Guide book hits out at our lack of eco-awareness
After 200 days of research by seven contributors including the main author, Fionn Davenport, the latest edition on Ireland, released yesterday, provides the usual mix of reviews, some complimentary others critical, of Ireland’s main tourist hotspots.
Yet again Bundoran, Co Donegal, comes in for criticism. In 2006, the guide described it as “a kitsch assortment of half-baked fairground rides, flashing arcades, fast-food diners and overpriced B&Bs”.
In 2008, not much seems to have changed — “one of Ireland’s tackiest holiday resorts, with an assortment of unappealing arcades and fast-food diners” is the latest review. However, while the authors can find plus points in every individual place — for Bundoran it is the surf — there is a general complaint that applies across the whole country.
Just three months after the same hallowed travel guide company declared Ireland the world’s friendliest place in its Blue List 2008, it is now scathing of the fact that “everyone in Ireland has a car” and “the country’s carbon footprint is double the global average”.
Tom Hall, of Lonely Planet, said environmental concerns have come much more to the fore since the last edition was published and it was a concern reflected in a number of comments it had received in advance of the release of the eighth version on Ireland.
The guide accuses the Irish of being less concerned about the environment than the citizens of most other European countries.
“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,” claims author Fionn Davenport.
However, he does concede Ireland “is the envy of Europe for introducing recycling programmes to address environmental issues and to counteract the problems which the thriving economy has caused”. In particular, he praises the introduction of the plastic bag tax which he says has resulted in a 90% drop in bag waste.
To reflect the emphasis being placed on environmentally friendly holidays, the Ireland guide includes a sustainable travel section and chapter focusing on “the rediscovery of traditional Irish cuisine” with emphasis on local farmers and locally sourced produce.
The eighth edition of the Ireland Lonely Planet goes on sale today.
www.lonelyplanet.com
“CORK buzzes with the energy of a city that’s certain of its place in Ireland. Indeed, so confident is the former ‘Rebel City’ that locals only half-jokingly refer to it as the ‘People’s Republic of Cork’. The city has long been dismissive of Dublin and with a burgeoning arts, music and restaurant scene, it’s now getting a cultural reputation to rival the capital’s.”
“Connemara’s interior is a kaleidoscope of rusty bogs, lonely valleys and shimmering black lakes. At its heart are the Maumturk Mountains and the pewter-tinged quartzite peaks of the Twelve Bens mountain range, with a network of scenic hiking and biking trails. It’s dazzling at any time of day, but especially as the sun starts its descent, when the landscape glows as if filtered through a topaz-coloured lens.”
“Kilkenny remains a cultural centre, renowned for its devotion to the arts. Its cobbled pedestrian passageways and old-fashioned shop fronts may look like the way to a mysterious time warp realm, but in reality they lead to cool bars, stylish boutiques and interesting restaurants. Kilkenny has plenty of modern allure, but it didn’t sell out its traditional charms to get here.”
“Dublin is a place transformed, a capital in more than name and a city that has finally taken its rightful place as one of the most vibrant in Europe.”
“Cheerful, brightly coloured Clonakilty is a bustling market town that knows how to look after its visitors. You’ll find smart B&Bs, top restaurants and cosy pubs alive with great music.”
“IT’S one of Ireland’s tackiest holiday resorts, with an assortment of unappealing arcades and fast-food diners, but not all is lost. The big draw here is the surf. The strand and nearby dunes are beautiful, offering scenic spots for walking, sunbathing and horse riding. If you stay here, visit the less commercial west end of town.”
“Tralee is a down-to-earth place, more engaged with the business of everyday life than the tourist trade. A request for a cigarette is never far away and you should take care after dark. However, if you’ve just emerged from Kerry’s rural areas, this is a refreshingly lively spot with some friendly pubs and worthwhile attractions.”
“With flashy developments along its waterfront, top-end hotels and a splash of style from an embryonic cafe culture, Limerick is striving to bury its ‘stab city’ moniker and join the march of Ireland to the future. Still, it’s easy to see traces of the squalor, as portrayed by Frank McCourt in his novel Angela’s Ashes. Until beautification schemes take hold, the main drag, O’Connell St, remains rooted in the city’s past. But that doesn’t mean you should pass up the Republic’s fourth largest city. It has an intriguing castle, interesting museum and several good restaurants and pubs. Perhaps nowhere else can you so easily sense the Irish transition from old to new.”
“Although that seedy port-town feel is still evident in places, the city has received a facelift in recent years. Pedestrianised streets and public artworks have improved the centre, and it’s now a more attractive place to wander.”
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
