Discoveries

3 Jan
Discovery of new 315 million year old fossil sponge, Cyathophycus balori

Dr. Eamon Doyle on Virgin Media News – 04/01/2024 An extraordinary new species of fossil sponge has been discovered in the rocks that make up the Cliffs of Moher by Dr. …

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The layers of sandstone and shale of the Cliffs of Moher.
27 Jul
The rocks of the Cliffs of Moher.

As the tourist season is in full swing, one of the most popular visitor locations will be the Cliffs of Moher. All visitors will experience a variety of feelings and …

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Fossil crinoids from the Burren. Left, fossil crinoid ossicle unique to Doolin; centre, typical preservation of crinoid bits; right, short section of intact stem.
20 Jul
Fossil crinoids – Finding the ‘new’ in the old

The limestone of the Burren is packed with fossils. It is reasonable to say it is made of fossils. A lot of the time we don’t see them because the …

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Brachiopods
22 Jun
Big Brachiopods

Large brachiopods are quite common in the limestone of the Burren. They can be seen in walls and loose rocks and in the rock of the limestone pavement that we …

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Coral Conundrum
11 Mar
Coral Conundrum

Fossil corals are quite common in the limestone of the Burren. They can be easily seen around the Flaggy Shore and the walking trails at Mullaghmore in the Burren National …

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How small creatures help shape our coast.
9 Mar
How small creatures help shape our coast.

Our coastal cliffs form a line of defence against a constant marine onslaught. From Black Head to Doolin the Burren limestone meets the sea and from Doolin and the Cliffs …

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Geological Climate Change.
2 Mar
Geological Climate Change.

When we talk about Climate Change what we are really talking about is Anthropogenic Climate Change, that is, the effect human activities are having on global climate. The increased levels …

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Fossil Wind
22 Feb
Fossil Wind

There are three main rock types; Igneous rocks which are formed from molten magma from the Earth’s interior that has cooled, Sedimentary rocks which are formed from particles (sediments); bits …

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Mass Extinction
15 Feb
Mass Extinction

The spectacular end of most dinosaurs around 65 million years ago due to the impact of a large asteroid is now widely accepted by scientists and even a possible site …

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