Geopark Sustainable Tourism Network Members

Ardglass Golf Course is an 18 hole links situated in a natural cliff top setting that hugs the north-east coast of Ireland.
With stunning views, unique golf holes and memorable people it lives long in the memory of those who play golf.

The course is under 2 hours from Dublin by car, around an hour from Belfast and only 30 minutes or so from the world renowned Royal County Down golf links at Newcastle Co. Down.

Our course is a true test of golf. With the almost ever-present wind capable of wreaking havoc from any quarter, the hard fairways and the small firm greens, it is just about impossible to play “yardage based” golf on this links. The Irish Sea, which can be seen from all 18 tees and greens, comes into play on no fewer than 8 holes. This is just one of the memorable and unique features of the links at Ardglass Golf Club. While other courses come close to this claim, in Ireland it’s only achieved by Ardglass.

Ardglass Golf Club does not stand still, and even today we are continuing to upgrade, remodel and improve the current layout to make it fair, enjoyable and a challenge for golfers of all abilities.

A members golf club that welcomes visitors from all over the world to enjoy a magical welcome with good golf , food and beverage.

These are all bookable online at our website or directly with the club via phone or email.

Locally Grown, Family Owned.

We’re a family-run business passionate about providing fresh, locally sourced produce — from farm-fresh food to handcrafted drinks. Rooted in our community, we take pride in offering quality you can taste and service you can trust.

We promote local tourism with strong ties to the Greenway, a recognized sustainable attraction nearby.

What we offer:

Tide to Table Taste Experience
Wild Harvest Seaweeds
Gather a Seaweed Spa Bath
Cold Water Sea Swim
Enjoy a Coastal Flavours Extravaganza
Oysters
Crab
Mussles
Artisan Breads
Seaweeds
Parties of 6 plus

We as a business practice and promote Regenerative Ocean Farming through sustainable communities, Wild Seaweed Harvesting, committed to protection and blue economies and see ourselves as custodians of the shore with Kelp rights our stewardship is important in our tourism goals and strategies for Geo Tourism and development.

Join elite former principal Irish dancer of Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance – Josephine Brennan King – for
a high-octane experience that celebrates the centuries-old story, culture, and heritage behind Irish dancing.
Gain insights into the work of charismatic Dance Masters who historically taught Irish dancing and how
communities socialized by dancing at crossroads after harvesting. Learn the steps from the centuries-old
Sean Nós style dancing to the iconic steps of Riverdance and Lord of the Dance. End with an Irish hooley party
culminating in a heart-soaring choreographed Irish dance-off by the crossroads at historic Down Cathedral.
Leave with an Irish dancing medal and certificate as a memento.

Our business currently supports sustainability by minimizing environmental impact, supporting local communities, and promoting responsible practices.

1. Supporting Local Communities:
We engage in Community-Based Tourism: Partner with local communities to create authentic experiences and ensure tourism benefits them directly.
Support Local Businesses: Source food, supplies, and services from local businesses to boost the local economy.
Employ Local People: Prioritize hiring local residents for all positions.
Respect Local Culture: Design tours and activities that honor and preserve local heritage.

2. Promoting Responsible Travel Practices:
Educate Visitors:
Provide information about sustainable practices and responsible travel behaviors.
Encourage Local Exploration:
Design itineraries that focus on local attractions and experiences.
Partner with Local Authorities:
Collaborate with local governments and environmental organizations to implement sustainable practices.

3. Other Important Considerations:
We endeavour to be a Sustainable Champion:
We take proactive steps to promote sustainability in our destination.
We engage with organizations that offer resources and support for sustainable tourism businesses.
We Track and Measure Performance:
We Communicate our Commitment:
We Share our sustainability initiatives with customers and stakeholders to build trust and transparency.
As a business we strive to contribute to a more sustainable and responsible future for tourism.

Denvir’s of Downpatrick. Coaching Inn & Restaurant. Accommodation in Downpatrick including hotel rooms and family-style apartments.

Established in 1642, Denvir’s is steeped in history and the perfect base from which to explore this enchanting part of County Down. Situated in the heart of Downpatrick and just an hour’s drive from Belfast, Denvir’s is only a short stroll away from major attractions, including St. Patrick’s grave, Down Cathedral, and Down County Museum.

