Case Study from Ecoescapes Ireland by Cathy Mack
1.Noeleen and Brendan move to Dromahair from Dublin, so Noeleen can join a band. (1994)
2. They buy 6 acres above Loch Nahoo which includes an old house (three walls) and a dilapidated barn. (1994)
3. Noeleen starts holistic therapy business in Sligo as the house is being converted.
4. They build a small office on site in which Noeleen can conduct treatments, as the first baby is due. (1999)
5. The barn is converted into a health farm in order to accommodate more clients, including a Green Room used for yoga classes, two treatment rooms, a floatation tank and steam room. (2001)
6. A small cabin is built to accommodate residential stays. (2005)
7. Noeleen and Brendan research different sustainable architects in order to develop Ard Nahoo. They hire Peter Cowman of Living Architecture who proposes they 'expand to contract', with the extra facets of the business demanding less time than the present health farm. (2006)
8. The grounds are developed to include a wild flower meadow, wildlife pond and Celtic Nature Trail. (2007)
9. The health farm is closed in order to build two Eco Cabins, a new yoga studio and the Uisce Area, an indoor/outdoor wet area with sauna and hot tub. The entire construction was conducted with green principles, and all buildings are timber framed, cedar cladded, finished with natural paints, heated with pellet stoves with limited concrete and no petro chemicals. (2007)
10. Groups can be picked up by Ireland Ecotours, with bus run on vegetable oil
11. Bike hire can be arranged for visitors
12. Organic vegetable box can be ordered in advance for visitors
13 The new Ard Nahoo is opened. (2008)
In 2008 we were used as a case study by Failte Ireland in their report 'Review of Environmental Good Policy and Practice in the Tourism Industry'. Read the report here.
What They're Saying
One of the Top Ten Retreats Worldwide ~ The Guardian
Perfect for 'Corporate Calm' ~ The Times (UK)
Runner Up ~ Leitrim Enterprise Awards
Best Website ~ Greenbox Awards
