OLD MILKING PARLOUR TO FEATURE IN NEW ECO-TRAVEL BOOK

Issued 14th May 2008

Wicklow County Tourism member ‘The Old Milking Parlour’ at Ballymurrin House, Kilbride has been chosen to feature in a new guide to eco-friendly travel in Ireland. The self-catering accommodation is based in the idyllic setting of the Wicklow Mountains, and is close to the beautiful area of Brittas Bay.

The book, entitled ‘Ecoescape: Ireland’, by Catherine Mack, gives an insight into the top fifty such eco-friendly attractions around Ireland. Ecoescape: Ireland helps travellers find ways to responsible escapism, and provides international visitors greener options for their travels around the island of Ireland.

The Old Milking Parlour forms one side of the courtyard garden of Ballymurrin House and is designed following eco-friendly principles, with geothermal underfloor heating.

The supply of hot water is constant due to the solar panel. In the double-height living room, there is a free- standing, glass-fronted log-burning stove, while the kitchen is equipped with A-rated equipment.

The book offers insight into people developing eco-friendly tourism businesses. “I wanted to make a guidebook to share the stories of great people who are, quite simply, trying to make a difference,” said author Catherine Mack. “They are striving to make a living out of Irish tourism, but taking responsibility for the impact it might have locally.”

Delphine Geoghegan of the Old Milking Parlour said, “We are absolutely thrilled to be included in Catherine Mack’s book, Ecoescapes:Ireland. Wicklow is known as the Garden of Ireland. How important to keep it that way by promoting sustainable tourism with the highest standards of design and comfort. We set out to provide something different and more special, something stylish and energy-efficient within a heritage setting. Our guests love what we have done with the Old Milking Parlour, and know that being eco-conscious can also mean luxurious. Caring for our heritage buildings, our environment and our visitors - that has to be good for Wicklow!”