.. A country where there is not water enough to drown a man, wood enough to hang one nor earth enough to bury one… yet their cattle are very fat.
Edmund Ludlow, Cromwellian General, 1651

The Burren

Situated in the middle of the Burren region, Newtown Castle is considered a hidden gem, one should not pass by without visiting.

The Burren itself, often referred to as “the fertile rock” – is one of the biggest karst limestone areas in Europe.

In 2011, the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher were awarded the designation of UNESCO Geopark. The status is accorded by UNESCO to sites worldwide which are considered of universal geological significance. For more information about the Burren and Cliff of Moher Geopark, please go to www.burrengeopark.ie.

Burren Ecotourism Network

Since 2019, Newtown Castle has become an active member of the Burren Ecotourism Network (BEN) – a group of businesses who are committed to the promotion of responsible tourism that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.

BEN seeks to support continued training, mentoring and accreditation in sustainable tourism and aims to be a recognisable network of enterprises in the Burren, who have achieved independent accreditation, demonstrate ecotourism “best practice” and provide a unified voice in matters regarding the Burren and its conservation.

For more information, please check out www.burren.ie.

We colaborate closely with many members of the BEN and are happy to support the local great quality services they provide. Please check out the full list of BEN members here, many of whom are our recommended suppliers.

We also engage with many of the BEN members when recommending activities, things to do and see in the area, accommodation and food providers. Please check out the following link at Burren.ie for detailed information about things to do in the Burren region.

Clare is the first county-wide certified sustainable tourism destination!

County Clare was announced as Ireland’s first county-wide certified sustainable tourism destination in April 2025. By achieving Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification, we are committed to continuing to develop our county as a destination that supports local communities and businesses, gives visitors exceptional experiences and carefully manages our social, cultural, economic, and environmental future.

Newtown Castle is proud to support this achievement and to stand alongside partners across the county in championing sustainable tourism. As a historic landmark rooted in the heart of Clare’s heritage, Newtown Castle shares this commitment to protecting our unique environment, celebrating our culture and contributing positively to our local community for generations to come.

To learn more about sustainable tourism initiatives and to plan your visit, please see Visit Clare at visitclare.ie.

Leave No Trace in the Burren

1. Plan ahead and prepare

Where possible, use public transport, walk or cycle, especially in the Burren country side

2. Be considerate of others:

Respect the people who live and work in the countryside,
Park appropriately – avoid blocking gateways, forest entrances or narrow roads.
Take care not to damage property, especially walls, fences and crops.
Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
Let nature’s sounds prevail. Keep noise to a minimum.

3. Respect farm animals and wildlife:

Dogs should be kept under close control and should only be brought onto hills or farmland with the landowner’s permission.
Observe wild animals and birds from a distance. Avoid disturbing them, particularly at sensitive times: mating, nesting and raising young (mostly between spring and early summer).
Keep wildlife wild, don’t feed wild animals or birds
Farm animals are not pets; remain at a safe distance.

4. Travel and camp on durable ground

Concentrate use on existing tracks and campsites.
To avoid further erosion, travel in single file in the middle of the track even when wet or muddy.
Keep campsites small and discreet.
Aim to leave your campsite as you found it, or better.

5. Leave what you find:

Respect property and leave gates as you find them (open or closed).
Preserve the past: examine – without damaging – archaeological structures, old walls and heritage artefacts e.g. holy wells, mine workings, monuments.
Conserve the present: leave rocks, flowers, plants, animals and all natural habitats as you find them. Fallen trees are a valuable wildlife habitat; do not remove or use for firewood.
Do not build rock cairns, structures or shelters

6. Dispose of waste properly: “If you bring it in, take it out” – take home all litter and leftover food

7. Minimise the effects of fire and avoid burning plastics or other substances, which emit toxic fumes.

To find out more please visit www.leavenotraceireland.org

Sustainability Policy Statement

Newtown Castle continues to prioritise the importance of environmental management and sustainability in the activities which they are involved in.

Working Together – We collaborate with all stakeholders to collectively develop the Geopark as a sustainable tourism destination. Newtown Castle involves itself in the regular events, committee meetings and projects that is involved in working together for the benefit of the Geopark region.

A cared-for landscape -We actively participate in conserving our natural and cultural heritage. Newtown Castle has been restored and maintained by the business, and continues to promote the importance of the Burren region as a sensitive natural environment in its activities. The parent business plays a huge role in educating visitors and students from all over the world on the ecological and cultural importance of the Burren.

A well-understood heritage -We offer quality information and interpretation to communicate our stories and the unique character of our place to guests. Newtown Castle has a vast historical background which we try to pass on to the visitors who come.

Vibrant Communities -We work to ensure that tourism makes a positive social contribution so that it benefits our community as well as our guests. Newtown Castle attracts visitors who stay and contribute to the economy of the local community. The parent business supports many local community activities on an ongoing basis.

Strengthened Livelihoods -We contribute to the local economy by maintaining and supporting local employment, by sourcing services and produce locally wherever possible, and by engaging with other businesses in promoting our region as a sustainable tourism destination. Newtown Castle encourages the use of local florists, caterers, transport and accommodation suppliers for weddings whenever possible.

Sustainable tourism management -We work to an Environmental Action Plan, which includes actions and targets for improvement that are reviewed annually. We have effective systems for monitoring and adequately managing our waste, water, wastewater, energy, travel impact and purchases. Newtown Castle continues to strive to improve in all areas of sustainable tourism.

Newtown Castle and the associated businesses will commit to continue to improve on our sustainability and reduce our impact on the landscape and environment.

Future plans include further restoration, preservation and interpretation of Newtown Castle.

Geopark

B.E.N

Burren Beo