The Mourne Mountains are just thirteen miles to the south, while Strangford Lough is seven miles to the east, with numerous stretches of deserted beaches and rolling drumlin hills in between. Denvir’s Downpatrick hotel is ideally located for immersing yourself in all of Northern Ireland’s rugged beauty.

Fresh local food is served seven days a week, and private functions / tour groups can be catered for. Live music is provided in the bar every night at the week-end, as well as some nights during the week and hands on experiences can be organised with some partners ranging from Irish Dancing to bread making.

Denvir’s is at the heart of the local community and an authentic Irish welcome awaits.

Denvir’s is an historic premises in the heart of Downpatrick. It has it’s own rich history which is interwoven with the history of Downpatrick, and indeed, this part of County Down. It is our intention to capitalise on this history, encouraging our guests to immerse them selves in it, and get a great sense of this part of Ireland, which has been a centre of civilisation for thousands of years.

We also want to capitalise on the fact that we are authentic in that we are a popular venue with the locals. So, our guests, both those who stay over night and those who just visit for the day, will experience an authentic Irish welcome and, for the time they are with us, feel part of the community. If you want to meet the locals, you’ll meet them in Denvir’s, and if you don’t want to meet the locals, you’ll meet them in Denvir’s!

We also want to work with partners to promote sustainable tourism in the area. We work a lot with Josephine, and her Dancing at the Crossroads experience for example, but we also promote Walk the Mournes with Peter, and we stock local products from Killowen, Shortcross etc., and encourage visits to their premises as well.

We want to work with all in the Cluster to promote our area.

The Green Holiday Cottages provide 4 star modern self-catering accommodation in the Kingdom of Mourne. With a choice of 6 properties you can enjoy tranquil surroundings in a secluded woodland setting by the Kilkeel River. The cottages have been renovated from derelict 18th century corn and flax mills, a restoration project of over 10 years. With a strong commitment to sustainability, we work hard to ensure we protect the area in which we live and work.

There is a large secure garden with ample area for children to play and the property has 2 outdoor play areas. The Green Holiday Cottages have outdoor kitchens with BBQ and pizza ovens which can be enjoyed all year round. Surrounded by trees and beside the Kilkeel river the Green Holiday Cottages offer peace and tranquillity for the perfect break with birdsong providing a relaxing soundtrack to your stay. We have 3 pygmy goats who live on site and enjoy a visit from our guests. Guests have exclusive access to the woodland walking trail which includes the river, ancient woodland and The Meadow.

The Woodland Spa provides the ultimate in outdoor relaxation – with woodfired sauna, hot tub, cold bath and safari shower.

Mourne Stone Wall Building Experience.
Working alongside Mark Hanna, experience the beauty and hard graft behind the centuries-old craft of dry-stone wall building in Ireland. See how Mark restored more than 400-metres of original dry-stone walls back to their mid-18th century glory with granite direct from the Mourne mountains. Taking diversely shaped stones – from cap to key stones – in your hands, become part of a timeless tradition by physically building part of a stone-wall yourself. End with a Mourne builder’s lunch including tea and a nutritious boiled fruit cake, served in a biscuit tin! This experience allows participants to learn the history of the stones that built the mill and how they are repurposed in accommodation and boundary walls. Learn new skill, hear stories of the stone and their connection to Mourne and enjoy some Mourne hospitality.

Killeavy Castle Estate is the perfect antidote to the modern, fast-paced world. As the centrepiece of 365 acres of mixed farm and woodland in County Armagh’s stunning Slieve Gullion, it’s the ideal place to escape, retreat, relax and unwind. It is easily accessible only 10 minutes outside Newry City and one hour from both Belfast and Dublin Airports, making it Northern Ireland’s premier Hotel and Spa destination.

At Killeavy Castle Estate, we are all about living life more slowly and in the present, cherishing those ahhh moments for when the distractions of the modern world finally ebb away, and you get closer to the things that matter most. Whether that’s nature, history, loved ones or even yourself, this secluded country Estate will provide everything you need to emerge fully rejuvenated.

