

About Us
Ethical Tours – Sustainable & Inclusive Adventures in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands
Welcome to Ethical Tours, your gateway to immersive, eco-friendly experiences in the beautiful Midlands region of Ireland, proudly based in Ballymahon, Co. Longford - the heart of the Hidden Heartlands. Ideally located just 2 km from Center Parcs Longford Forest, making it the perfect eco-friendly adventure partner for visitors looking to enhance their Center Parcs experience with sustainable outdoor activities.
We specialise in sustainable guided and self-guided tours, exploring pristine landscapes along the Royal Canal Greenway, Newcastle Forest, and the extraordinary Corlea Trackway. Whether cycling, walking, or enjoying a paddle on the Canal or Shannon, we offer adventures that empower you to connect deeply with Ireland’s natural beauty, heritage, and communities, all while doing the least harm to our environment.
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:Â 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:Â Choose an expert-led journey or travel at your own pace with reliable GPS navigation.
- Walking & Hiking Experiences:Â 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:Â 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:Â 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.