Last week, when Lonely Planet released their new Ireland guidebook, they also launched a debate about how "green" Ireland actually is. They pointed out that the country's carbon emission count was "more than double the global average," and warned that “sustainable travel has to become a core issue if Ireland is to continue attracting visitors with its mix of great scenic beauty, distinctive heritage and wonderful culture.”
It seems that most Irish acknowledge that they're behind the curve when it comes to eco-consciousness. Belfast's only Green party representative told the Telegraph, "This doesn't come as a shock, we have got to get our act together, we are very lax and the problem lies in not having an independent environment agency."
Fortunately, there are a few Irish out there already thinking "green." The Guardian featured several of them in a piece last week; we're drawn to the seaweed baths, a healing farm, and whale-watching trips on their list. And Ireland's Aran Islands ranked well on our latest Destinations Rated List (Nov/Dec 2007). We were struck by one of our expert's comments on the Islands:
"Walking through chilly, wind-blown pastures, running a hand along the mortarless walls, you can't help but feel a connection to the craftsmen who, centuries ago, so carefully fitted each stone. That this feeling, this authenticity, has survived the modern world is nothing short of miraculous."
We hope that Ireland will look for more opportunities to make the most of its famous emerald hue. Wouldn't it be great if the place best known for its lush green landscapes was also famous for its smart green practices?
Photo: NotoriousMEG via the Intelligent Travel Flickr pool
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Beautiful bridge.