Over 20 local tourism businesses across the Ballyhoura Region - spanning North Cork and East Limerick - have successfully completed a comprehensive Sustainable Tourism Destination Training Programme, reinforcing the region’s commitment to sustainable responsibility and regenerative tourism. 

The training, delivered by The Tourism Space and led by sustainability expert Tina O’Dwyer, began in September 2024. Over several months, participating businesses engaged in workshops and peer discussions on key themes such as energy and water conservation, circular economy practices, biodiversity protection, sustainability management, and effectively sharing their sustainability stories with customers.

Supported by Fáilte Ireland and implemented by Ballyhoura Development in partnership with Ballyhoura Fáilte, the programme has sparked a powerful #Regenballyhoura network of local sustainability ambassadors. These businesses now champion environmentally conscious tourism that benefits both the local economy and community.

One business participant commented:

“The programme has highlighted that sustainable tourism is all-encompassing, involving businesses, communities, the environment, experiences, and visitors. Creating a network with other participants has been priceless.”

Ballyhoura Development extends congratulations to all 20 businesses that completed the training, acknowledging their role as sustainability leaders in the region.

This focus on sustainable and regenerative tourism is set to continue through the Destination Experience and Development Plan currently being advanced by Fáilte Ireland for the Ballyhoura Region.

Participating Businesses:

1. Ballyhoura Glamping

2. Ballyhoura Mountain Lodges

3. Ballyneety Golf Club

4. Barnahown

5. Charleville Park Hotel

6. Charleville Golf Club

7. Corderry Farm

8. Deebert House Hotel

9. Friars Gate Theatre

10. Limerick Field Archery Club

11. Lough Gur Pottery

12. Lough Gur Visitor Centre

13. Praline Pastry & Chocolate Shop

14. The Courtyard Mallow

15. The Donkey Sanctuary

16. The Old Bank Bruff Family Townhouse

17. The Town Coffee Company, Mitchelstown

18. Townhouse Doneraile

19. Rockbarton Garden Centre

20. Ireland's Hidden Heartlands (Fáilte Ireland)

21. Ballyhoura Fáilte DAC