The Burren and Cliffs of Moher have been designated as a Geological Heritage Site, joining notable locations like Vesuvius and Yosemite in the IUGS’s prestigious program.
Their designation, noted as the “Carboniferous evolution of The Burren and Cliffs of Moher,” was announced at the 37th International Geological Congress in Busan, South Korea.
The selection process involved over 700 experts from 80 nations, highlighting the site’s exceptional geological features, including Mississippian limestones and spectacular sea cliffs.
This recognition aims to enhance awareness and appreciation of the Burren’s ancient geological history, supported by Geological Survey Ireland and significant academic figures in geology.
Eamon Doyle, Geologist with the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark shared the inclusion of the Cliffs of Moher in the Second 100 was based on the site being one of the most complete sections with Mississippian limestones in exceptional karst landscapes and Pennsylvanian deltaics in spectacular sea cliffs. This is a fantastic honour for the Geopark and to all interested in Irish geology considering the Burren and Cliffs of Moher is only the second entry from the island of Ireland included in the two Top 100 lists, with Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim being named in the First 100 in 2022. The Burren is a remarkable limestone area. Its geology, flora, caves, archaeology, history and farming traditions set it apart as a place of great mystery and beauty.
This new designation will help to create a greater sense of awareness and appreciation of area’s ancient geological history and its evolution through time from its formation through the retreat of the ice sheets some 12,000 years ago to the vibrant region we know of today. I would like to acknowledge the support of Geological Survey Ireland (GSI) and Professor Patrick Wyse Jackson of Trinity College Dublin, who is the IUGS representative in Ireland, for supporting the application.
Koen Verbruggen, the Director of GSI, Department of Environment, Climate and Communications shared The Second 100 IUGS Geological Heritage Sites, as with the First 100, receive IUGS recognition because they are of the highest scientific value. They are the world’s best demonstrations of geologic features and processes. They are the sites of fabulous discoveries of the Earth and its history and have served to develop the science of geology. The recognition and visibility received by the inclusion of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher in the “Second 100 will lead to the further appreciation of the site, to its use as an educational resource, and, most importantly, to its preservation.”
Visit www.iugs-geoheritage.org or www.burren.ie for more.
