The Burren Rocks – 25th and 29th May 2017
The Burren Rocks Festival celebrates one of Ireland’s most intriguing landscapes – The Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark.
2017 will see the Geopark team teaming up with the guides at the Burren National Park to celebrate our unique geological heritage.
Get immersed in all that is the Burren. Discover fascinating landmarks and important geological sites in the Burren National Park. Take a stroll through time in one of Ireland’s most intriguing landscapes and learn how the Burren was formed millions of year ago and how it became a UNESCO Global Geopark. There will be fun for all ages with walks, talks and a fossil hunt taking place in the Burren National Park.
Thursday 25th May
11.30 -12.30: There’s Life in the Old Rocks of Clare. A talk in Ennistymon Public Library by Geopark Geologist Dr. Eamon Doyle about the fossils to be found in Clare. In collaboration with Bealtaine festival and Clare County Libraries.
Friday 26th May
12.00 – 16.00: Walk this (Burren)Way. A 4 hour – 20km walk along the Burren Way from Corofin to the Burren National Park with Rural Recreation Officer Eoin Hogan.
This walk is largely along public road with some offroad sections including modest inclines but this is a marathon not a sprint so only suitable for those with appropriate levels of fitness. Return to Corofin using the Burren National Park bus from Gortlecka. Meet at NPWS Info Point Corofin.
Important! Numbers are strictly limited to 25; Bring: Appropriate footwear essential. Water and snacks. Sunscreen.
Booking essential on a first-come first-served basis at edoyle@clarecoco.ie
Saturday 27th May
11.00 -12.30: Reading the Burren landscape. Discover the ancient and more recent life of the Burren with Geopark geologist and National Park Staff guides. Suitable for families but the rough surface is not suitable for buggies. No dogs please. Dress appropriately for the terrain and weather, including sunscreen.
Booking: burrennationalpark@ahg.gov.ie
14.00 – 15.30: Bug hunt for children. Explore the beauty and fascination of some of the smallest and often overlooked creatures in the Burren National Park.
Important! Numbers are strictly limited so book early. Bring: Enthusiasm and a willingness to learn! Dress appropriately for the terrain and weather, including sunscreen.
Booking: burrennationalpark@ahg,gov.ie
Sunday 28th May
09.00 – 10.30: Bird call identification walk with staff of the Burren National Park.
Booking: burrennationalpark@ahg.gov.ie Bring: Binoculars optional
14.00 – 15.30: Reading the Burren landscape. A walk through time with Geopark geologist and National Park Staff guides. Suitable for families but the rough surface is not suitable for buggies. No dogs please. Dress appropriately for the terrain and weather, including sunscreen.
Booking: burrennationalpark@ahg.gov.ie
Monday 29th May
10.30 – 13.30: National Schools Burren Quiz at the Burren Outdoor Education Centre. An opportunity for schools to showcase their amazing depth of local knowledge about our fantastic Burren. Sponsored by the Burren Outdoor Education Centre
15.00 – 16.00: Turning the first sod on new archaeological investigations in the Burren by Dr. Ros O’Maolduin, Dr. Ger Dowling and students from NUI Galway fieldschool: The Irish Fieldschool of Prehistoric Archaeology . The excavation aims to gain a better understanding of the burial rituals, beliefs and social structures of those who built and were buried in Parkabinnia wedge tomb. Meet at Parkabinnia (Kilnaboy-Carron road) at 3pm, no parking at site, please park to the north and walk 10 minutes to site.
More information: www.facebook.com/theburrenrocks
