The smallest in the Global Network, the Copper Coast UGGp was established on its 19th century copper mining heritage, through the drive of 5 local communities. Its geological highlights include the coastal exposures of volcanic rocks that host the copper; red desert-type rocks and glacially sculpted landscape. The mining legacy has been brought to life through the refurbishment of the Tankardstown Engine House, and exhibitions and 3D animations in the Geopark Visitor Centre that was opened by An Taoiseach in 2013. It was one of the first Geoparks to join the European Geopark Network in 2001.​

The Burren and Cliffs of Moher is Ireland's newest UGGp and boasts a strong network of eco-businesses living within its iconic landscape of karst limestone, caves and cliffs. Local folklore and food are promoted through Farm Heritage Tours and the Burren Food Trail. The area also has a unique flora and significant archaeological monuments. The Geopark promotes its geology and sensitive hydrogeological system through educational and outreach activities whilst pursuing strong practices in sustainable tourism.​

Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark, formerly ​​Marble Arch Caves UGGp, became the world's first cross-border Global Geopark when it expanded from County Fermanagh into County Cavan in 2008. Aside from its spectacular show caves in Carboniferous limestone, the Geopark has a great geological diversity from the oldest (Dalradian) rocks in Northern Ireland, to impressive glacial erratics. The Geopark works closely with education providers to offer a wide range of educational services, and has helped bring together its communities through a successful Local Tour Guides programme. It was one of the first Geoparks to join the European Geopark Network (EGN)(EGN link) in 2001.​

Having submitted the application to UNESCO at the end of November 2021, the Joyce Country and Western Lakes region is now an aspiring Geopark. Its geological highlights, set amongst the contrasting upland and lowland landscapes, includes the story of an ancient ocean (Iapetus Ocean) opening and closing, specifically the Grampian-Taconic Orogeny, a marine transgression, a marl lake, the spring complexes in the karst landscape, and Ireland’s only fjord. The geological story is also part of an international one, which spans from North America, to Greenland, to northwest Ireland and to Scotland. The rich geodiversity supports the abundant biodiversity found here, and these are closely tied with the cultural heritage of the region. Numerous training courses have been offered to raise awareness of what a Geopark is, what it can mean for the people and businesses based in this region, and how businesses can improve their sustainability and marketing techniques, amongst others.

The Irish UNESCO Global Geoparks Committee (IUGGC) was formerly known as the All-Ireland Geoparks Forum. This was set up in 2007 to help support Ireland's Geoparks and Geopark projects. It is Co-chaired by the Geological Surveys of Ireland and Northern Ireland and has representatives from each of Ireland's three UGGs.

It was re-formed as the IUGGC in 2015, following UNESCO's ratification of Global Geoparks as UNESCO Global Geoparks, which required a new committee to oversee the new geopark application process. The Committee now works closely with Ireland's National Commission to UNESCO and allows for representatives from environmental, tourism and conservation bodies to attend meetings.

 The IUGGC meets twice a year and holds an Annual Forum to showcase Ireland's Unesco Global Geoparks and other Geopark and geotourism projects.​

Annual Irish Geoparks Forum 2019

Annual Irish Geoparks Forum 2020

Annual Irish Geoparks Forum 2021

The European Geoparks Network (EGN) was established in June 2000 by four Geoparks in France, Greece, Germany and Spain. The main objective of their cooperation was the protection of geological heritage and the promotion of sustainable development of their territories in Europe. In 2001 the EGN signed an official agreement of collaboration with UNESCO (Division of Earth Sciences) placing the Network under their auspices.

The EGN has a Coordination Committee that coordinates joint programmes and activities between members. It meets twice a year in a different Geopark and comprises two official nominated representatives of each Geopark, GGN Individual members from Europe and representatives of UNESCO, IUGS and IUCN.

The EGN's Advisory Committee is made up of specialists in sustainable development and the promotion of geological heritage. These specialists include representatives from the 4 original zones of the EGN plus elected members and representatives from UNESCO, IUGS and IUCN. The Advisory Committee provides advice on all issues concerning strategy, external relations and the nomination and integration of new zones within the network. As of September 2017, 70 of the 127 UNESCO Global Geoparks are located in Europe. Ireland has 3 Geoparks in the network, The Copper Coast and Marble Arch Caves being two of the earliest members from 2001.

In 2004 the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) was founded under the umbrella of UNESCO and saw the first of the Chinese Geoparks joining the Network. The European and Asia-Pacific regional networks have now been augmented by the Latin America and the Caribbean Geopark Network, and the African Geopark Network.

The Global Geoparks Network (GGN), of which membership is obligatory for UNESCO Global Geoparks, is a not-for-profit organisation with an annual membership fee. The GGN is a dynamic network where members are committed to work together in common projects and exchange ideas of best practise to raise the quality standards of all products and practises of a UNESCO Global Geopark. The GGN comes together every two years, but functions through the operation of the regional networks, such as the European Geoparks Network that meets twice a year to develop and promote joint activities. 

With this year's eight additional Geoparks, the world network now numbers 127 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 35 countries. ​

With a list of answers to Frequently Asked Questions, (FAQs,) this is the first place to come to learn more about a UNESCO Global Geopark designation!