Sustainability is about the choices we make today and the legacy we leave for tomorrow.
At Gleneagle, Killarney, we're committed to reducing our environmental impact, supporting our community and continually improving the way we operate. We're proud of the progress we've made, but we know sustainability is never finished.
One world for your worlds means making room for everything - your plans, your people and the planet too.
Through responsible hospitality, meaningful community partnerships and internationally recognised sustainability standards, we're working to create positive change that lasts beyond every stay, event and visit.
The landscape around us is one of our greatest assets, and one of our greatest responsibilities.
From reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions to conserving water, encouraging biodiversity and minimising waste, we're continually looking for practical ways to lessen our environmental impact. Every investment we make is guided by the belief that protecting our surroundings today helps ensure future generations can enjoy everything that makes Killarney so special.
Sustainability isn't driven by one project. It's reflected in thousands of everyday decisions that together make a lasting difference.
Great hospitality begins with thoughtful choices.
Across Gleneagle, we work with trusted suppliers who share our commitment to quality, traceability and responsible sourcing. Irish produce is at the heart of our menus, with sustainably sourced seafood, locally reared meats and seasonal ingredients carefully selected to deliver exceptional dining while supporting responsible food production.
Behind the scenes, initiatives including our onsite food biodigester and Aqua Libra filtered water systems help reduce waste and significantly cut single-use plastics, ensuring sustainability is considered throughout the guest experience.
Our commitment to sustainability extends far beyond our own doors.
For seventy years, Gleneagle has supported charities, schools, community organisations and local initiatives throughout Kerry. Whether through fundraising, sponsorship, hosting events or providing practical support, we're proud to work alongside organisations that make a positive difference to people's lives.
Supporting our community isn't something we do occasionally. It's part of who we are, helping create opportunities, strengthen connections and contribute to our community.
Sport brings people together, builds confidence and strengthens communities.
Gleneagle has proudly supported local sport for generations, from grassroots clubs to county teams competing on the national stage. Our long-standing partnerships include Kerry GAA, St Brendan’s College and Dr Crokes, alongside many other sporting organisations that inspire participation, teamwork and community pride.
Whether welcoming teams, celebrating success or supporting local competitions, we're proud to stand behind the volunteers, coaches and players who contribute so much to life across Kerry.
Music has always been part of Gleneagle's story.
Founded in 1981 by the late Maurice O'Donoghue, the Gleneagle Concert Band and School of Music has introduced generations of young people to music through expert tuition, ensemble performance and an instrument loan programme that helps ensure opportunity is never limited by circumstance.
Today the band continues to perform nationally and internationally while nurturing new generations of musicians. More than forty years on, it remains one of Gleneagle's proudest contributions to the cultural life of Kerry.
People are at the heart of every great hospitality experience.
As one of Kerry's largest employers, we're committed to creating an inclusive workplace where people can build rewarding careers, develop new skills and reach their potential. Through training, professional development and partnerships with schools and colleges, we're helping encourage the next generation to see hospitality as a career full of opportunity.
By investing in people today, we're helping build a stronger future for our business, our community and our industry.
Sustainability is built on continual progress.
We're continually investing in smarter technologies, lower-carbon operations and more efficient ways of working. From expanding renewable energy solutions and improving energy management to supporting electric vehicle infrastructure and embracing new innovations, every step helps reduce our environmental impact while enhancing the guest experience.
The journey doesn't end here. As expectations evolve, so will we, continually looking for better ways to care for our environment, support our community and strengthen the future of Gleneagle.
Our commitment to sustainability is measured, independently assessed and continually improved through internationally recognised standards.
Gleneagle operates to ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), ISO 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety) and ISO 20121 (Sustainable Event Management). These internationally recognised standards provide the framework for how we manage quality, reduce environmental impact, protect the wellbeing of our people and deliver responsible events.
Together, they ensure sustainability is embedded throughout our business, giving guests, clients and event organisers confidence that responsible practices underpin everything we do.
Independent recognition helps validate the work we're doing and encourages us to keep improving.
Gleneagle is proud to hold Green Tourism Gold accreditation, recognising our commitment to sustainability across the pillars of People, Places and Planet. We also participate in Fáilte Ireland's Climate Action Programme, supporting the transition to a lower-carbon tourism industry.
For conference and event organisers, Gleneagle Arena's ISO 20121 certification is particularly significant. As the first venue in Ireland to achieve this internationally recognised standard, it demonstrates our commitment to delivering sustainable events through responsible planning, delivery and continual improvement.
Sustainability is measured not only by ambition, but by results.
Since 2022, we've reduced energy consumption by 18% and carbon emissions per room sold by 34%, while overall business activity increased by 23%. These improvements have been achieved through continued investment in more efficient technologies, smarter energy management and the ongoing review of how we operate.
By measuring our progress and setting clear targets, we're ensuring every improvement contributes to a more sustainable future for our guests, our community and the environment.
The biggest difference often comes from the everyday decisions guests never see.
Our onsite biodigester has reduced food waste sent to landfill by around 90%, while Aqua Libra filtered water systems have eliminated more than 330,000 single-use plastic bottles each year. Alongside responsible sourcing, water conservation measures and participation in initiatives such as the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan and Fáilte Ireland's Climate Action Programme, these practical improvements help reduce our environmental impact while enhancing the guest experience.
Sustainability is an ongoing journey, and we'll continue to look for new ways to reduce our impact, strengthen our communities and build a more sustainable future.
