On May 27th and 28th, the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark will host the Geopark Academy, an event full of expert discussions and presentations about the wonderful natural phenomena that make our Geopark so unique….

If you’ve ever wondered how the Burren’s vast rocky landscape thrives with such an abundance of biodiversity and wildlife, then this is the event for you. You will have the chance to hear from a panel of experts and have any of your questions answered about the geology, archaeoloy, ecology and culture in the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark. The event will present an wonderful opportunity to learn about the latest research coming from the area in each of these fields.

Below is the itinerary that we have lined up for each day. We hope you enjoy it.

 

 

Saturday May 27th Latest Research

 

Geology 9:30 – 11:00am

Dr. Eamon Doyle

Dr. Eamon Doyle (Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark). “New fossil discoveries tell us about the biodiversity of ancient life in the Clare shales”.

 

Dr. Dave O’Leary

Dr. Dave O Leary (University of Galway). “Bringing a million-year old cave in the Burren into the 21st century: Using Geophysics to view caves in 3D”.

 

Geology Q&A

Archaeology 11:00am – 12:30pm

Dr. Daisy Spencer

Dr. Daisy Spencer (University of Galway). “The View from the Lake: Lough Inchiquin Sheds Light on Prehistoric Farming Activity in the Burren”.

 

Dr. Elaine Lynch

Elaine Lynch (Field Monument Advisor Co. Clare). “Recent Archaeological Excavation of two house/huts sites at Ballyganner North”.

 

Archaeology Q&A

Lunch Break 12:30pm – 1:00pm

Ecology 1:30pm – 3:00pm

Dr. Roisín Nash

Dr. Roisin Nash (Atlantic Technological University). “Sources, pathways and environmental fate of microplastics in aquatic ecosystems”.

 

Dr. Brian Nelson

Dr. Brian Nelson (National Parks and Wildlife Service). “Insects and invertebrates of the Burren: a brief introduction”.

 

Ecology Q&A

Culture 3:00pm – 4:30pm

Risteárd Ua Cróinín

Risteárd Ua Cróinín (Historical Architect). “Vernacular Houses of North Clare”

 

Charles Monod

Charles Monod (Musician). “The Limestone Rock: Irish Traditional Music in the Burren”.

 

Culture Q&A

“The story of the Burren Centre, Kilfenora” with Catriona Murphy: Chair of the Centre- 4:30pm – 4:45pm

Burren Centre Guided Tour – 4:45pm – 5:15pm

 

 

Sunday May 28th – Field trip

Leave Kilfenora 10:00am

Stops 1 to 3 – 10:15am – 1:15pm

Killeany, Poulsallagh, Murroughtoohy (Times my vary on the day)

Stop 4 Lunch Break in Ballyvaughan – 1:30pm – 2:00pm

Stops 5 to 6 – 2:15pm – 3:15pm

Ballyallaban, Carron Turlough (Times may vary on the day

Arrive back in Kilfenora, conclusion of fieldtrip – 4:30pm