Leave No Trace Ireland is a national outdoor ethics programme dedicated to promoting responsible enjoyment of Ireland’s natural environment. Its mission is to inspire and educate outdoor users to minimise their impact on the landscape, wildlife, and local communities. Whether hiking in the hills, camping in remote areas, or walking forest trails, Leave No Trace encourages behaviours that protect nature and ensure access for future generations.

Ireland’s diverse landscapes—mountains, bogs, coastlines, and forests—are increasingly under pressure from recreational use. Leave No Trace Ireland works to raise awareness of how even small actions, like straying off trail or leaving litter, can cause lasting damage. Through public education, training courses, and community engagement, the programme fosters a culture of care and respect for the outdoors.

Crucially, Leave No Trace recognises the need to balance access with preservation, especially in a country where much of the land is privately owned or farmed. By promoting respectful, low-impact practices, it helps maintain positive relationships between landowners and outdoor users. Supported by government agencies, environmental groups, and outdoor communities, Leave No Trace Ireland is a cornerstone of sustainable recreation—empowering people to explore Ireland’s natural beauty while leaving it wild, clean, and thriving for those who follow.

  • Good preparation is the foundation of Leave No Trace. Research your route, terrain, weather, and regulations to avoid problems that could harm the environment or your group. Bring the right gear, maps, and knowledge to stay safe and self-sufficient. Travel in smaller groups where possible, and schedule visits to avoid peak times, reducing crowding and impact. Anticipating challenges helps minimize trail damage, prevents the need for resource-intensive rescues, and ensures you can follow other principles—like proper waste disposal and campsite selection—effectively. Being well prepared protects both the land and your overall outdoor experience.

  • Leave No Trace is not only about the environment—it’s about community. Keep noise levels low to preserve the peace of nature. Yield to others on trails, and give space to those seeking solitude. Share popular sites courteously, keeping group sizes manageable. Avoid blocking trails or monopolising scenic spots. Respecting others also means preserving the natural sights and sounds by leaving areas clean and undamaged. By being thoughtful and courteous, you enhance the outdoor experience for everyone, ensuring that natural spaces remain welcoming, tranquil, and inspiring for all who come to enjoy them.

  • Wildlife is best observed from a distance. Feeding animals, intentionally or accidentally, harms them by altering natural behaviours and diets, and it can make them dependent on humans. Store food securely and keep campsites clean to avoid attracting animals. Be especially cautious around nesting areas and breeding seasons, when disturbance can have serious consequences. Never chase or approach animals for photos. Respecting wildlife ensures they remain healthy, wild, and safe, while also reducing the risk of dangerous encounters. Healthy ecosystems rely on undisturbed wildlife, so tread carefully and remember you are a visitor in their home.

  • Concentrating activity on durable ground reduces erosion and damage to sensitive habitats. Durable surfaces include established trails, rock, gravel, dry grass, and snow. Stick to marked paths and avoid creating shortcuts that scar landscapes. When camping, choose already-impacted sites rather than pristine areas, and keep camps small and at least 60 metres from lakes and streams. In popular places, use established sites; in remote areas, disperse to avoid creating new tracks. By carefully choosing where to walk and camp, you limit soil erosion, protect vegetation, and keep wild spaces healthy for wildlife and future visitors.

  • Natural and cultural features tell the story of the land and should remain undisturbed. Avoid picking plants, disturbing wildlife habitats, or moving rocks and logs unnecessarily. Archaeological and historical sites should be admired, not touched or collected. While it may be tempting to bring home a stone, shell, or flower, these small actions multiplied by many visitors degrade ecosystems and diminish the experience for others. Instead, take photos, sketch, or write about what you find. Leaving things as they are helps preserve biodiversity, cultural heritage, and the sense of wildness that makes outdoor spaces special.

  • Pack it in, pack it out—everything you bring should leave with you. Carry a waste bag for litter, food scraps, and hygiene products. Human waste should be disposed of correctly: use designated toilets where available or bury waste 15–20 cm deep, 60 metres from water, trails, and campsites. Toilet paper should be packed out or buried responsibly. Dishwater should be strained, with food particles packed out and greywater scattered away from water sources. Proper waste disposal prevents pollution, protects water supplies, deters wildlife, and ensures outdoor spaces remain clean and enjoyable for everyone.

  • Campfires can cause long-lasting scars on the land and deplete natural wood sources. Where possible, use lightweight stoves for cooking and enjoy lanterns or headlamps for light. If fires are permitted, keep them small and use established fire rings or fire pans. Burn only small sticks that can be broken by hand, and ensure the fire is completely extinguished—ashes cool to the touch—before leaving. Avoid building new fire rings or leaving blackened rocks. By limiting or eliminating campfires, you reduce risks of wildfires, protect soil and vegetation, and leave the landscape natural for others to enjoy.