Sustainability at Aghadoe

Rory with wild flowers

At Aghadoe Heights, we are committed to reducing our environmental impact while delivering exceptional guest experiences. Sustainability is embedded in everything we do from our daily operations to long-term strategic goals.

We have committed to achieving certification through the Green Hospitality Programme (http://www.greenhospitality.ie/), one of the leading environmental certification standards tailored specifically for the hospitality industry.

In 2024, we were proud to attain the Eco-Label status. This year, our goal is to achieve the Silver Award, with a view to progressing towards the Gold Standard thereafter.

Our People & Culture

We have a dedicated Green Team that meets regularly to review progress and drive new initiatives.

Green Champions across the hotel help implement our goals and train colleagues in sustainable practices.

Communication of our environmental goals with employees, suppliers, and guests is a top priority.

Waste Reduction & Recycling

  • All hotel “2 Go Cup” coffee cups are recyclable as part of the Killarney Coffee Cup Project. Killarney Coffee Cup Project – Killarney
  • Gift cards, presentation boxes, and bags are fully recyclable.
  • Single-use plastic toiletries have been completely removed from guest rooms. Replaced with luxury refillable dispensers featuring Ground Wellbeing products enhancing both guest experience and sustainability. This change alone has removed over 100,000 plastic bottles from circulation annually.
  • We actively manage waste streams, including:
    • Recycling of plastic, cardboard, glass, and dry goods.
    • All Nespresso pods used in the hotel are recycled.
    • Food waste is composted and used in our on-site gardens.
  • We’ve replaced plastic straws with biodegradable alternatives.
  • We now use fully recyclable, paper-based water cartons in guest rooms.
Torc Mountain

Water & Energy Efficiency

We monitor water, energy, and waste monthly, with targeted reductions in place for 2027:

Electricity & LPG: – 5%

Water: – 10%

General waste: – 15%

Food waste: – 5%

We’ve installed filtered water stations in the Heights Lounge and Lake Room Restaurant.
Over 70% of lighting throughout the hotel has been converted to LED.
We actively promote energy and water conservation across all departments.

Food & Garden Initiatives

A strong focus on food sustainability and seasonality.

 

 

On-site herb garden, tended to by our gardeners Rory and Pat, provides fresh herbs for our kitchen.

 

 

We have introduced wild hedgerows around the property, providing natural food sources and shelter for wildlife.

 

 

Our kitchen team is trained on food waste reduction and works proactively to minimise surplus.

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Locally Sourced Spa Products

Seabody

 

 

 

We partner with local, sustainable suppliers such as Ground Wellbeing and Seabody for our spa amenities.

Procurement & Long-Term Goals

We are committed to sustainable purchasing – [read our Procurement Policy here].

In 2024, we achieved Eco-Label status from the Green Hospitality Programme.

In 2025, we aim to achieve the Silver Award, with the long-term goal of attaining Gold standard certification.

Biodiversity at Aghadoe Heights

At Aghadoe Heights, we are proud to care for five acres of rich natural landscape that support a wide variety of flora and fauna. Biodiversity is essential to a healthy environment – it boosts ecosystem productivity and ensures every species, no matter how small, plays its part in maintaining balance.

 

One-third of Ireland’s native bee species are currently under threat of extinction. This decline is largely due to habitat loss, with fewer wildflowers and safe nesting areas in our modern landscapes.

 

In response, we’ve introduced wildflower meadows and installed several on-site beehives to help re-establish declining bee colonies and support pollination in our area. These initiatives also offset the decreasing presence of wild bees and contribute to a healthier ecosystem.

 

We’re also delighted to offer our own Aghadoe honey, produced right here on the grounds. Known for its natural antibacterial properties, it’s served daily on our breakfast buffet – a sweet and sustainable taste of our land.

bee and flowerbee and flower

Electric Vehicle Charging at Aghadoe Heights

Aghadoe 2-3

As part of our commitment to sustainability and enhanced guest experience, Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa is pleased to offer six EV charging points for guest use during their stay.

 

Electric vehicles represent a cleaner, greener approach to everyday transport, especially when powered by renewable energy. We’re proud to say that 100% of the electricity used at Aghadoe is sourced from green, renewable sources such as wind, hydro, and solar meaning our EV charging points have zero carbon footprint.

 

Choosing an electric car is a powerful way to reduce emissions, lower pollution, and help protect the natural environment we all enjoy.

 

For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact our Sales Office at
siobhan.oshea@aghadoeheights.com

 

[Click here for details on our EV charging points.]