Code of Practice Case Study: The Michael Cusack Centre – Re-planting ash trees

23.12.2023

The Michael Cusack Centre stands out as an excellent example for the implementation of the Geopark Code Of Practice for Sustainable Tourism Principle on a cared for landscape.

Step into the heart of history at the Michael Cusack Centre, a centre built in 2006 to honour the centennial legacy of Michael Cusack, the visionary behind the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). The centre features the fascinating story of Cusack’s life through an engaging exhibition and a unique famine cottage experience. Here, you can also learn about the vibrant Burren landscape, encounter the famous Púca sculpture, and explore the magical fairy trail.

Ash trees are one of the key features of the Michael Cusack story. For generations, these trees have been used to craft the iconic Hurley. However, the ash tree population at the Michael Cusack Centre has faced challenges with the recent onset of Ash Dieback Disease, a disease which has decimated thousands of acres of ash plantations throughout the country. The staff at the Michael Cusack Centre, by way of caring for the landscape, have over the past few years been replanting with healthy ash trees. In fact, they made planting the ash a feature of last year’s Cusack 175 celebrations.

Discover more about the sustainable initiatives at the Michael Cusack Centre and book a tour today, by visiting https://michaelcusack.ie/. Immerse yourself in history and nature at their wonderful home in Carron, V95 HP08, and become a part of their story.