Cashel Palace Sustainability

At Cashel Palace, sustainability is not simply a commitment, it is a philosophy woven into every aspect of daily life. Set within the heart of Ireland’s Golden Vale, this 18th-century Palladian manor stands as a beacon of elegance, heritage, and environmental stewardship. Cashel Palace understands that true luxury lies in harmony: between past and future, comfort and responsibility, people and planet.

Guided by the belief that hospitality can be both exquisite and ethical, the hotel has embraced a purposeful path, one that honours history, celebrates nature, and uplifts community. From the materials used in restoration to the ingredients on each plate, Cashel Palace carefully considers its impact, ensuring a guest experience that is not only memorable but meaningful.

A Sustainable Foundation

Meticulously restored and reimagined, Cashel Palace has been designed in accordance with NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Building) standards, ensuring high performance with minimal environmental impact. Energy efficiency is at the core of the estate’s infrastructure, seamlessly integrated through state-of-the-art technology.

Heating and cooling across the property are powered by eight Daikin air-to-water heat pumps, complemented by a Combined Heat & Power (CHP) system that maximises energy use while reducing emissions. Regenerative elevators recapture up to 30% of their energy, and intelligent setback controls reduce consumption in unoccupied rooms. A Building Management System (BMS) oversees performance in real time, optimising efficiency across the estate.

In 2025, an Energy Audit conducted by Watt Footprint under SEAI’s EXEED programme will review and refine the hotel’s energy performance, ensuring every opportunity for progress is embraced. This dedication to ongoing improvement reflects Cashel Palace’s desire to lead by example quietly, effectively, and with intention.

Honouring Nature

Nature surrounds Cashel Palace in every direction from the rolling pastures of Tipperary to the magnificent Rock of Cashel beyond the garden walls. This landscape is more than a backdrop, it is a sanctuary. The hotel’s grounds are proudly designated a Conservation Area for the Native Irish Black Bee. In partnership with Galtee Honey Farm and the Native Irish Honey Bee Society, eight thriving hives are maintained on the estate, producing approximately 100 kilograms of honey each year for use in the kitchens.

Beyond bees, the hotel fosters biodiversity through a variety of gentle, restorative practices. All plantings are native and sourced from Irish Seed Savers, ensuring genetic authenticity and ecological resilience. Rewilded areas and reduced mowing schedules create havens for pollinators, and the hotel maintains active membership in the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan.

Each guest is invited to be part of the story. Complimentary greeting cards made of biodegradable paper, embedded with wildflower seeds, are gifted upon departure encouraging guests to plant their own pollinator-friendly spaces and extend Cashel Palace’s ethos of care far beyond its gardens.

A Circular Way of Life

At Cashel Palace, sustainability is most powerful in its simplest forms. Daily operations are shaped by a deep awareness of environmental responsibility and a desire to create circular systems that regenerate rather than waste.

Food waste is processed on-site by the Harp CX2 aerobic composter, which can handle up to 2,000 litres per week. Within 24 hours, the machine transforms discarded food into nutrient-rich compost used to nourish the hotel’s gardens. Each guest receives a biodegradable bag of compost when departing a small but significant gesture that brings the sustainability circle full circle.

Plastic reduction is another key focus. The hotel uses biodegradable straws, cups, and containers; leather coasters and reusable bottles are featured in guestrooms and dining areas. Refillable luxury toiletries have replaced single-use plastic bottles, and elegant design ensures sustainability never comes at the expense of experience.

Laundry operations use fully biodegradable, REACH-compliant detergents from Evo Hygiene formulated, blended, and packaged in Ireland. An automated dosing system further reduces water and chemical use, promoting both efficiency and safety. Meanwhile, the kitchens are transitioning to Zero-Line Natural Force: a plant-based, paraben-free range of detergents that aligns with the hotel’s commitment to health, nature, and purity.

Rooted in Locality

Every dish served at Cashel Palace tells the story of Tipperary, its people, its pastures, and its promise. With a deep reverence for local producers, the hotel proudly supports the Tipperary Food Producers Network and regional farms that align with the principles of sustainability, seasonality, and quality.

All milk and cream used in the kitchens are sourced from within the county. Butter is a blend of 70% from Cavan and 30% organic from Cork. Meat and poultry are 85% Irish-sourced, with 50% coming from producers within the local area. Cheeses are curated from both artisan producers and regional makers: 50% local, 25% from Tipperary, and the remainder within 100 miles.

This focus on provenance goes beyond taste. By shortening the supply chain, Cashel Palace reduces food miles, supports rural livelihoods, and safeguards traditional skills. Dining here is a celebration of place, an invitation to savour the land with every bite.

Community, Culture & Continuity

Sustainability at Cashel Palace extends beyond buildings and menus, it is embedded in relationships. The hotel proudly supports local employment and community initiatives, encouraging team members to engage in volunteer efforts across Cashel and the surrounding region.

A dedicated Sustainability Committee, comprising representatives from every department, meets quarterly to review data, set measurable goals, and provide staff training. All initiatives are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), creating a clear and cohesive framework for positive impact.

From the smallest housekeeping detail to the grandest architectural feature, sustainability is treated not as a trend, but as a core value. Transparent reporting and guest engagement ensure that visitors are not only witnesses but participants in the hotel’s evolving journey.

A Future Built on Principles

As a proud member of Relais & Châteaux, Cashel Palace aligns with a global mission to make the world a better place through cuisine and hospitality. This alignment is more than aspirational, it is actionable, grounded in thoughtful design, ethical sourcing, and environmental care.

The estate’s design and restoration journey was guided by best practices in conservation, construction, and sustainability. Original features were lovingly preserved, while modern systems were integrated discreetly to minimise disruption to the building’s heritage. Gardens were restored in line with historic maps, with new elements such as a hops garden and copper beech hedge paying homage to the estate’s past.

Whether planting native seeds, restoring ancient stone, or partnering with like-minded producers, every decision at Cashel Palace is guided by a single idea: that the most luxurious experiences are those that respect the world around us.