Inishbofin a Different type of Tourism
About this good practice
Inishbofin Island, Co. Galway, developed a community-led model of sustainable tourism by engaging Ecotourism Ireland in 2014 to present alternatives to conventional development. The initiative began with a successful action research project (2015–2016), funded under the STRIDE measure and co-supported by the island community and Fáilte Ireland.
The practice focuses on creating ecotourism experiences through stakeholder training, sustainability workshops, energy and circular economy awareness, and business participation in ecotourism certification. Destination governance was reviewed, marketing strategies were developed, and the European Tourism Indicator System (ETIS) was piloted for monitoring and data collection.
These actions helped Inishbofin become Ireland’s first “Leave No Trace” and “Fair-Trade” island, attracting eco-conscious visitors and increasing visibility.
Stakeholders include island residents, tourism operators, the ferry company, visitors, and agencies like Fáilte Ireland, Galway County Council, EPA, NPWS, and Pobal.
Beneficiaries are the local community, visitors, and the wider Connemara tourism network, through enhanced sustainability, capacity building, and nature-based tourism offers.
Expert opinion
Resources needed
• Approx. €90,000 budget
• Funded by STRIDE, community, and Fáilte Ireland
• Trainers, facilitators, and ecotourism experts
• Local business and community involvement
• Support from public agencies (e.g. EPA, Fáilte Ireland)
Evidence of success
Inishbofin became Ireland’s first “Leave No Trace” and “Fair-Trade” island. Eco-tourism surged, with tourists per 100 residents rising from 849 in 2018 to 7,994 in 2023. In 2023, the average stay was 5 nights; 83% of tourism businesses held voluntary sustainability certifications. Visitor satisfaction reached 93%, and the island was featured in international travel blogs, boosting its global profile. https://www.storyatu.ie/sustainable-tourism-interactive-dashboards
Potential for learning or transfer
This good practice offers strong potential for transfer to other rural or island communities seeking sustainable tourism. Inishbofin’s training models empowered stakeholders to apply ecotourism principles, making capacity building replicable elsewhere. The initiative fostered collaboration among businesses, public agencies, and residents, showing how networking can drive collective action. It also supported sustainable policy development grounded in local needs. Circular economy thinking and nature conservation experiences enriched visitor engagement while protecting ecosystems. A community-led biodiversity plan and use of the European Tourism Indicator System (ETIS) offer practical tools for monitoring and policymaking. Together, these elements form a scalable approach for regions aiming to grow tourism while preserving natural and cultural heritage.
Further information
Good practice owner
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