The Ardilaun Hotel in Galway has been awarded the prestigious Silver Certification from the Sustainable Tourism Network (STN ), marking a significant milestone in the hotel’s journey toward environmental responsibility and sustainable tourism.
This accolade follows a rigorous third-party audit and assessment of over 95 criteria spanning environmental, social, and economic sustainability. The Ardilaun, a former country mansion turned four-star hotel, has been independently owned by the Ryan family for over six decades and is a cornerstone of hospitality in Galway, offering 123 bedrooms, a leisure centre, and conference and wedding facilities.
Key initiatives that led to the certification include the installation of 160 solar panels in early 2025, now generating 10% of the hotel’s electricity, the transition to 100% renewable energy, and significant energy efficiency upgrades such as LED lighting and motion sensors. The hotel also offers EV charging points to guests.
In terms of carbon reduction, The Ardilaun has been using the Climatetoolkit4business to track its emissions. Between February and July 2025 alone, the hotel reduced CO? emissions by 41.5 tonnes—the equivalent of planting 23 trees. The hotel aims for a 20% reduction in emissions by the end of 2025 from its 2023 baseline.
Waste reduction has also been a priority, with a 29% drop in general waste from 2023 to 2024. Waste is now sorted at source into general, recyclable, and compostable streams. On the biodiversity front, the hotel is a member of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan and maintains native planting in its gardens to support pollinators, birds, and bats.
Workplace wellbeing is also part of The Ardilaun’s sustainability ethos, with 88% of full-time staff earning the living wage and the hotel being recognised as a “Great Place to Work” (Silver ).
Rob Rankin, Director of the Sustainable Tourism Network, praised the achievement: “The Ardilaun Hotel exemplifies how tourism businesses can reduce their impact while enhancing their value. Their certification is well-earned.”
Christina Hanley, HR Manager at The Ardilaun, added: “This is a proud moment for our team. We’re committed to responsible tourism, and this recognition shows how far we’ve come—and where we’re headed.”
The certification comes at a crucial time as the tourism industry looks to reduce its global footprint and support local communities through more sustainable practices.
