While the green movement is moving ahead full force in Europe, Ireland is still working hard to meet all of the protocols. While Ireland's population does not warrant extreme environmental measures, every little bit helps. Because Ireland receives millions more tourists than it has inhabitants, visitors do have an impact on Ireland's overall environmental well-being.

By making a choice to stay in small, locally run establishments, you are avoiding the bigger chain hotels that have not put the environment at the forefront of their planning. Additionally, choosing to bike or walk certain areas of the country (or while in smaller towns and cities) is one way to not only save money, but also reduce traffic and gas consumption. Sustainable Tourism Ireland (www.sustourism.ie) is a noteworthy website indexing various green businesses, adventure centers, hostels, hotels, cottages, and parks.

One area of environmental interest is the Green Box (www.greenbox.ie), a zone occupying parts of Ireland's upper west and Northern Ireland's southern regions. Surrounded by water on each side, the goal of the place is to establish a world-renowned eco-friendly tourist locality. The area boasts the Kingfisher Cycle Trail (www.cycletoursireland.com), outlines ecotourism breaks, outdoor activities, and eco-centers of learning. Another cool eco-project is the Village (www.thevillage.ie) in County Tipperary and is Ireland's premier project to join Europe's Eco-Village Network (www.gen-europe.org).