Past Geoheritage Projects
Past projects include the Drifting Apart project and GeoparkLIFE, as well as a range of community led Geoheritage Grant projects – take a look at what we’ve been up to.
Drifting Apart
This 3 year project supported existing and aspiring UNESCO Global Geoparks in the northern peripheries and arctic area by exploring their interconnected geological heritage and the many links to natural, built and cultural heritage. Geological Survey Ireland’s contribution helped develop geo-educational interpretation in the Cuilcagh Lakelands (formerly Marble Arch Caves) UNESCO Global Geopark, particularly in its Cavan geosites. The project ended in April 2018.
GeoparkLIFE
This was a 5 year project to develop methods for a collaborative balance between tourism and conservation in the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark area. It was completed in December 2017. Geological Survey Ireland’s contribution includes the new interpretative signage throughout the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark.
Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark
2019 – 2021. Joyce Country and Western Lakes geopark development. A multi-partner project led by Geological Survey Ireland, primarily funded by the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund in the Department of Rural and Community Development as part of Project Ireland 2040, to develop a geopark in Joyce Country and Western Lakes in Counties Galway and Mayo. An application was submitted to UNESCO at the end of November 2021. The Joyce Country and Western Lakes region was officially ratified as a UNESCO Global Geopark on the 23rd April 2026.
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. The Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion Aspiring Geopark is now entirely within Northern Ireland.
Arigna Mining Experience
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.