Travelling around Ireland has always been tied to the land. Lately, more people are choosing places to stay that respect it too. This is not at the expense of comfort – just accommodation that’s thoughtfully run, quietly efficient, and rooted in its surroundings. Eco-friendly stays in Ireland are about small decisions that add up to something better. One of the biggest changes in recent years has been the rise of off-grid accommodation. These are often powered by solar panels or small wind systems, heated by stoves, and supplied with rainwater or private wells. Many sustainable stays in Ireland are built using reclaimed timber, stone, and natural insulation like sheep’s wool. Others reuse existing structures instead of building from scratch. Old sheds, barns and gate lodges are being carefully adapted rather than knocked. The result is accommodation that looks like it belongs where it is – because it does. Thick walls keep heat in, small windows frame the landscape, and nothing feels oversized or wasteful.
One great example of a property like this lies just outside Kinvara, on the edge of the unique limestone landscape of The Burren.
Stay at Wild Cabins Kinvara
Escape to Wild Cabins Kinvara, where nature meets comfort in a tranquil retreat on the edge of the Burren. Wake up to birdsong, unwind in your private outdoor space, and reconnect with the wild beauty of the landscape. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful getaway or an adventurous base to explore the region, our cosy cabins offer the perfect blend of simplicity and relaxation.
The Wild Cabins at Burren Nature Sanctuary offer a superb example of eco-minded accommodation that doesn’t skimp on comfort. Set on a 50-acre organic sanctuary of wildflower meadows, hazel woodland and rewilded karst terrain, these off-grid cabins run largely on solar power and sit quietly within the landscape, with outdoor firepits and private spaces to relax under open sky. Inside, you’ll find thoughtful touches like a wood-burning stove, kitchen facilities and a bathroom, all designed to keep things simple and self-contained without feeling spartan. Wake up to birdsong, take a stroll through wildflower paths, and truly feel like you’ve stepped out of the usual travel rhythm into something slower and more rooted in place.
https://burrennaturesanctuary.ie/stay-at-burren-nature-sanctuary/
What surprises most guests is how little they miss. There’s still hot showers, good beds and proper cooking facilities. What’s gone is the background noise – traffic, screens, unnecessary lighting. Evenings are quieter, darker, and somehow longer.
These stays suit people who like walking, reading, swimming in lakes or the sea, and going to bed when it actually feels like night. What often sets these places apart is attention to the ordinary things. Compost bins instead of general waste. Firewood sourced locally. Recommendations for nearby cafés and shops rather than big chains.
Some hosts provide veg boxes from neighbouring growers or eggs from their own hens. Others simply make it easy for guests to cook for themselves without excess packaging or throwaway items.
None of it is complicated. It just feels considered.
Written by:
Dr Tony Johnston
TUS, Ireland
https://tus.ie/
English (UK) 
Slovenščina 
Íslenska 
Italiano 
Nederlands 
