Sustainability

Farming in step with the Burren.

The peaty pastures of the St Tola farm in west Clare

Sustainable farming means producing food without harming the land, the water or the wildlife it depends on.

It protects biodiversity by keeping good habitats for plants, animals and wildlife, and it encourages people to buy their food locally and in season. It is more expensive and more labour-intensive than conventional farming, but the methods work with natural systems rather than against them, and they protect and enhance the environment for the future.

We are proud founding members of the Burren Ecotourism Network and members of Bord Bia's Origin Green programme. Both hold strict standards for green food production, farming and tourism, with full training and ongoing learning required to stay in membership.

The herd & the land

What it means to St Tola.

The St Tola goats

Our own herd of Saanen, Toggenburg and British Alpine goats is reared on 65 acres of peaty pasture just south of the Burren, some of the finest farmland of its type in Europe. As dairy animals, they don't take kindly to rain or wet ground, so they are housed mainly indoors. Through the summer we cut fresh grass and bring it in to them every day, rich with the buttercup and clover that carry through into the milk. They are fed a mix of grains, and fresh straw bedding is laid down for them every single day. In the months when there is no fresh grass, they are fed haylage.

Every kid is hand-reared after a long weaning on its mother's milk. Strict standards for housing and hygiene keep the herd happy and healthy, and that care is what you taste in the cheese.

65
Acres of pasture
49
Solar panels, live since 2025
80%
Own energy on site, by 2027
70%
Purchases from local suppliers
90%
Inputs produced on site
Our policy

The Geopark Code of Practice, lived day to day.

We are fully committed to the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark Sustainable Code of Practice for Tourism, and to strengthening our environmental, social, cultural and economic sustainability across the whole business.

People & place

Working together

We help develop the Burren as a sustainable destination, attending training and networking through the year and taking part in the Geopark Marketing Group and the Burren Food Trail.

A cared-for landscape

Natural, on-site fertilisers only. We've planted 20 apple trees for bees and half an acre of willow to offset carbon and aid drainage, put up bird boxes, leave wild uncut margins, take part in beach clean-ups and follow Leave No Trace across the business.

A well-understood heritage

Our interpretive centre shares the story of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark. Staff are trained in the landscape and heritage of the area, with books, maps and leaflets on hand for visitors.

Vibrant communities

We host regular public tours and open days that bring education on farming and conservation, so tourism gives back to the community as well as our guests.

Strengthened livelihoods

70% of our purchases are from local suppliers. We employ 6 people off-season and up to 8 in peak season and at Christmas, support local fundraising, and promote the region to every visitor.

Resource efficiency

Energy

49 solar panels, running since January 2025, now produce roughly half our electricity, and solar also heats some of our water. Add insulation, energy-efficient lighting and regular audits. Target: 80% of our energy produced on site by 2027.

Water

Monthly water monitoring against production, flow restrictors where appropriate, reduced-flush WCs, and rainwater harvesting for farm wash-down.

Waste

Farming and production by-products are treated on site in a custom aeration tank, overseen by the University of Limerick. Paper, glass, card, plastic and metal are recycled, organics composted, and compostable towels used throughout.

Sustainable transport

70% of staff walk or cycle to work, the rest car-pool where they can. Local deliveries run on set days, and visitors who arrive by bike get 10% off.

Green purchasing

90% of our inputs are produced on site, starting with our own milk, and 85% of fodder is grown here. Packaging is moving to recycled and biodegradable; 28% of purchases are eco, organic or recycled, targeting 35% by 2026.

Managed and reviewed

We produce an annual environmental plan with clear objectives, targets and actions; comply fully with relevant legislation; monitor and record our environmental impact; and openly share our policies with customers, suppliers and contractors. Reduce, reuse, recycle runs through everything we do.

Memberships & networks

Better, together.

We work within a network of programmes that protect this landscape and the small producers who belong to it.

Burren Ecotourism Network

Founding members of the BEN, working to the Geopark Sustainable Code of Practice for Tourism. In 2024 we received the network's Emerald Award for Sustainable Tourism.

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Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark

A destination of over 530 square kilometres of natural wonders, and the framework for how we run a responsible visitor experience.

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GeoFood

Part of the international GEOfood network since 2021, promoting a food tradition rooted in the geology of the Geopark.

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Burren Food Trail

One of the producers on the Burren Food Trail, celebrating food grown, reared and made in this corner of Clare.

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Origin Green

Members of Bord Bia's national sustainability programme, with strict standards and ongoing training for green food production.

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Leave No Trace

We've adopted the Leave No Trace principles across the farm and our tours, and take part in local clean-ups.

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Économusée

Part of the French-Canadian Économusée scheme, which helps small craft and artisan producers open their doors to visitors.

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Visit Clare

Proud to support Co Clare and everything it offers visitors, from the Burren to the Cliffs of Moher.

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Watch

The Burren, on film.

Don't just visit the Burren, taste it
The Burren
A film by Rebecca Bingham
St Tola on RTÉ's Big Week on the Farm
St
St Tola
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