The Burren and Cliffs of Moher have been designated Geological Heritage Sites in a prestigious programme managed by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS).
The Irish attractions have have joined Vesuvius volcano, Yosemite Valley and The Dead Sea as Geological Heritage Sites.
The “Carboniferous evolution of The Burren and Cliffs of Moher” was named in the list of the Second 100 IUGS Geological Heritage Sites at the 37th International Geological Congress in Busan, Republic of Korea.
More than 700 experts from 80 nations and 16 international organisations contributed to the selection process which has given official recognition to the world’s best demonstrations of geologic features.
The Co Clare geological site’s inclusion on the list follows its nomination by Dr. Eamon Doyle, Geologist with the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark.
Doyle explained that the Burren and Cliffs of Moher’s inclusion 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 Co Antrim being named in the First 100 in 2022,” he said.
“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.”
Director of GSI, Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, Koen Verbruggen, said the Second 100 IUGS Geological Heritage Sites, as with the First 100, receives IUGS recognition because they are of “high 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,” he said.
“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.”