Perfect for a unique getaway, wedding or special celebration, take a closer look at everything the Estate offers, from a beautifully restored Castle, a selection of residences, boutique hotel accommodation, superb cuisine with ingredients sourced from our local farm, Spa and endless opportunities for walking in a stunning location.

Killeavy Castle Estate has a strong commitment to sustainability, integrating it into various aspects of our operations, from food production to energy usage and waste management. The estate prioritises eco-friendly practices, including a zero-waste food program, a no single-use plastic policy, and extensive recycling initiatives. We also invest in sustainable energy solutions and have a robust waste management strategy. Please see below a more detailed look at our sustainability tourism story:

Our Farm to Fork Ethos
Killeavy Castle Estate has a working farm that provides much of the produce used in our restaurant, ensuring fresh, sustainable, and high-quality ingredients.

Sustainable Growing Practices:
At the estate we utilise sustainable growing practices, focusing on seasonal produce that suits the local climate. This helps Reduce Waste and our Carbon Footprint – by growing our own food on the estate minimises plastic waste and reduces the carbon footprint associated with food supply chains.

Waste Management:
We have a comprehensive zero-waste food program. Recycling and Repurposing: Extensive recycling initiatives and repurposing efforts are in place in everything we do.
Eliminating Single-Use Plastics: The estate has a strict no single-use plastic policy. Were recently we introduced our own wooden room keys a first for the island.

Energy and Conservation:
Sustainable Energy Solutions: Killeavy Castle Estate has invested in sustainable energy solutions throughout the hotel. Recently having completed our Solar Panel Programme which now supplies over 30% of our electricity needs onsite.

Water and Energy Conservation: We are focused on conserving water and energy.
Electric Vehicle Charging were we provide electric vehicle charging points for guests.
Also we plan to Restore a 19th-Century Water Wheel in the future for renewable energy production.

Other Main Initiatives include:
Landscape Restoration Project: We have currently undertaken a €1.5 million landscape restoration project in the Slieve Gullion area. Were we are planting native trees on the estate and have recently completed phase one of 27,000 trees.

Award Recognition: Killeavy Castle Estate has received numerous recognitions for its sustainable tourism efforts, including being named Sustainable Hospitality Business of the Year 2024 & 2025.

Finally we are very proud to reach our Carbon Neutrality Goals were we are currently a carbon positive luxury hotel and Spa something we are very proud off indeed at Killeavy Castle Estate.

Killowen Distillery, nestled in the foothills of the Mourne Mountains, is proudly part of the Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Geopark. As one of Ireland’s most authentic small-batch distilleries, Killowen combines traditional craft with bold innovation, producing premium spirits using flame-fed copper pot stills, natural fermentation, and locally sourced ingredients. Sustainability is at the heart of who we are and what we do—from responsible sourcing to low-impact production methods that honour the landscape around us. Visitors can explore our hands-on processes, enjoy guided tastings, and discover how the heritage, geology, and natural beauty of the Geopark inspire every bottle.

Located within the Mourne, Strangford & Gullion UNESCO Global Geopark, Kinedale Donkeys offers visitors an immersive opportunity to engage with Ireland’s rural traditions through therapeutic, animal-assisted experiences. Founded by Robert Wallace, whose lifelong connection to donkeys began on his family’s dairy farm, the site is now home to five generations of therapy-trained donkeys and a lively herd of pygmy goats.

Signature experiences include the Donkey Trail Through Time, where participants groom, harness, and lead donkeys while exploring the history of Irish agriculture. The Donkey Trek features a guided countryside walk accompanied by personal stories and farming insights. Goat Meditation introduces calming breathing techniques in the company of gentle pygmy goats. For a playful approach to wellness, Donkey Date & Meditate combines light-hearted interactions with structured mindfulness practices.

Led by Robert and designed for small groups, all activities blend education, heritage, and therapeutic value.

At Kinedale Donkeys, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to preserving the land, traditions, and community that support our farm. Embracing the principles of reduce, reuse, and repurpose, we utilise second-hand equipment, repurposed materials, and natural resources wherever possible to minimise waste and environmental impact.

We honour our agricultural heritage by using traditional tools and maintaining historical farming practices, ensuring they are passed on to future generations. Our commitment to local sourcing helps reduce our carbon footprint—hay, animal feed, and supplies are sourced within a 15-mile radius, directly supporting small local businesses.

