An evening course that explores the geology of the Burren and how through reading the rocks we can uncover the fascinating history of our landscape will be held over the coming weeks.
Lead by local geologists and featuring a guest lecturer the popular course, entitled ‘Stone, water and Ice: The Burren – a landscape shaped by time’, is now in its 8th year.
Developed by the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, in collaboration with the Burren Outdoor Education Centre, the course provides an introduction to geology in general as well as the world-class geology of the Burren. It explores how the region has been changed over millions of years by floods, earthquakes and ice ages.
Beginning on 7 February, the classes will take place over five Wednesday evenings at the Burren Outdoor Education Centre, Bellharbour and will also include a one-day fieldtrip out into the landscape. The course tutors include Dr. Eamon Doyle, Geologist with the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark; Colin Bunce, head of field studies with the Burren Outdoor Education Centre and guest speaker Dr Brian Kelleher, DCU.
“The relaxed, informative and practical course is designed for anyone with an interest in the Burren and a curious mind. No previous geology knowledge is required and there will be no exams,” explained Dr. Eamon Doyle, Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark.
He continued, “The geology of the Burren holds many fascinating clues to conditions on earth more than 300 million years ago. More recently, the last ice Age which ended only around 15,000 years ago, has sculpted our rocks and largely given the Burren its current shape. Research is active and scientists and students come from all over the world to see what we have here. We are lucky to have such a unique landscape to explore and it is open to everyone.”
“Geoparks are committed to promoting their landscapes as destinations that support popular and specialist learning and the introduction to geology evening course is a way for local experts to impart their knowledge of the UNESCO designated landscape in an informal relaxed manner while continuing the Burren’s tradition of being a place of learning for many hundreds of years,” he added.
Bookings and enquiries:
colin.bunce@lcetb.ie or info@burrengeopark.ie or 065 7078066. For more on the study and learning resources available from the Geopark see http://www.burrengeopark.ie/learn-engage.