Geotourism Projects

Geotourism is tourism related to the natural environment - which is the origin of most tourism in Ireland. Ireland's long and rich geological history and diversity of rock types allows for a wealth of spectacular and often contrasting landforms. Geology influences the local setting, soil, food, and customs and traditions. In places with a history of mining, geology is in every facet of life in that community. Our aim is to encourage the use of our geoheritage in enhancing the tourism product. The following are just some examples of recent and ongoing geotourism projects around the country.

Mourne Cooley Gullion

The Mourne Cooley Gullion Geotourism Project was a £1.4 million INTERREG IVA funded project to look at the possibility of developing a cross-border geopark in the Cooley Peninsula, Co. Louth, the Slieve Gullion area of Co. Antrim, and the Mourne Mountain area of Co. Down. It ran from 2012 to 2015 and was a co-operation of GSI, GSNI, Louth County Council, Newry Mourne & Down District Council, Mourne Heritage Trust, East Border Region and SEUPB.

Joyce Country

Joyce Country between Mayo and Galway on the shores of Loughs Mask and Corrib, is an area of great physical beauty and unique geological history. It is part of the geological story of Connemara and south Mayo and has attracted generations of geologists from near and far. A group was set up in 2008 in an effort to establish a geopark in the area. They currently have funding for GSI for a geologist to advance geotourism in the area. Part of this money was used to produce a strategy document for the proposed development. For more information please click here.

2017 strategy report

Arigna

The Arigna Mining Experience is a very successful tourism attraction in north Roscommon celebrating and commemorating the mining history of the area. The GSI are working with them to enhance the geological content of their interpretation, both of the origin and extraction of coal, and of the geological history of the surrounding landscape.

South Kerry

Kerry Geopark project is based in Sneem, Co. Kerry, and promotes the local geology as a contribution to the local tourism product. The area is the most westerly evidence of the Devonian mountain building event known as the Variscan event. On nearby Valentia island is the amphibian trackway which is of international importance.