We encourage visitors to embrace eco-conscious habits, from bringing reusable bottles to carpooling. Our experiences promote mindful interaction with animals and nature, fostering respect for the environment. Through these efforts, we aim to protect the past, care for the present, and build a sustainable future for our farm, our animals, and our community.

A seventh-generation farmer’s son who takes great pride in showcasing his beloved home, the Lecale peninsula, to visitors.

​Specialising in Early Christian heritage, Duane also brings to life stories from the Viking and Norman period with a blend of tales right up to the modern day.

His guided walking tours along the Lecale Way offer a chance to explore historic towns and villages, sites of battle and shipwreck, while also enjoying the verdant green landscape and cross country trails.

​Duane offers a step-on guiding service, bespoke walking tours and bookable experiences either as an event or a privately booked group excursion.

Environmental Sustainability
The business aligns itself to the principles of Leave No Trace.
Planning ahead and preparing
• Advice around proper gear and equipment provided to guests before arrival.
• Sustainably harvested walking ash walking poles are provided to guests and collected at the end of the walk.
Being considerate of others
• Events and walks convene at designated parking locations and avoids overcrowding. Where required shuttle services are used to get to the remote countryside locations.
Respecting animals and farm life
• Visitors are discouraged from approaching and disturbing wildlife. Feeding farm animals is also discouraged. No food will be left behind for any animal to eat.
• Dogs are permitted only on suitable walks.
Travel on durable ground
• Visitors will be encouraged to observe their footsteps to avoid trampling wildflowers. Walking in more than three abreast is also discouraged when travelling on unsurfaced paths.
Leave what you find
• Visitors are discouraged from taking anything from beaches that does not naturally belong there.
• The areas that are walked are designated as Areas of Special Scientific Interest. Any stipulation on the protections of these are made clear to discourage damage.
Dispose of waste
• All lunches provided are packaged with as little or no plastic as possible. Drinks are provided in recyclable cartons.
• Where possible any litter found on the route is collected and disposed of correctly.
Paperless business
• All customers receive tickets via email in a mobile device compatible format.
• Almost all of the business communications are carried out online.

Economic Sustainability
Food and drink
• Packed lunches are provided by local B&B.
• Hot food and drinks are provided by local bars and restaurants where suitable.
Shuttle services and coach hire
• Where required shuttle services and coach hire is provided by smaller local companies.
Additional guides
• Where required I will bring in additional guides to assist with service delivery.
Voluntary Directorships
• I am a director of Ardglass Development Association C.P. Ltd.
• Additionally, I am a director of The Portico of Ards. This company operate an arts and heritage centre in Portaferry. Discover more: www.porticoards.com.

Social and Cultural Sustainability
Folklore and storytelling
• As a storyteller I am passionate about the stories and lore passed down to me from the generations born before me.
Christian Heritage
• The story of Saint Patrick is key to the history of Ireland and the impact of his legacy can be found around the world. I strive to encourage people to get to know the story of the real person who lived, worked and died in the Lecale peninsula. Additionally, exploring some of the legends associated with him is key to the experience.
• While I was raised in the Christian tradition, my experiences and events aim only to explore the cultural identity of the people that follow this religion.
Customs and traditions
• The intangible cultural heritage of the Lecale peninsula is celebrated in a meaningful way. I strive to keep alive the customs of the people of the area passed down to me.
Providing services for LGBTQIA+
• I am myself a proud member of this community. Members of all backgrounds and allies are welcome on the experiences.

UNIQUE ADVENTURE EXPERIENCES

We are an  award-winning outdoor activity provider based in Castlewellan Forest Park, Co. Down.

Originally established in 2003, then in 2006, after throwing nearly £500,000 into the dream, we opened our home base at the restored Grange Yard in Castlewellan’s Historic Demesne. Our restoration of the courtyard was guided by a commitment to sustainability, from the use of biomass fuel for heating to energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the site. As custodians of the natural environment, it was important to us that we preserve the historic character of the space while embracing responsible and eco-friendly practices.

