About Us
Ethical Tours – Sustainable & Inclusive Adventures in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands
Welcome to Ethical Tours, your gateway to immersive, eco-friendly experiences in Ireland. Based in Ballymahon, Co. Longford, in the heart of the Hidden Heartlands, we’re just 2 km from Center Parcs Longford Forest - an ideal base for visitors looking to add a sustainable outdoor adventure to their stay.
We also operate in Maynooth, where we offer two-way bike rentals along the Royal Canal Greenway and the Old Rail Trail. Across our locations, we provide guided and self-guided cycling, walking and paddling experiences. Explore places such as Newcastle Forest, the Corlea Trackway, and the canals and waterways of the Midlands while connecting with Ireland’s nature, heritage and local communities with care for the environment.
We encourage low-impact ways to explore, look after the places we visit, and work with local communities and businesses where we can. From the routes we choose to the experiences we offer, we aim to help visitors enjoy Ireland’s landscapes and heritage while leaving as light a footprint as possible.
Our Story
Founded by local adventurer Brendan Flanagan, Ethical Tours was born from a passion to share the wonders of the Midlands, and a persistent commitment to regenerative tourism. Drawing on over 25 years’ experience riding the local trails and supported by a professional background in operations and sustainability, Brendan built Ethical Tours with a simple mission: to create inclusive, environmentally responsible tourism that benefits people and planet alike.
What Makes Ethical Tours Unique?
Respect for Nature. Respect for People. Respect for Place.
- Respect People: Our tours are designed for everyone. We believe travel should be accessible and fulfilling regardless of age or ability. To enable this, we champion inclusivity through options like e-mobility scooters and tailored tours, ensuring all guests enjoy seamless, memorable adventures.
- Respect the Land: We operate with a strict Leave No Trace ethos. Our carefully curated routes on electric bikes, combined with the use of renewable energy — including our solar-powered charging station and electric vehicles — make sure we tread lightly, preserve habitats, and keep Ireland’s green spaces pristine for future generations.
- Respect Wildlife: We encourage responsible wildlife observation, avoiding disturbance of natural habitats. Education is key, and our expert guides share insight on local flora and fauna — helping visitors become stewards of Ireland’s biodiversity.
- Respect Our Climate: Climate action underpins everything we do. We’ve committed to drastically reducing our carbon footprint, investing in carbon labeling for all experiences, and planning to reach true net zero status before 2030. Every tour combines sustainable travel, community benefit, and conservation impact.
Our Core Offerings
- Electric & Manual Bike Hire: Ride high-quality, robust bikes suited to all fitness levels and terrains, riding through woodlands, along canals, or historic pathways.
- Guided and Self-Guided Tours: Choose an expert-led journey or travel at your own pace with reliable GPS navigation.
- Walking & Hiking Experiences: Explore scenic trails steeped in nature and local history, ideal for families and solo trekkers.
- Water-Based Activities: Via our trusted partners, experience kayaking and paddleboarding on the Shannon River, bringing an added dimension to your adventure.
- Community-Centric: Tours designed to uplift local artisans, eateries, accommodation providers, and cultural venues — enabling regenerative economic growth.
Why Choose Ethical Tours?
- Local Expertise: Proudly rooted in the place, we offer insider knowledge and authentic stories seldom found in mainstream tourism.
- Sustainability Leadership: Our use of electric fleets, solar energy, and strict environmental policies make us pioneers of green tourism in Ireland.
- Inclusivity: We welcome travellers of all abilities with tailored accessibility, friendly staff, and a commitment to dignity and respect.
- Community Impact: Our collaborations support the economy of Longford and neighbouring counties, ensuring visitor spending benefits local people.
Join Us in Creating a Better Way to Explore Ireland
At Ethical Tours, every pedal stroke, every footprint, and every paddle contributes to a healthier planet, thriving communities, and meaningful travel. Whether you’re a novice, a family seeking safe adventures, or a green-conscious traveller, Ethical Tours invites you to explore responsibly and feel at one with the heart of Ireland.