Blackstairs Eco Trails offers an award-winning eco-tourism experience near the Georgian village of Borris in County Carlow, at the foot of the scenic Blackstairs Mountains. This sustainable retreat features four luxury Shepherds’ Huts for glamping, surrounded by oak woodlands and meadows.
Guests enjoy access to the eco-friendly barn with modern amenities, while exploring foraging workshops, tree trails, and fungi experiences. With a commitment to “Keep it Wild and Keep it Small and Sustainable,” Blackstairs provides a perfect blend of ecological education and tranquil escape, just 90 minutes from Dublin.
Their story
Blackstairs Eco Trails was established by Robert and Mary White in 2011. This award-winning eco-tourism destination reflects the couple’s 44-year commitment to the land they love.
Former parliamentarian Mary and geographer Robert have meticulously documented the area’s biodiversity for decades, creating a sanctuary where visitors can experience luxury glamping, forage for wild foods, explore native trees, and discover fungi.
Together with their daughter Dorothy-Ellen, they’ve created a Gold-accredited eco-center where guests can reconnect with nature and experience authentic sustainable tourism. Read more about them.
Sustainability actions
Lowest impact construction and operation
- The shepherds’ huts provide low-impact accommodation.
- The business follows eco-tourism principles from organic food sourcing to minimal resource consumption.
Highest level of energy efficiency
- Their “Keep it Wild and Keep it Small and Sustainable” motto extends to their energy practices, integrating renewable resources (solar panels) and efficient systems throughout the property.
- This Gold-accredited eco-tourism center adheres to Global Sustainable Tourism Council standards, making it a model for energy-efficient hospitality in Ireland’s Blackstairs Mountains region.
- The facility also offers electric vehicle charging points for environmentally conscious travelers.
Pioneer in waste management
- The lodge implements comprehensive recycling systems, composts organic waste from their kitchen garden, and minimizes single-use items throughout their operation.
- They have integrated waste reduction principles across all aspects of their glamping and workshop experiences. This reinforces their commitment to environmental protection in the Blackstairs Mountains.
Using organic and chemical-free products
- At Blackstairs Eco Trails, organic and chemical-free principles are embedded in their eco-tourism experience.
- The lodge prioritizes sustainability, serving organic breakfasts to glamping guests staying in their traditional Shepherds’ Huts.
- The on-site vegetable garden supplies fresh produce for their three-course organic lunches served during workshops.
- Their foraging workshops showcase edible wild plants from untreated woodlands and meadows.
Actively protects nature and community
- Owners Robert and Mary White have been documenting local biodiversity for over 40 years, tracking environmental changes and implementing sustainable practices.
- The retreat protects native wildlife while creating meaningful connections between guests and the natural world.
- Their 6-acre Oak Wood maze, wild flower meadows, and small lake serve as both sanctuary for local species and educational spaces for visitors, fostering a deeper appreciation for Ireland’s natural heritage through responsible tourism practices.
Most Popular Activities Near Blackstairs Eco Trails
- Foraging workshops in fields, woods and hedgerows for wild edible foods.
- Fungi workshops exploring Ireland’s diverse mushroom species.
- “Meeting with Remarkable Trees” experiences discovering native Irish trees.
- Stargazing in a light pollution-free environment.
- Oak Wood maze and small lake for exploration.
- Company team-building days and private events.
- Civil marriage venue in a stunning rural setting.
- Guided nature walks and ecological education.
HOW TO GET THERE – read our guide on Ireland airports
Best Time To Visit Blackstairs Eco Trails
- The best time to visit Blackstairs Eco Trails is during the warmer months from April through October, when the rich biodiversity of the Blackstairs Mountains is in full bloom.
- Spring offers exceptional foraging opportunities with fresh wild edibles emerging, while summer showcases vibrant wildflower meadows and perfect conditions for exploring the 6-acre Oak Wood maze.
- Autumn brings spectacular fungi workshops during mushroom season.
- It is closed between November and April.