What we Do

The centre serves as a hub for both land and water-based adventure sports, catering to individuals, families, and groups. Our offerings include: 

• Mountain Biking/Electric Biking: We are located at the trailhead of Ireland’s top mountain bike centre, offering rentals and guided experiences for all skill levels, including electric mountain bikes.
• Water Sports: Activities on Castlewellan Lake include sit-on-top kayaking, open canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).
• Land Adventures: Other activities include rock climbing, hill walking in the Mourne Mountains, archery, axe throwing, and bushcraft.
• Specialised Tours: We provide coasteering and wet bouldering experiences along the Mourne coastline and rivers.
• Corporate & Groups: We continue to offer bespoke team building, leadership development, and incentive events for corporate clients and school groups. (on and off site)

Facilities and Sustainability

• Eco-Friendly: The centre holds a Gold Award from Green Tourism UK and operates as a carbon-neutral enterprise.
• Amenities: Facilities include changing rooms, hot showers, free Wi-Fi, and a courtyard for relaxing.
• Accessibility: The centre is fully accessible, offering designated parking and facilities for visitors with disabilities.
• Seasonality: We operate year-round, seven days a week, and recently introduced winter “Sauna & Adventure” sessions in partnership with Wild Mourne Wellness.           

We’re dedicated to responsible ways of exploring the environment—whether that’s through kayaking, electric bikes, or simply treading lightly on the trails. We’ve got our eyes on the future, but we’re never forgetting where we came from—or the amazing landscape that inspires everything we do.

Montalto Estate, located in Ballynahinch Co. Down, offers a wide range of immersive visitor experiences, exceptional hospitality, and unique retail products, many available to book in advance or purchase on-site.

Visitor Experiences & Events
Guests can explore Montalto’s extensive gardens, historic trails and outdoor play areas through ticketed entry. Our trails, including The Lost Garden Trail, Woodland Trail and History Trail, invite visitors to reconnect with nature and heritage. A programme of special events runs throughout the year, including Afternoon Tea experiences, guided tours of Montalto House, classic car and tractor shows, family activities and much more! Group visits and educational experiences can also be pre-booked.

Hospitality & Dining
The Café at Montalto serves freshly prepared breakfast and lunch options, alongside a selection of homemade traybakes and desserts all created using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. The Carriage Rooms is an exclusive, private wedding venue offering tailored wedding packages in a beautifully restored historic setting. For more intimate gatherings and private stays, Montalto House features nine elegant en-suite bedrooms, available for private hire and special events.

Retail & Memberships
The Montalto shop offers a thoughtfully curated selection of estate produce, local crafts, homeware, garden décor, plants and children’s gifts. Visitors can also purchase gift vouchers and annual memberships, making it easy to enjoy the estate time and time again.

Commitment to Sustainability & Heritage
Montalto Estate is deeply committed to sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship. Tens of thousands of trees have been planted across the grounds, while ancient woodlands and wild flora are carefully protected. Felled trees are repurposed as “living monoliths” to enhance biodiversity, and biological, chemical-free pest control methods are used throughout the gardens. The estate’s guiding ethos of “Reconnect with Nature” encourages visitors to slow down, explore and engage meaningfully with the natural world. The restoration of historic features such as The Lost Garden Trail honours the estate’s 1912 design while preserving its unique heritage. Any new buildings or developments are created in sympathy with the original architecture and landscape.

Supporting the Local Community
Montalto champions local makers and growers by stocking local produce and crafts in both the café and shop. The estate generates employment in the surrounding local areas with a team of over 50 people. Montalto also actively supports regional sustainable tourism initiatives, including collaboration with the Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark. Educational elements, including the treehouse and natural play areas, inspire curiosity and learning for visitors of all ages. With accessible trails, diverse offerings, and rich heritage, Montalto Estate provides an enriching destination that connects people to nature, history and community.

Qualified Mountain leadership, cultural, historical and heritage tours and experiences. Foraging events of coast, fungi and plants – edible and medicinal- Unique on farm experiences showcasing our area from many different perspectives. Folklore, fun and craic.

All offerings are fully bookable and saleable- I cater from individual to corporate.

I support sustainable tourism by example. My tourism ethos and business model is intrinsically sustainable. As a business , we try our best to influence current and future tourism development within the Geo Park in a truly sustainable way. For me, Three main pillars underly the Geo – Park status – the people, their heritage/ culture and the landscape. All must be listened to and all future tourism development and growth must sit comfortably inside these three guiding pillars.

