The Burren and Cliffs of Moher Unesco Global Geopark: Sustaining the Soul of Clare

“You never ‘arrive’ at being sustainable, it’s a constant process of adapting, collaborating, and caring for both place and people,” says Carol Gleeson, Manager of the Burren & Cliffs of Moher Unesco Global Geopark. In an era where mass tourism threatens fragile environments, this stunning corner of Co. Clare is quietly proving that long-term environmental thinking and community wellbeing can thrive side by side.

Spanning 530 square kilometres of limestone karst in County Clare, bordered by the Atlantic to the west and dotted with villages like Kilfenora, Lisdoonvarna and Corofin, the Burren & Cliffs of Moher Geopark is as culturally rich as it is ecologically rare. Recognised by Unesco for the integrated way it protects heritage, supports livelihoods and inspires sustainable practices, the Geopark is showing how conservation and economic vitality aren’t competing forces – they’re complementary.

As Carol explains, the Geopark has introduced a number of pioneering initiatives. Chief among them is the Code of Practice for Sustainable Tourism, a framework that guides over 60 local businesses in reducing resource consumption, minimising waste, and supporting the circular economy. Businesses must submit action plans and evidence of progress, which are externally assessed to ensure integrity and impact.

“The network is the social glue,” says Carol, referencing the Burren Ecotourism Network, which evolved from this Code, highlighting the benefits for local businesses. “They save money. They retain staff. They feel part of something meaningful.”

This collaborative approach has not only helped local businesses thrive, but  also laid the groundwork for Co. Clare to become the first destination in Ireland and the UK to achieve GSTC certification, a global standard for sustainable destination management. “It’s about how the whole county manages tourism as a system,” Carol explains. “And it gives us something to aim for – always improving, always evolving.”

The Geopark encourages a gentle engagement with the landscape, promoting walking and cycling as the best ways to explore. Eleven designated Geosites and seven Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Points – including the iconic Cliffs of Moher – offer rich insight into the region’s geological, ecological and cultural heritage.

Education underpins this approach, but in a way that feels organic rather than didactic. “You don’t want to preach to visitors,” Carol says. “You want sustainability to feel like a natural part of a high-quality experience.”

That’s why much of the educational focus is inward – ensuring that local guides, hosts and producers are empowered to share their knowledge with authenticity.

“There’s a deep-rooted pride in the region,” Carol says of the local guides. “People here are incredibly knowledgeable about the Burren, and genuinely passionate about sharing it with others.”

This same ethos of care and collaboration informs the Geopark’s work with external agencies. In partnership with the National Parks and Wildlife Service and others, the Geopark helps manage pressure on sensitive habitats and heritage sites. A standout innovation is the free seasonal shuttle service from Corofin to the Burren National Park, introduced to alleviate parking pressure and promote low-impact travel.

In May 2025 the Cliffs of Moher Experience added to this free service with extra shuttle busses linking local towns to the Cliffs and other locations throughout the Burren. This is a great example of sustainability put into practice.

The Geopark also supports local food producers with its GEOfood programme, supported by UNESCO and runs awareness initiatives like ‘Leave No Trace’ to promote responsible outdoor ethics. “It’s not just top-down,” Carol stresses. “It’s built on mutual respect and long-term relationships. That’s what allows us to protect the place while keeping it alive.”

As one of four Unesco Global Geoparks in Ireland, the Burren works closely with Copper Coast, Cuilcagh Lakelands and Mourne Gullion Strangford to share learning and co-develop policy. Internationally, it collaborates with European Geoparks on initiatives such as Gaelic place-names, with Scotland’s Northwest Highlands, and coastal tourism trails across the Atlantic corridor.

The impact is clear: stronger community ties, globally recognised certification, and a blueprint that other destinations can follow. But there’s no resting on laurels here.

“We’re always adapting – new markets, new climate realities, new pressures. But if you’ve got the right people and a shared commitment, you can keep building,” says Carol. “Sustainability isn’t a label. It’s how we live, how we think, and how we care.”

For more information about the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher, visit burrengeopark.ie