The Burren & Cliffs of Moher Geopark

https://www.burrengeopark.ie/

 

The Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark

In 2011 the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher gained Global Geopark status. Making up over 530 square kilometres the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark offers diversity that is second to none, a destination of natural wonders. This rich and alluring landscape of staggering sea cliffs, limestone karst terraces, fertile valleys, vibrant villages and welcoming communities offers some truly inspiring experiences. The Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark not only has outstanding natural and culture heritage but a management organisation that supports its people and organisations to work together to ensure a cared-for landscape, a better-understood heritage, more sustainable tourism, a vibrant community and strengthened livelihoods. In November 2015, The Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark was designated as a UNESCO site following a vote at the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) General Conference in Paris. For more information visit www.burrengeopark.ie

 

 

 

 

GEOFood


Burren Free Range Pork is delighted to be part of the GEOfood brand as the concept aligns with the Hegarty family ethos of growing and rearing pigs in their farm in the Burren. The small holding consists of a small number of cattle, hens, two donkeys and free-range, rare breed, Saddleback pigs.
The ethos of this eco-farm business is to “produce healthy food -in a healthy environment- in a sustainable way”.
Burren Free Range Pork meats can be purchased by visiting the farm by appointment or via ‘’REKO’’, a system that uses a Facebook page as a platform for advertising and ordering and a pickup at weekly collection points. Burren Free Range Pork also offer a wonderful glamping and farm
experience where people will have the opportunity to meet the animals, join in on farm activities and dine on meals cooked with the Burren Free Range Pork produce.

GEOfood is a global brand that promotes food that is sourced and produced in UNESCO Global Geoparks. The brand emphasises the connections between local food and the food traditions and geological heritage of the region where the food is produced. It is a brand that focuses on strengthening local livelihoods by connecting local food producers, restaurants, and retailers to each other. GEOfood increases opportunities for local people and visitors to savour and appreciate quality local food.
It emphasises the connection between local food and local geology, promotes sustainable food production, protects biodiversity, encourages responsible use of water and waste recycling, seasonality, reduced food miles, increased local economic impacts and workers rights.
The GEOfood initiative has been led by Magma UNESCO Global Geopark in Norway since 2013 and has grown to include partners in UNESCO Global Geoparks throughout the world. The GEOfood brand is managed by the Magma UNESCO Global Geopark team and the story of GEOfood and our
global food partners is on www.GEOfood.no
Raw materials for a GEOfood product must come from within or adjoining a UNESCO Global Geopark. The story of the connection between the food and it’s geological and cultural heritage is promoted on labels, menus, websites and social media.
The Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global GEOpark has a unique geological landscape and a rich culture of food production dating back thousands of years and is a perfect fit for GEOfood. There is a wide selection of GEOfoods available in the GEOpark from artisan cheeses and ice creams, hand-picked oysters, local honey, chutneys, cordials and meat produced on local farms. To find out more go to https://www.burrengeopark.ie/geofood/geofood-producers/
The GEOfood brand is managed by the Magma UNESCO Global Geopark team and the story of GEOfood and our global food partners is available here www.GEOfood.no

 

 

We, and a number of businesses in the area are members of the Burren Ecotourism Network (B.E.N.) are affiliated to the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark  and adhere to the Code of Practice. The Burren Ecotourism Network (the B.E.N.) is a membership organisation embedded in a sustainable tourism ethos.  It was formally established in 2011. We are committed to the promotion of responsible tourism that conserves the environment and improves the well being of local people. We submit a code of practice to the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark bi-annually. We offer authentic experiences and are proud to show our guests why this area is so special with a selection of the best of accommodation choices, along with spectacular cycling and walking routes as well as adventure activities in the sea, on the sea and on land.

 The purpose of B.E.N. is to: 

  • connect tourism enterprises in the Burren region and enable them to work together to deliver economic, social and environmental benefits, both for themselves and for their communities;
  • provide members with training, networking, marketing, business development and partnership opportunities;
  • enable members to make an active contribution to the conservation of the region’s natural and cultural heritage.

The B.E.N. mission is to contribute to transforming the Burren region into a truly sustainable destination by being a thought-leader and advocate and by providing learning, development and business opportunities to tourism enterprises.

B.E.N. is a network of tourism businesses with the objective of establishing the Burren as a premier internationally-recognised sustainable tourism region ensuring the future economic and social growth and sustainable development of its communities, environment and heritage. It seeks to support continued training, mentoring and accreditation in sustainable tourism for its members and for businesses interested in joining the Network.

The Burren Ecotourism Network and the management organisation of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark enjoy a special relationship.  Both organisations are committed to the promotion of responsible tourism that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people. Having agreed in late 2012 to pool their resources in pursuit of their common objective, they work together to promote ‘The Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark’ as a leading sustainable visitor destination, celebrated for high standards in visitor experience, conservation and learning.

 

In 2021 the Burren Ecotourism won the prestigious Best in Travel Community Award by the Lonely Planet.

 

In 2016 The Geopark won the prestigious National Geographic World Legacy Award for Destination Leadership.

 

In 2013 the Burren Ecotourism Network, launched ‘The Burren Food Trail’ and a series of food events and festivals.  We offer a chance to experience and taste award-winning food produce and restaurants from the Burren, fondly known as ‘The Fertile Rock’. All the food trail members have achieved recognised quality awards and standards, and also signed up to the Burren Food Trail Customer Promise.  For more information see www.burren.ie and Burren & Cliffs of Moher Geopark Leaflet

In 2015 The Burren Food Trail won the prestigious EDEN award (European Destination of Excellence) in the category Tourism and Local Gastronomy.

 

We are located at the perfect mid-way point on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, the longest coastal touring route in the world. So whether you’re travelling northwards or southwards along the west coast of Ireland, the Burren & Cliffs of Moher Geopark is the ideal place to begin your adventure.

Our celebrated geological heritage includes many natural wonders, most famously the dramatic Cliffs of Moher and the awe-inspiring limestone landscape of the Burren uplands. We are proud to welcome you to a truly special place. Don’t just visit the Burren, taste it!