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CycleWest Ireland
Gortnahowen
Athenry
Co Galway
IRELAND
Email: tours@cyclewest.com
Office:
Ph +353 91 877323
IRELAND
Office Hours:
9.30am to 5.00pm
Mon to Fri (GMT)
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HITTING
THE GREEN NOTES
SUSTAINABILITY:
OUR GREEN FOOTPRINT
We have arrived at an incredible moment in the
history of travel. This is a time for us to show stewardship and leadership by embracing a
new, greener set of principles, and by extension, the growing number of customers who now
follow us.
CycleWest Ireland are
delighted to have been
presented with the Gold Level Tour Operator Award by EcoTourism Ireland
for its endeavours in ecotourism. CycleWest Ireland looks forward to working with
EcoTourism Ireland in promoting the concept of environmental
sustainability throughout the West of Ireland.
Responsible travel to
natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the welfare of local
people. (TIES, 2005)
According to EcoTourism
Ireland, Gold Level Eco Certified Tour Operators are at the forefront of the industry.
They are tourism businesses dedicated to educating tourists about the natural world and
local culture. They are striving to be environmentally innovative and socially
responsible. Their ecotourism products have a positive impact on the environment, local
communities, and their clients. They will invest both time and money to maintain positive
ecotourism practices. Ecotourism
Ireland is among the first labels in Europe to be formally recognised by the Global
Sustainable Tourism Council.
www.ecotourismireland.ie
ECOTOURISM:
THE DEFINITION
Ecotourism
is defined as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and
improves the well-being of local people." (TIES, 1990)
With an emphasis on enriching personal experiences and environmental
awareness through interpretation, ecotourism promotes greater understanding and
appreciation for nature, local society, and culture.
NATURE
AND THE ENVIRONMENT
CycleWest
offers cycling tours in Ireland that combine authenticity and ambiance by emphasizing
small groups, a relaxed cycling pace and charming accommodation. In this way, we hope to deliver a unique biking
experience amidst the legendary countryside and coastline of the West of Ireland. By
travelling by bike we introduce a greater immersion into local communities and families on
our trips. You get to meet and engage with local villagers and learn more about local
Irish culture.
SMALL GROUP TRAVEL
Our
guided tours are designed for individuals from all walks of life and of varied interests
and abilities. We usually limit the number of participants to a small group: 8 10
persons in each group. This way we can offer a
uniquely personalized experience to each of our guests. We provide vehicle support and
luggage transport. By travelling as a small
group we can truly have a positive interaction and social exchange with the people we meet
and visit.
We give
you the opportunity to learn some of the Gaelic language. By learning a few phrases
and greetings in the Gaeltacht (Irish Speaking areas) you visit shows that you have an
interest in the Irish history and culture.
SUPPORTING LOCAL SERVICES, GOODS AND PRODUCE
When you travel
with CycleWest Ireland you will be supporting local Irish communities, local food
producers and artisans, local business and by doing so, you creating your very own
rewarding experience! At CycleWest Ireland, we celebrate the authenticity, the diversity
and quality of Irish country homes and hotels.
Our portfolio of Hotels, Lodges, Guesthouses, B&Bs and restaurants support the
local community and local food producers from the area you visit. Our hand picked selection is made up of owners who
have worked hard to make sure their business has a positive impact by making significant
contributions to their local community, have a proven passion for serving local and
organic food and in many cases, work hard
to reduce the environmental footprint of their place to stay.
Each location has been selected for its personal and charming qualities. Typically family
owned and run, we offer a superior selection of Bed and Breakfast guesthouses, country
houses and hotels have been tried and tested on your behalf!
A
wonderful breakfast made of home grown, organic or locally sourced produce is provided at
the beginning of each day's cycling. At the end of each day, we have selected a variety of
restaurants, many award winning, that are known for the finest Irish ingredients: local
seafood, freshwater fish, vegetables and farmhouse cheeses all featured, often from their
own gardens, farms and rivers.
Many places have special
environmental and historical significance. We like to give you the opportunity to learn
about places you visit and their impact upon our lovely country, areas of natural focus
and our heritage here in Ireland.
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OUR GOLD STANDARD
AWARD
READ
MORE>
JOIN THE CONVERSATION:

Our Environmental
Policy
> READ MORE 
Core to providing an
ecoTourism experience is that our business is committed to the adoption of environmentally
friendly practices and comunicating our environmental committment.

Leave No Trace Policy
> READ MORE 
PRINCIPLES OF ECOTOURISM
Ecotourism is about
uniting conservation, communities,
and sustainable travel.
This means that those who implement and participate
in ecotourism activities
should follow the following ecotourism principles:
Minimize impact.
Build environmental and cultural
awareness and respect.
Provide positive experiences for
both visitors and hosts.
Provide direct financial benefits
for conservation.
Provide financial benefits and
empowerment for local people.
Raise sensitivity to host
countries' political, environmental, and social climate.
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