Environment and Sustainability

Sustainable Development “ development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

Our Common Future - Brundtland Report

Sustainable Tourism

As residents and caretakers of Dingle Peninsula the members of Dingle Peninsula Tourism Alliance recognise our collective and individual responsibility to ensure the landscape, culture and traditions of this place/area are protected for future generations to enjoy and experience. DPTA supports the Barcelona Declaration.

Dingle Peninsula Tourism Alliance support and follow sustainable tourism objectives and encourage the philosophy of slow tourism, of giving time to a place. Dingle Peninsula as a destination has a lot to offer the visitor - spectacular scenery and nature, friendly people, a wide choice of wonderful activities, an ancient language, culture, tradition, great accommodation and superb food. Slow tourism is all about living in a place at a slow pace. It asks nothing of you but to spare a few precious days, to explore, to discover. Dingle Peninsula is much more than an attraction……..more than just a day visit, it is a destination.

Visitors who stay longer bring a more environmentally friendly type of tourism and create valuable income for the Dingle Peninsula. Most accommodation suppliers, activity providers, shops, bars and restaurants are owned and run by locals. By staying a few days and enjoying the Dingle Peninsula visitors create employment and support the local economy. Local musicians, artisan food and drink producers, artists and craft producers are supported in turn by the discerning visitor.

Dingle Peninsula Tourism Alliance Sustainability Charter

Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na Daoine.....

Comhaontas Turasóireachta Chorca Dhuibhne / Dingle Peninsula Tourism Alliance acknowledges that the authentic, natural and hospitable joy of the Dingle Peninsula, our inspirational landscape, our heritage, language and culture and our warm West Kerry welcome were inherited by the current generation following generations of hospitality on the most westerly point of Ireland and Europe.
Our ethos at Dingle Peninsula Tourism Alliance, representing the people of Corca Dhuibhne, is to continue to share the inspiration and hospitality of the Dingle Peninsula with our visitors in a way which is restorative and sustainable to our natural environment, which nurtures our language, culture and heritage, which enriches our local communities and traditions, respecting the importance of Hospitality to our local economy.

Our Vision
Tourism that:

• Benefits and enhances our local communities and
economies;
• Offers international and domestic visitors world-class
authentic experiences; and
• Protects and nurtures our natural environment, language,
culture and heritage.

Our Mission

• Excel as leaders in sustainable, regenerative tourism;
• Connect visitors with our language, cultural heritage,
inspirational landscape, and traditional welcome;
• Help our members achieve sustainability; and
• Promote the well-being of our local communities.

We wish to share Corca Dhuibhne’s inspiration and
hospitality with you, our visitors, in a way that …

 Restores and Sustains the environment;

 Nurtures our language, culture, and heritage;

 Enriches local communities; and

 Respects tourism’s importance to our economy.

Our Core Values:

• Respect our host communities.
• Respect for our natural environment.
• Respect for our local heritage/culture, emphasizing the
Irish language.
• Respect for the integrity of our traditional hospitality.

Protecting the environment

The community and residents of Dingle Peninsula recognise the importance of our wonderful natural environment and the need to protect and conserve this special place.

beach clean group at baile na rannig Dingle Peninsula

Marine Litter

Marine litter is impacting coastal communities around the world. Many people that live here and visit the Dingle Peninsula care deeply about the natural environment and get involved in beach cleans throughout the year. There are over 10 Clean Coasts groups around the Peninsula who are active in taking care of the area’s beautiful coastline.

Dingle Ocean World

Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium is committed to conservation and preservation of all marine and freshwater systems and their unique flora and fauna through education and research support. Dingle Ocean World Aquarium are very active in promoting awareness of marine litter and conduct regular clean ups. In the past they have received the Clean Coast Business of the Year Award.

Coastal Erosion

The Maharees: The community here are faced with serious coastal erosion issues impacting one of the most important dune habitat Special Area of Conservation in the country. They are doing some of the best work in the country in raising awareness of coastal erosion, and in coming together as a community to undertake measures to protect their dune systems.

Dingle Peninsula 2030 Initiative

Dingle Peninsula/Corca Dhuibhne 2030 is an initiative for a more environmentally and economically sustainable future on the Dingle Peninsula. The goal is to transition our beautiful peninsula into a low-carbon society. This is important for the health of our planet, and to plan for future environmental changes and regulations. By reducing energy demands and using local renewable resources, the initiative could save the peninsula as much as €8 million. The initiative comprises of projects in the areas of Energy, Agriculture, Marine, Transport and Tourism. Visit www.dinglepeninsula2030.com to learn more about this initiative.

single use plastic bottles straws and wrapping

Say No to Plastic

Single use plastics create unneccessary waste. Please try to avoid using plastic drink bottles, drinking straws, single use plastic coffee cups and unnecessary plastic bags and wrapping.

Dingle Peninsula Tourism Alliance encourages visitors to carry refillable drinks bottles and coffee cups for drinks on the go.

Many outlets are switching to compostable containers and wrapping for food.

Shopping Bags

All grocery stores and shops are required to charge a fee for plastic bags so try and plan ahead and bring reusable bags with you.

Environment and Sustainability

Sustainable Tourism

Dingle Peninsula Tourism Alliance Sustainability Charter