Our Green Tourism Policy

We are a small family run business, who cares about our environment and long-term sustainability. We are committed to make Portmagee Seaside Cottages Group as environmentally friendly as possible while still enhancing the enjoyable experience of all visitors.

We have already introduced some measures to minimise the impact that the self catering properties have and to ensure that the local economy flourishes:

• We provide information on walks and a cycle (Bicycle hire from Casey's Cahirciveen) in the area which can be done without taking the car or involving only a short drive
• Some of the toilets have a short flush to reduce the amount of water used
• Thermostatic valves are fitted to all radiators in the cottages to cut down the amount of energy used
• We have recently completed a major improvement of the cottages under the Sustainable Energy Ireland scheme. Extra insulation was pumped into the cavity walls and a second layer of attic insulation was laid. Heating controls for zoned heating were installed in the two Farmhouses. A high energy condensing boiler was installed in John Joes Farmhouse.
• We have had all the cottages assessed under the BER (Building Energy Rating) scheme. We are extremely proud of a Grade B3 in Portmagee Seaside Cottages.
• We do ask visitors not to leave the TV on standby and try not to leave various machines such as dishwashers on standby either
• We have begun the process of installing low energy light bulbs wherever possible
• We have planted hundreds of native hardwood trees around our own home and all cottages and farmhouses. As a result we now have a large population of garden birds.(see wildlife sheet)
• We are replacing wooden patio furniture with recycled plastic.
• We have our own organic fruit and vegetable garden.
• We are also farmers and have a pedigree Charolais herd of cattle. The animals are in the sheds during the winter months but you can see them in the fields during the summer.
• Our farm has participated in the Rural Environmental Protection Scheme for the past 15 years. Measures undertaken include a special protected area, wildlife area, fenced off area of woodland and good environmental practice in all farming activities.
  
• We have restored old Farm Buildings in the Farmyard using the original stone.
• We have drilled two wells and use them for supplying all farm and dwelling houses water.
• We have also used local stone in the construction of the cottages.
• We are involved in local community activities - members of Portmagee Community First Responders ,Community Alert Group, Skellig Rangers GAA club, Kerry Geopark Board, Cahirciveen Outdoor Club and Tralee Mountaineering Club. We are also members of The Irish Farmers association and Fáilte Ireland.
• We display brochures of the local cultural festivals, Cahirciveen Celtic Music Festival, Éigse na Brideoge and Portmagee set Dancing weekend (May weekend)

• Wherever possible we have items delivered to cut down on car journeys - e.g. groceries , laundry, stationery
• We already use as many environmentally friendly products as possible such as washing up liquid and toilet rolls and I'm currently researching environmentally friendly cleaning products
• The Countryside Code is displayed in all properties which reminds visitors to protect plants and animals, take litter away, leave gates and property as you find them, keep dogs under close control, consider other people and users when visiting the countryside
• I have completed a training course on Sustainable Tourism to ensure that I am as informed as possible
• Recycled paper is used in the office and for toilet rolls, tissues and kitchen towels. Email is used to communicate where possible to reduce paper consumption and freight costs.
• All our cottages have high efficient boilers and we plan to replace these boilers with high efficiency condensing models as the need arises. Boilers are serviced on a regular basis.
• All the cottages have double-glazing,
• Some of the appliances in the cottages are A -Rated to minimize energy consumption. As we replace electrical appliances we are doing so with those that have A rated energy efficient ratings

• Outdoor lighting is on dusk to dawn sensors.
• We do regular cleanups along the local seashore and public road
• We provide information to visitors on local attractions, pubs, restaurants and shops.
  

We are committed to a continuous improvement in environmental management to benefit us all and future generations. We would ask you to support us with this by contributing to this whilst staying at Portmagee Seaside Cottages and Farmhouses.

Suggested areas where contributions can be made are as follows:

• Switch off lights and TVs when not in use
• Please close doors and windows when you have the need to use the heating
  
• Please adjust the heating in individual rooms to suit your requirements
  
• Please avoid excessive use of water
• Please dispose of your waste according to instructions in the leaflet provided
• There is a clothesline behind Puffin Cottage which is for the use of all guests in The Seaside Cottages. Please use in when possible as an alternative to the tumble drier. The Farmhouses have their own clotheslines.
• We would welcome any ideas that you have, that could help Portmagee Holiday Cottages to be more ‘environmentally friendly’, particularly while not affecting the enjoyment of our cottages

Through membership of the Green Tourism Business Scheme we are committed to:

• Following good environmental practice in all business activities.
• Ensuring the business meets the minimum requirements set out in law and fulfils its duty of care in relation to waste disposal.
• Ensure that we minimise any harmful effects and maximise the beneficial influences of our own activities.

Local food and produce