Join the IGA on a journey to examine the evidence for volcanic activity in the Palaeozoic Age with Margaret Franklin (Retired Lecturer in Chemistry) and Maria Cullen (Geobiologist).
We will begin with a tour of Duncannon Fort, an exceptional bastion, or star-shaped fort of great historic significance. (There is a small charge of €5 per person for this tour.) The rocks that constitute the fort are from the local area and feature much evidence of volcanic rock here. In geology, the first place where a distinctive package of rock was seen and described is the name used when that rock type is mentioned, so the Duncannon Group mainly of Caradoc, Ordovician age (458-448 Ma) is described from this area.
https://duncannonfort.ie/Next, we will examine the Campile Formation, at the quaint village of Campile. On we will go to Slieve Coillte (by the JFK Arboretum), itself a remnant volcano. If there is a view, we will be able to see many volcanic centres in the region.
Carrigbyrne Hill and Browne-Clayton Monument are next, both are volcanic in origin with felsite to be seen in walls and bedrock. Onward to Enniscorthy where we will see Holohan’s Bar where the building has bedrock on show in the back of the bar. Then there will be a meal together in Enniscorthy.
Day Two will begin with a visit to Vinegar Hill. After this, we will continue to the east and Ferrycarrig Castle (a pity to visit Wexford and not take in a castle!) before proceeding north to another ancient volcano, Tara Hill. After this we will finish the meeting at the beautiful Ballymoney Beach where there is excellent outcrop of the strata to recap the learnings of the weekend before an optional swim and homeward.
For those staying two nights in Enniscorthy, there is the possibility to car pool to minimise driving and numbers of cars.
Possible Places to stay (limited availability):In the Enniscorthy Area – Riverside Park Hotel, Treacy’s Hotel, Blackstoops Lodge, Lemongrove House, Wilton Castle, Airbnb, Sykes Cottages
In the Duncannon Area (Friday night only) – Fort Conan Hotel
In the New Ross Area – Brandon House Hotel
In the Gorey Area – Ashdown Park, Seafield Hotel
Public Transport to Enniscorthy by train and by bus is available. Please check Irishrail.ie and Buseireann.ie
Photo credit: Maria Cullen