‘Ecotourism Handbook for Ireland’ provides a wealth of detail including information on the ecotourism market, how to certify a green business, how to find ‘green’ funding, and how to market your ecotourism business.
Mary Mulvey, CEO of Greenbox said -
“I truly believe to create a strong ecotourism product will only come about through education and training at all levels of the industry from government, trade and industry partners in tourism to host communities, media and the consumers of tourism .Ireland has the potential to develop a quality ecotourism experience and this book will be a big help for any business where to get started.”
The need for an Ecotourism Handbook for Ireland arose out of the success of the Greenbox, Ireland’s first ecotourism destination. Martina Bromley, General Manager Fáilte Ireland North West, said -
“The success of the Greenbox Ecotourism Destination in the North-West has demonstrated to other tourism destinations of the potential that exists in the ecotourism market for Ireland.
The handbook draws heavily on the experience of ecotourism providers in the North-West and will provide practical assistance to tourism businesses throughout Ireland in making the transition to ecotourism so that they too can tap into this emerging and growing market”.
According to the International Ecotourism Society, the ecotourism market has been growing since the 1990’s at rate of between 20-34% every year. Although this varies from destination to destination, the average figure is still three times the growth rate of the industry as a whole.
Green Travel Writer and author of the handbook, Catherine Mack said –
“Sometimes I think that people working in tourism are afraid of the ‘eco’ word. There is a lot of confusion out there about what it means to be ethical, green, sustainable, eco, or responsible, call it what you will. People think it’s going to cost more, alienate their clientele, or put them in some sort of ‘green’ box. In writing this book, I hope to take away some of this fear, and show that it is the only way to move forward in tourism.”
The Ecotourism Handbook for Ireland will be available online at www.failteireland.ie.
The Ecotourism Handbook for Ireland will be distributed to over 3,000 tourism businesses by Fáilte Ireland over the next few months and at ecotourism awareness seminars, as a sign of its commitment to helping change the face of Irish tourism.
Speaking at the launch, Paul Keeley, Director of Business Development and Investment at Fáilte Ireland said -
“An environmental approach to tourism is not only an ethical choice but also a business necessity. As a nation, we sell ourselves as a “green” country. Visitor expectations of unspoilt landscapes and a green environment are part of the attraction that lures many to our shores. However, it is not just a matter of image. An environmental approach has the potential to yield cost-savings for tourism businesses – an important consideration given the challenges we face in the year ahead.”
The ‘Ecotourism Handbook for Ireland’ provides a wealth of detail including information on the ecotourism market, how to certify a green business, how to find ‘green’ funding, and how to market your ecotourism business.
Mary Mulvey, CEO of Greenbox said -
“I truly believe to create a strong ecotourism product will only come about through education and training at all levels of the industry from government, trade and industry partners in tourism to host communities, media and the consumers of tourism .Ireland has the potential to develop a quality ecotourism experience and this book will be a big help for any business where to get started.”
The need for an Ecotourism Handbook for Ireland arose out of the success of the Greenbox, Ireland’s first ecotourism destination. Martina Bromley, General Manager Fáilte Ireland North West, said -
“The success of the Greenbox Ecotourism Destination in the North-West has demonstrated to other tourism destinations of the potential that exists in the ecotourism market for Ireland.
The handbook draws heavily on the experience of ecotourism providers in the North-West and will provide practical assistance to tourism businesses throughout Ireland in making the transition to ecotourism so that they too can tap into this emerging and growing market”.
According to the International Ecotourism Society, the ecotourism market has been growing since the 1990’s at rate of between 20-34% every year. Although this varies from destination to destination, the average figure is still three times the growth rate of the industry as a whole.
Green Travel Writer and author of the handbook, Catherine Mack said –
“Sometimes I think that people working in tourism are afraid of the ‘eco’ word. There is a lot of confusion out there about what it means to be ethical, green, sustainable, eco, or responsible, call it what you will. People think it’s going to cost more, alienate their clientele, or put them in some sort of ‘green’ box. In writing this book, I hope to take away some of this fear, and show that it is the only way to move forward in tourism.”
The Ecotourism Handbook for Ireland will be available online at www.failteireland.ie.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Low Impact Living Article
This is a good article that was posted on the website www.lowimpactliving.com. It contains a write up on the Greenbox and some of its members: The Gyreum ecolodge, Necarne Manor and Ireland Ecotours.
See article below:
These days, Ireland is becoming known for more than simply verdant hills, green beer and leprechauns. In fact, the country has recently grown quite serious about becoming an eco-friendly destination for tourists. Renowned for its emerald-hued natural beauty which attracts flocks of tourists, Ireland is transforming itself into a country that is quickly becoming as environmentally green as its renowned, lush countryside.
The Irish government is aware that approximately 80% of tourists to Ireland feel that the country’s pristine environment and scenic landscapes are a “ very important ” factor in their choice of Ireland as a holiday destination, making its efforts to offer greener tourism options all the more important.
For those tempted to pursue a green visit to the Emerald Isle, the country’s tourism organizations make it easy.
When most tourists think of Ireland, thoughts turn to quaint inns and hotels. The good news is that there are a growing number of green options in this very fetching category. To encourage hotels to go green, the country offers Green Hospitality Awards. In 2008, 81 out of the island nation’s 960 hotels were honored with one of the new, but already coveted awards.
Many of these are featured on Greenbox, Ireland’s eco-tourism website. The country also participates in the European Union’s green hotel certification program, the EU Flower Eco-Label. Though the initiative is new, Ireland already boasts eighteen accommodations that have earned the label.
