Sustainability

We are committed to sustainable approaches to achieving resilience and stability for some of Ireland’s most significant natural, cultural, and heritage sites.

The Irish Heritage Trust was created to safeguard and share inspiring examples of Ireland’s built, natural, and cultural heritage. We are always striving to improve and develop the best ways to sustainably manage the properties we hold in trust, so that people can continue to enjoy and benefit from the rich tangible and intangible aspects of Ireland’s story, past and present.

A view of the sky framed by the circular stone walls of a castle courtyard.

We have developed our sustainability strategy which is embedded into every element of the Trust’s work. This includes carbon measurement, carbon reduction plans, climate and biodiversity initiatives. We hope you will support us on this learning journey, and we will share our progress with you through our website and social media channels.

We strive to:

Achieve financial stability and independence for our properties, so they can remain open and cared for.
Improve the natural resilience and diversity of our gardens, woodlands, and estates.
Contribute to social cohesion and wellbeing through education and community outreach.
Generate economic and cultural benefits.
Work towards net zero carbon targets across all our properties and operations, which are currently being developed in more detail.

Aiming to Self-Sustain

We are building income streams for our properties to give them financial stability through community engagement and partnerships.

The Irish Heritage Trust is a not-for-profit organisation. Ticket sales, event revenue, memberships, and donations all go back into managing and caring for assets which can be enjoyed by visitors from Ireland and beyond in perpetuity.

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A pathway leading to a white house covered by majestic trees

Aerial view of beautifully manicured hedges and vibrant green grass, showcasing elegant landscape design and lush greenery.

Building Resilience and Diversity

We carefully combine our commitment to minimal intervention conservation approaches with our efforts to achieve greater sustainability and biodiversity across our vibrant and welcoming outdoor spaces.

Composting and wood chipping initiatives use circular economy principles to re-use on-site resources, which help to support our precious ecosystems and reduce our carbon footprint.
Our rewilding initiatives create magical habitats and ecosystems for native flora and fauna and help to increase pollinator populations that, in turn, look after our ornamental and kitchen gardens.
We grow more and more of the food found in our cafés organically, without chemicals, using permaculture techniques. This helps to protect our environment and provides healthy nutritious fruit and vegetables for our visitors.
We partner with local suppliers, including artisan food and craft producers, to ensure our produce and products are responsibly sourced.

Creating Connections

A sense of connection with people, places, and the past is a powerful factor in everyone’s health and wellbeing. It increases our understanding of the importance of interconnectedness in working towards a more sustainable future, and how even small changes to our behaviours can create a positive ripple effect.

Our education and volunteering programmes foster community engagement and pride of place.
Visitors of all ages enjoy the fresh air and exercise to be found in green and blue spaces across our tranquil gardens, on family-friendly nature trails, and at the Strokestown parkrun!
Connections between people and communities, past, present, and future, are strengthened through innovative and award-winning volunteering programmes and our fun and informative events.

Our whole approach is based on the principle of partnership, and our properties are inclusive and welcoming places, run in collaboration with and for the benefit of their local communities.

Three people walking along a pathway covered in dead leaves, bordered by lush green bushes, capturing a peaceful moment in nature.

Taking Action

Johnstown Castle’s gardening team use permaculture and a 100% organic approach in their ornamental and food-producing gardens. And our passionate Irish Heritage Trust volunteers often share their favourite practical tips about sustainable gardening with visitors!

Top aerial view of a rectangular garden featuring beautifully trimmed grass. — default

Pink flowers with the orchard in the background.

The thriving heritage orchard and kitchen garden at Fota House & Gardens have been revitalised, thanks to help from Apple Inc. employees who enjoy Fota’s high-quality organic local produce at their Cork headquarters. Fota’s gardens and glasshouses also support learning about sustainable food production.

New solar panels at Strokestown Park are powering the National Famine Museum, its new Visitor Centre and Strokestown Park House. Lighting upgrades, draughtproofing and other projects are making an energy-saving difference at our other properties too.