Cill Ulta
Cill Ulta, operating as Lárionad Acmhainní Nádúrtha CTR in the Donegal Gaeltacht, is a remarkable social enterprise. It is nestled in a remote area and focuses on sustainable horticulture practices within the circular economy framework, supporting local tourism. The site is strategically located in a Special Protected Area (SPA), serving as a sanctuary for the Corn Crex, and it borders a Special Area of Conservation. This 13-acre site has a rich history, originally starting as a tomato-growing venture in the 1960s, supplying Dublin markets and offering employment opportunities for over six decades.
In the 1970s, rising energy costs led to the abandonment and dismantling of the glasshouses for their valuable metals, leaving the site as an industrial wasteland. Only one acre of glasshouse remained, which was later rebuilt using decommissioned glass from the Netherlands.
Today, Cill Ulta
- plays a vital role in the community by providing chemical and pesticide-free vegetables to over 80 disadvantaged families in the region, as well as
- supplies local restaurants and shops with sustainable, locally produced food, packaged in an eco-friendly manner.
Today, Cill Ulta
- plays a vital role in the community by providing chemical and pesticide-free vegetables to over 80 disadvantaged families in the region, as well as - supplies local restaurants and shops with sustainable, locally produced food, packaged in an eco-friendly manner.
Cill Ulta's commitment to sustainability extends to rainwater harvesting, utilizing two on-site reservoirs to support their circular economy business model. The facility boasts seven polytunnels, including two for research, an apiary, and a packing store. They are also involved in two European Innovation Partnerships (EIPs), which aim to rejuvenate 60 acres of abandoned land and improve soil health.
The organization employs low-impact equipment to enhance land quality and soil biology.
Cill Ulta welcomes various bus tours, offering visitors a unique local food experience and illustrating how dietary staples can be refreshed.
It is also home to the Northwest Bioeconomy Hub, dedicated to researching and developing bioeconomy solutions. Here, a small anaerobic digester uses organic waste as feedstock, producing natural fertilizer on-site.
Cill Ulta welcomes various bus tours, offering visitors a unique local food experience and illustrating how dietary staples can be refreshed. It is also home to the Northwest Bioeconomy Hub, dedicated to researching and developing bioeconomy solutions. Here, a small anaerobic digester uses organic waste as feedstock, producing natural fertilizer on-site.
Cill Ulta offers a wide range of courses, including beekeeping, sea and shoreline studies, migratory bird observation, and the revival of endangered species. They also promote social inclusion through collaborations with Mental Health Ireland and horticultural therapy.
The organization is actively involved in circular economy tourism, promoting a sensory garden within the glasshouses. This initiative is not only unique but also crucial for the region, as it showcases how circular economy principles can be integrated into tourism, reducing waste, generating biogas, and fostering social inclusion.
Cill Ulta sees education as a powerful tool for behavioral change. Through educational tours, they promote the concept of a sustainable circular economy food system, passing on knowledge to people of all ages through practical demonstrations.
Their zero embodied carbon room provides a serene space for individuals to reconnect with nature, the land, and their surroundings. Horticultural therapy is a burgeoning focus at Cill Ulta, further supporting social inclusion and offering a distinct experience for visitors.
In the realm of circular economy tourism within horticulture, Cill Ulta is a pioneer. Visitors have the opportunity to engage in ecotourism experiences and immersive activities related to sustainable farming, gardening, and responsible plate care. The organization offers hands-on workshops, farm-to-table experiences, and volunteer programs that showcase sustainable horticultural practices while fostering a profound connection with nature.
Many find solace in the Cill Ulta glasshouses, which provide a unique form of oxygen therapy, thanks to the diverse array of life thriving within them. These vibrant environments not only promote the local sector but also contribute to the region's economic vitality.