For a stay in a classic Georgian manor home, travelers can book a room at the Necarne Manor. With rolling lawns, woods and gardens and an equestrian center, the Gothic Revival estate is as beautiful as it is green. Guests can bike along a nearby trail to a nearby nature reserve and the inn uses organic, fair trade and locally-produced food, even sourcing compost from the on-site stables.
Those yearning for something edgier can try the yurt-inspired Gyreum Eco-Lodge which might best be described as über-green in an Al Gore-on-steroids kind of way. Wind turbines power geothermal heating, solar panels provide hot water, traditional toilets connect to a reed bed, and there’s even an outside compost toilet. Rain from the enormous roof is collected and used for showers and toilets.
For a green tour of Ireland’s, well, greenery, book with Ireland Eco Tours which visits well and lesser-known sites, all from the comfort of a vegetable oil-powered bus.
Even Dublin’s charming lanes and streets are turning green. Completely novel and yet to hit the roads in the U.S., Ecocabs offer Dublin residents and tourists a green alternative to traditional taxis. A fleet of modern passenger tricycles operating a free shuttle service daily from April 1st-December 31st, Ecocabs promote fitness while reducing noise, congestion and carbon emissions.
Failte, the Irish tourism agency, is so committed to greening that it has added an environment section to its web site. The section includes an environmental action plan and carbon strategy. The agency is currently working on environmental standards for conference centers and golf courses and has already reviewed environmental practices in the tourism sector. Talk about your transparent government, a copy of the report with recommendations is on its website.
But it’s not just leprechauns and tourist agencies that are green in Ireland—the Irish are pursuing as many green initiatives for their own benefit. May 22-24 is the annual National Greener Ireland fair which includes information on carbon footprint reduction, energy preservation, and organic produce.
On a grander scale, Sustainable Energy Ireland is a one-stop source for information about grants, saving energy, education, and business approaches to adopting a sustainable energy approach.
According to the Irish tourist agency, “The future of Irish tourism is inextricably linked to the quality of the environment. [The] scenic landscapes, coastline, rivers and lakes and cultural heritage are the bedrock upon which Irish tourism has been built.”
The efforts of the Irish to ensure their environment and tourism thrive are more than mere blarney. While the existence of leprechauns might be debated, the efforts of the Irish to go green are as real as the green hills of Ireland itself.
See article below:
These days, Ireland is becoming known for more than simply verdant hills, green beer and leprechauns. In fact, the country has recently grown quite serious about becoming an eco-friendly destination for tourists. Renowned for its emerald-hued natural beauty which attracts flocks of tourists, Ireland is transforming itself into a country that is quickly becoming as environmentally green as its renowned, lush countryside.
The Irish government is aware that approximately 80% of tourists to Ireland feel that the country’s pristine environment and scenic landscapes are a “ very important ” factor in their choice of Ireland as a holiday destination, making its efforts to offer greener tourism options all the more important.
For those tempted to pursue a green visit to the Emerald Isle, the country’s tourism organizations make it easy.
When most tourists think of Ireland, thoughts turn to quaint inns and hotels. The good news is that there are a growing number of green options in this very fetching category. To encourage hotels to go green, the country offers Green Hospitality Awards. In 2008, 81 out of the island nation’s 960 hotels were honored with one of the new, but already coveted awards.
Many of these are featured on Greenbox, Ireland’s eco-tourism website. The country also participates in the European Union’s green hotel certification program, the EU Flower Eco-Label. Though the initiative is new, Ireland already boasts eighteen accommodations that have earned the label.
For a stay in a classic Georgian manor home, travelers can book a room at the Necarne Manor. With rolling lawns, woods and gardens and an equestrian center, the Gothic Revival estate is as beautiful as it is green. Guests can bike along a nearby trail to a nearby nature reserve and the inn uses organic, fair trade and locally-produced food, even sourcing compost from the on-site stables.
Those yearning for something edgier can try the yurt-inspired Gyreum Eco-Lodge which might best be described as über-green in an Al Gore-on-steroids kind of way. Wind turbines power geothermal heating, solar panels provide hot water, traditional toilets connect to a reed bed, and there’s even an outside compost toilet. Rain from the enormous roof is collected and used for showers and toilets.
For a green tour of Ireland’s, well, greenery, book with Ireland Eco Tours which visits well and lesser-known sites, all from the comfort of a vegetable oil-powered bus.
Even Dublin’s charming lanes and streets are turning green. Completely novel and yet to hit the roads in the U.S., Ecocabs offer Dublin residents and tourists a green alternative to traditional taxis. A fleet of modern passenger tricycles operating a free shuttle service daily from April 1st-December 31st, Ecocabs promote fitness while reducing noise, congestion and carbon emissions.
Failte, the Irish tourism agency, is so committed to greening that it has added an environment section to its web site. The section includes an environmental action plan and carbon strategy. The agency is currently working on environmental standards for conference centers and golf courses and has already reviewed environmental practices in the tourism sector. Talk about your transparent government, a copy of the report with recommendations is on its website.
But it’s not just leprechauns and tourist agencies that are green in Ireland—the Irish are pursuing as many green initiatives for their own benefit. May 22-24 is the annual National Greener Ireland fair which includes information on carbon footprint reduction, energy preservation, and organic produce.
On a grander scale, Sustainable Energy Ireland is a one-stop source for information about grants, saving energy, education, and business approaches to adopting a sustainable energy approach.
According to the Irish tourist agency, “The future of Irish tourism is inextricably linked to the quality of the environment. [The] scenic landscapes, coastline, rivers and lakes and cultural heritage are the bedrock upon which Irish tourism has been built.”
The efforts of the Irish to ensure their environment and tourism thrive are more than mere blarney. While the existence of leprechauns might be debated, the efforts of the Irish to go green are as real as the green hills of Ireland itself.
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