At mourne larder I operate a terroir style of cooking, utilising and protecting our amazing local produce, offering a true taste of our local area, and we do this through foraging tours, private dining, pops ups and secret dining. We only use local Sustanible produce.

Wild and immersive experiences.

Fun expeditions. 1 or 2 nights camping with hiking. All food included. Indoor accommodation if required.

Wild River Dipping. 2.5 hrs. Short hike to remote river pools, cascades, waterfalls for a breathe work session and dip/swim. Tea and kit supplied.

Kids summer camps with hiking, surfing, gorge walking and Irish cultural experiences. All food and transport included.

All activities are bookable and saleable.

We believe adventure and sustainability go hand in hand. We are committed to protecting and preserving this natural landscape for future generations. We embrace Leave No Trace principles, ensuring our activities have minimal impact on the environment. From responsible camping and ethical sourcing, to waste reduction and conservation efforts, we strive to operate in harmony with nature. We also prioritise the use of sustainable materials and provide eco-sustainable rash vests for swimming. Our team promotes education and awareness, empowering our visitors to explore the outdoors safely, responsibly, and with a deep respect for the land. We support local biodiversity by following best practices for wildlife protection. By working with local communities, charities and passionate outdoor professionals, we foster a culture of sustainability, adventure, connection and inclusion. Operating a sustainable tourism business, we contribute positively to our local economy and encourage visitors to keep discovering and stay longer. We are keen to work with our fellow providers to create a sustainable local economy for the Mournes.

Mrs C’s Home is rooted in tradition, sustainability, and warm Irish hospitality—brought together in a truly unique setting. Nestled just outside the village of Dundrum, our authentic home kitchen overlooks the stunning Mourne Mountains and provides the perfect backdrop for immersive traditional food experiences for groups of up to 16 guests.

Whether guests join us for a hands-on, interactive session or a relaxed demonstration-style experience, each visit is tailored to the needs and preferences of the group. At the heart of what we do is a genuine commitment to sustainability and low-to-zero waste. We grow much of our own produce and proudly support local suppliers, ensuring every experience is grounded in seasonal ingredients and time-honoured methods.

From griddle-baked breads to Irish coffee masterclasses, visitors enjoy delicious, home-prepared food in a cosy, rural kitchen—complete with the stories, skills, and traditions that inspire it. We also share the practical ways we minimise waste, from making our own extracts and vinegars to using kitchen scraps to create natural fertiliser.

Join us to slow down, reconnect, and savour the flavours of Ireland—one homemade bite at a time.

NearyNógs Stoneground Chocolate, Ireland’s first bean to bar, craft chocolate makers.
During your 85 minute tour we will guide you through the chocolate making process from Bean-to-Bar.
Bean sorting, gentle Roasting, Breaking and Winnowing, stone-grinding and tempering are all part of making beautiful chocolate.
After this you will be taken on a taste journey experience, tasting expertly crafted chocolate from all over the world!

We ethically source single origin, speciality Cacao Beans from farms in Central America, South America, the Caribbean islands & West Africa and Asia.

We aim to showcase the amazing origin flavours and tasting notes in every cacao bean origin. We do this without additives, emulsifiers or artificial flavouring. You will get samples to taste for yourself!

Nestled between the Mourne Mountains and the Irish sea along the scenic Mourne Coast, you can find us making chocolate in our small batch factory. We built this as a family, with friends and neighbours and always with you in mind. It’s a place for chocolate making, people gathering and story telling.

You can see our process and taste chocolate along the way with this tour!

We currently offer regular tours and experiences in our chocolate factory to individual members of the public, schools, colleges and businesses. We also host corporate groups, VIPS and political groups. On top of our normal chocolate tasting session and tour we also collaborate with local businesses including, horse riding, Distillery tastings, pottery classes, art groups, Dining experiences, wedding receptions, book launches, music nights and much more. We currently offer these services year round up to 6 days a week.

