Burren and Cliffs of Moher - Geological Survey of Ireland

Burren & Cliffs of Moher Global Geopark - Ireland
Burren and Cliffs of Moher
Global Geopark
Co. Clare – Ireland
“Community, Education and Tourism”
Dr. Ronán Hennessy
Geopark Geologist
Burren & Cliffs of Moher Global Geopark - Ireland
Burren & Cliffs of Moher Global Geopark
• Project coordinated by Burren Connect
• Supported by:
• Clare County Council
•Geological Survey of Ireland
•Shannon Development
• Steering Group
• Advisory Group
Burren & Cliffs of Moher Global Geopark - Ireland
Burren & Cliffs of Moher Global Geopark
Management Structure
Burren & Cliffs of Moher Global Geopark - Ireland
Application to the European Geoparks
Network:
Submitted in October 2010
Application available at
www.burrenconnect.ie/geopark
Burren & Cliffs of Moher Global Geopark - Ireland
Award at European Geoparks
Network Meeting 2011
Burren & Cliffs of Moher Global Geopark - Ireland
The Burren as a Geopark
• Karst limestone landscape
• Coastal landforms – Cliffs of Moher
• Archaeological heritage
• Unique floral assemblages
• Traditional farming culture
• Irish music & dance
• Caving, surfing, walking, match-making
Burren & Cliffs of Moher Global Geopark - Ireland
Geological Heritage
• Carboniferous Limestones
• Namurian Shales & Siltstones
• Longest stalactite NE Europe – 7m
• Limestone pavement
• Extensive underground cave systems
• Glacial landforms
• Coastal landforms
Burren & Cliffs of Moher Global Geopark - Ireland
Burren & Cliffs of Moher Global Geopark
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9 Geosites
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Burren National Park
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11 Visitor & Information Centres
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Archaeological Monuments
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9 WWW Info Points
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National & Regional Walking Routes
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2 Educational Centres
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Cycling Routes
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2 Research Centres
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Farm Tours Co-operative
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Burren Ecotourism Network
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Protected Areas of Conservation
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Burren Charter
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Geo-Learning Centre Network
Burren & Cliffs of Moher Global Geopark - Ireland
Geosites
Burren & Cliffs of Moher Global Geopark - Ireland
Geopark Information Panels
Burren & Cliffs of Moher Global Geopark - Ireland
Walking & Cycling Routes
Burren & Cliffs of Moher Global Geopark - Ireland
Burren & Cliffs of Moher Global Geopark
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The Burren Centre – Visitor Centre
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Burren Outdoor Education Centre – Activities
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Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre - Visitor Centre
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Burrenbeo Trust – Environmental Charity
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Burren National Park – Conservation
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Clare Farm Heritage Tours Co-op – Agriculture & more
Burren & Cliffs of Moher Global Geopark - Ireland
TOURISM – Information
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Outdoor Information Panels
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Burren Ecotourism Network
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Visitor centre information
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Information/Map Brochures
Fanore Beach
www.burrenconnect.ie
Lisdoonvarna Spa Wells
Poulnabrone Dolmen
Burren & Cliffs of Moher Global Geopark - Ireland
Burren Ecotourism Network
The Network shows their commitment to ecotourism principles by:
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Using environmentally sustainable practices
Bringing people into nature
Promoting our natural and cultural heritage
Contributing to conservation
Maximising benefits for local communities
Ensuring visitor satisfaction
Marketing responsibly
Increasing cultural respect and awareness
www.burrenecotourism.com
Burren & Cliffs of Moher Global Geopark - Ireland
EDUCATION
•
“Understanding the Landscape”
- 5 Week Spring Evening Course
- Burren Outdoor Education Centre
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Primary Schools Programme
- NEED Project
- Ecobeo “My Burren Heritage”
- Schools Earthquake Competition
• Geo-Pack to every school in Geopark
Burren & Cliffs of Moher Global Geopark - Ireland
EDUCATION
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Visitor centre staff training
- Cliffs of Moher Rangers
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Tourism staff training
- Farm Tours Co-op
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Education Resources website
- www.GeoNeeed.org
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Stone Water & Ice
– Books; Maps; Schools Pack
Burren & Cliffs of Moher Global Geopark - Ireland
STONE, WATER and ICE
• 64 page A5 Illustrated Booklet on the Geology of the Burren
• 36 page A4 Scientific Guide to the Geology of the Burren
• Z-Card map
• Schools & Visitor Centres Education Pack:
• Teachers’ Information Booklet
• 22 Information Sheets
• 8 Worksheets
• Visitor Centre Map Panels
• Google Earth maps on GeoNEED.org
Burren & Cliffs of Moher Global Geopark - Ireland
Burren & Cliffs of Moher Global Geopark - Ireland
Stone, Water and Ice Series
• 22 Geo-information sheets & maps
• 18 Student activity sheets
• Fold-out map of Geopark geosites
• Pop-up map panels – visitor centres
• www.geoneed.org
Burren & Cliffs of Moher Global Geopark - Ireland
Stone, Water and Ice Series
• 22 Geo-information sheets & maps
• 18 Student activity sheets
• Fold-out map of Geopark geosites
• Pop-up map panels – visitor centres
• www.geoneed.org
Burren & Cliffs of Moher Global Geopark - Ireland
Google Earth Maps
www.geoneed.org/gis-google-earth
Burren & Cliffs of Moher Global Geopark - Ireland
COMMUNITY & OUTREACH
• Geo-Explorer Day
• Burren in Bloom – Annual / May
• Geoparks Week Events
• Evening Talks & Walks
• National Heritage Week Events
• Evening Geology Course
Burren & Cliffs of Moher Global Geopark - Ireland
Conferences & Associations
• Google/Geological Society of America
Conference – Google Inc, California
• IGRM conference
• Burren Spring Conference
• UCC
• NUI Galway
• GSI - Dublin
• Irish Geological Association
• UK-Ireland Limestone Pavement
Conservation Group
Burren & Cliffs of Moher Global Geopark - Ireland
Publicity & Promotion
• Science Spin Magazine
• Earth Science Ireland
• Newspapers
• Local & National Radio
Earth (American Geological
Institute)
Article Oct 2011
Burren & Cliffs of Moher Global Geopark - Ireland
Burren and Cliffs of Moher
Global Geopark
Co. Clare – Ireland
Dr. Ronán Hennessy
Geopark Geologist
www.burrenconnect.ie/geopark
Burren Connect Project