The Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark Joins EUROPARC Federation

There is power in numbers! We are proud to introduce the newest EUROPARC member: The Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark. Get to know the Park!

A new member from Ireland!

We are thrilled to welcome The Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark as a new member of the EUROPARC Federation! Located in County Clare on Ireland’s wild Atlantic coast, this breathtaking region is world-renowned for its karst landscape, rich biodiversity, and deep cultural heritage.

The Geopark encompasses a variety of stunning natural features, including limestone pavements, underground cave systems, and the iconic Cliffs of Moher. It is home to rare plant and animal species, historic monuments, and a vibrant local community dedicated to sustainability.

A Clear Goal: Reducing Tourism’s Impact

The primary mission of the Geopark is to reduce the environmental and cultural impact of tourism, both within and beyond the Geopark boundaries. To achieve this, they have developed the Geopark Code of Practice for Sustainable Tourism Businesses, an online platform currently used by 69 local businesses.

This tool helps businesses track a range of sustainability metrics such as:

• Carbon footprint
• Energy usage
• Waste management
• Biodiversity actions
• Staff education
• Community cleanup initiatives

All submissions are externally audited by qualified experts, and participation in the Code is mandatory for membership in the Burren Ecotourism Network.

The Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark are currently in the process of applying for the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism (ECST). We look forward to welcoming them and all their experience in the EUROPARC Sustainable Tourism network!

Learn more about the ECST here.

Education at the Heart of Conservation

The Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark strongly believes that education is essential to protecting natural, geological, and cultural heritage.

Key educational initiatives include:

• The publication of “Stone, Water and Ice,” an illustrated book explaining the geology, archaeology, and biology of Geopark sites.
• Outdoor educational signage placed throughout the Geopark to engage visitors on-site.
• The Geopark Academy, an annual conference bringing together researchers, community members, and stakeholders to share new insights and foster local engagement.

Interview Spotlight: What EUROPARC Membership Means

We spoke with Carol Gleeson, the Manager of the Tourism Department at the Geopark, to learn more about their vision and how joining EUROPARC supports their goals.

What does this new membership mean for the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark?

Joining the EUROPARC Federation strengthens our commitment to sustainable tourism. The European Charter for Sustainable Tourism (ECST) gives us a globally recognized framework to deepen partnerships with national agencies like the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and to further empower local communities and businesses in conservation-focused development.

Balancing Tourism and Nature

The Burren receives large numbers of visitors each year. Balancing that popularity with protection efforts is no small task.

“We take a dual approach: a regional destination management plan and our sustainable business code. Our action plan addresses infrastructure, mobility, business sustainability, climate action, and heritage protection, guided by measured indicators. This has helped County Clare become the first GSTC-Certified Tourism Destination in Ireland and the UK (certified April 2025).”

 Learn more here.
 Sustainable Tourism Code.

Community-Driven Innovation: Shuttle Bus Service

One of the Geopark’s most exciting recent projects is the Burren & Cliffs Explorer Shuttle Service. This free hop-on, hop-off bus connects the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre and Burren National Park with local towns.

“This service reduces car traffic in protected areas and boosts local economies. It’s a joint effort by Clare County Council and the NPWS to provide a more sustainable visitor experience.”

 Featured stops:

• Miltown Malbay
• Liscannor
• Doolin
• Kilfenora
• Lisdoonvarna
• Corofin
• Ballyvaughan

 Details: cliffsofmoher.ie/burren-and-cliffs-of-moher-explorer

A Decade of Impact: Achievements in Conservation and Research

Over the past decade, the Geopark has gained international recognition for sustainable tourism management and geological research.

• Established in 2008, the Burren Ecotourism Network now includes 65 businesses and has won multiple international awards.
• Their Code of Practice, introduced in 2019, is a unique, evidence-based model fully managed by the Geopark and Clare County Council.
• Academic partnerships have led to notable fossil discoveries, including a shark tooth fossil find featured by RTÉ Science.
   Read more
• Over 500 local residents have participated in their evening geology courses.
• The Geopark Academy brings research to life for the public and strengthens ties between academia and community.

 More on Geopark Academy.

Welcome to the EUROPARC Family!

We are proud to count the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark among our members. Their innovative, community-led approach to conservation and tourism is a model for Protected Areas across Europe.

Together, we move forward in our shared mission to protect nature while building resilient, sustainable communities.