I set up The Newcastle Food & Drink Tour, after the Irish Open Golf competition in 2024, with the support of Tracey Mooney. The Newcastle Food & Drink Tour offers a curated selection of stops that showcase some of the best local produce the destination has to offer. Each stop provides a narrative that connects the town’s history with its culinary delights, including a cocktail and other alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages. The tour features dishes that highlight time-honoured recipes and innovative local flavours, ensuring a sensory journey through the region’s rich food & drink culture.

The food and drink tour reflects the geopark’s geology, landscape, culture, and intangible cultural heritage, promoting sustainable, traceable, and local food, hence benefitting Newcastle and the local area.

As a Blue Badge Tour Guide, I also offer tours in the Geopark area in French and Spanish.

*Food and Drink are from the local Geopark area and are sustainably produced
*Minimum of paper used to promote the event and engaging in responsible marketing,
*Use of reliable platform for reservation, cloud based.
*Promoting the Geopark area as an eco-friendly destination.
*Promoting awareness of environmental protection and heritage conservation.

Oceanauts Diving offers a range of diving services and products, including recreational scuba diving courses (from beginner to professional), freediving courses, guided shore and boat dives, snorkelling experiences, and scientific diving training for citizen scientists. We also provide private diving instruction and bespoke adventure packages. All services are delivered by certified professionals with a strong emphasis on safety, environmental awareness, and local storytelling. In addition, we operate an online store selling diving equipment, including regulators, wetsuits, BCDs, dive computers, and accessories. We offer equipment servicing by ASSET-certified technicians and cylinder testing. Most services are bookable online or by direct enquiry.

Oceanauts Diving actively supports sustainable tourism through environmentally responsible diving practices, education, and community engagement (we even have a responsible diver code of conduct). We promote low-impact dive sites, limit group sizes to reduce pressure on marine environments, and encourage the use of reef-safe equipment and behaviours. Our team leads regular marine clean-up dives and biodiversity surveys, often in partnership with local conservation organisations. We are developing a scientific diving course to empower citizen scientists and support local marine research efforts. By incorporating local myths and stories into our experiences, we foster cultural appreciation alongside environmental awareness. We also prioritise local sourcing and collaboration with other small businesses, helping to sustain the regional economy. As we grow, we aim to further invest in eco-friendly infrastructure and continue promoting Northern Ireland as a world-class destination for responsible marine tourism.

While a private members golf club, Royal County Down is also a hub for golf tourists and often viewed as a must play golf course due to RCD’s world ranking.

Restaurant, Bar and Retail are available to members, their guests and transient golfers.

Tee times are often sold within a week of release, therefore demand exceeds supply.

Royal County Down are positive towards all stakeholders, accept our role within the local and national community exceptionally seriously.

The Club is in close contact with NITB and TI as well as Mourne, Gullion and Strangford through attending exhibitions, offering talks to local schools and participating in strategic groups promoting business principles.

A fully immersive guided tour of the distillery and our whiskey making process. Experience first-hand the sights, sounds, tastes, and aromas of a fully operational craft distillery. Lead by our head distiller and founder David Boyd-Armstrong, join us for a guided tasting of our Shortcross Irish Whiskey and Poitin.

Visit our cask warehouse.
Sample whiskey from the cask warehouse.
£5.00 voucher towards a 70cl bottle from our tasting room shop.
Your very own Shortcross branded whiskey glass to take home.
Experience lasts around 1.5 hours.

As an independent family businesses trading for 11 years in the countryside our ethos has always been about legacy and sustainability in all our day to day activities.

At Rademon Estate we have hydro and wind turbines creating sustainable use of renewable energy. On a micro business scale day to day we use recyclable packaging and recycle all our output from shredding inwards packaging to pack outward packaging, feeding our spent grains to the estate cows and reducing our water usage by 30% through innovative technology.

We pick wild foraged botanicals from our estate for distilling and use in our cocktails and bar serves.
Planting native apple trees and creating a wild flower meadow for our bee hives, creating a strong biodiversity farmland upon which we work.

Luxury hotel accommodation with conference and event space, restaurants, bar and spa. All available for the public to book.

The hotel has a sustainable policy that includes initiatives to include reducing waste, energy, sourcing local suppliers when possible and employing locally.

The Cuan Restaurant & Hotel features nine individually designed rooms by interior designer Suzanne Garuda. Amenities include king-size beds with crisp cotton bedding, Smart TVs, Wi-Fi, Nespresso coffee machines and luxurious en-suites. The hotel also offers an accessible room and dog-friendly room available by prior arrangement.

For larger groups or families, The Cuan House provides a spacious self-catering option. This five-bedroom home sleeps up to 13 guests and boasts panoramic views over Strangford Lough. Amenities include a well-equipped kitchen, multiple reception rooms, an enclosed terrace with outdoor furniture.

Dining at The Cuan is a celebration of local, seasonal produce. The restaurant offers a seasonal menu featuring fresh seafood, as well as vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Signature dishes include the renowned seafood chowder accompanied by Guinness wheaten bread. Guests can dine in the elegant dining room, the cosy bistro with with its open fireplace, or the bar area. Located just steps from the Strangford-Portaferry ferry and nearby attractions like National Trust Castle Ward.

The Cuan Restaurant & Hotel is committed to sustainable tourism through a multifaceted approach that emphasises environmental responsibility, local engagement, and community involvement. Our dedication is reflected in the following initiatives:
• Green Tourism Certification: We are proud to have achieved Silver certification from Green Tourism, recognizing our efforts in promoting sustainable practices within the hospitality industry.
• Local Sourcing: Our culinary team prioritizes fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from local suppliers, including seafood from the award-winning East Coast Seafoods. This not only supports the local economy but also reduces our carbon footprint.
• Energy Efficiency: Following a £1 million renovation, we have implemented energy-efficient systems and practices throughout our property to minimize environmental impact.
• Community Engagement: We actively participate in and host local events, such as the Strangford Festival, fostering a strong connection with our community and promoting cultural heritage.

Through these initiatives, The Cuan strives to offer guests an exceptional experience that aligns with the principles of sustainable tourism.

We provide self-catering accommodation in 8 cottages and one Eco-Loft on the one site, and a meeting space, all managed on sustainable principles.

The properties are heated by a wood biomass boiler, 90% of our electricity is generated by our own solar panels, the remainder purchased on a green tariff.

We have full availability online booking for short breaks and full week holidays and have built up a substantial base of repeat business.

We would like to make the cottages available to guests who are willing to adhere to a ‘Green Compact’, between us as a sustainable tourism provider and them as the user, where we deliver our service in the most sustainable way we can, and they use the properties in a manner that respects and enhances our joint objectives.

This may limit or reduce our market share but it is believed that there is a growing sector of visitors who would agree with our intentions.

As one of a handful of Whisky Bonders and Blwnders in Ireland, Two Stacks brings a truely unique visitor experience to the region. With the choice of either a Founders Tour Whiskey Blending Experience or our Alchemist Experience, Two Stacks offers visitors the opportunity to explore, taste and ultimately blend their own whiskey. Bespoke experiences for private and corporate groups are also available, involving collaborations with Frankie Bannon and @artstudio23, Killeavy Castle Estate and Neary Nogs Chocolate.

At Two Stacks, sustainability is at the heart of what we do. Our facility primarily operates on solar power with electric car charging stations available on site.

Our collaboration partners are carefully selected from our local community, particularly where sustainability values are aligned. We champion our location, just off the M1 Corridor and minutes from Newry Train Station.

I offer guided walks for individuals and groups with a focus on the flora and fauna and culture and heritage of the Mournes, I also offer Leave No Trace training.

I offer a range of walks which can be booked through my website.

Our walks and events support sustainable tourism by working with local accommodation, transport and experience providers whenever possible, our walks also use routes where we have the least environmental impact possible.

I have a special, spiritual connection with nature, as I inherited my great love of the landscape from my Mother, whose birthplace was on the volcanic mountain of Slieve Gullion. My offerings include slow adventures using the gifts of nature and meditation for small groups. I support the holistic wellness of the local community, visitors, organisations and the environment. As people connect deeply to natural and built heritage, they develop gratitude, a sense of awe and a desire to look after it; so there is a direct link between natural/built heritage connection experiences and conservation.  My immersive experiences include Celtic spirituality tours and forest bathing workshops. I also have a WW2 Nissan hut, where I host holistic and creative cultural events around the Celtic festivals. All experiences are bookable through my website.

I look forward to welcoming you soon, to my neck of the woods soon, Ann Xhale