Earth Science 2000 presents
Irish Geology Week
1st – 7th May 2007
A wide range of events aimed at the non-specialist. The emphasis is on making geology understandable and enjoyable for all.
Excursions, lectures, visits to mines and quarries and much much more - all under expert guidance
click here for details of events
2007 is the International Year of Planet Earth. What’s it all about? Find out more at
http://www.esfs.org/index.htm
Further information on local programmes for 2007 are available through www.planetearth.ie
ES2K brings you - Irish Geology Week 2007
This years Irish Geology Week will take place from 1st – 7th May. A range of activities are planned to open the eyes of the non-specialist to the many geological wonders of Ireland. There will of course be a number of excursions led by experts who will interpret details of each locality and be on hand to answer any questions. In addition there will be a variety of other events including an evening of geologically related poetry and readings, hands-on activities and lectures – in short many different ways for you, your family and friends to learn something new about our great geological treasures.
The emphasis of the week is on making geology understandable and enjoyable for all.
The programme is not yet finalised but to date we can confirm the following –
Tuesday 1st May
- Social: 'Poetry Landscape' – an evening of poetry and readings inspired by geology and the landscape, Black Box Theatre, 18 – 22 Hill Street, Cathedral Quarter, Belfast 19.30 – 23.00
Mark Cooper (Poet)
Stephen Gharbaoui (Poet)
Janet Shepperson (Poet)
David Smylie (Poet)
Patrick McKeever (Folklore)
(Note new date – this event was previously scheduled for Sunday 6th May)
For more information contact mark.cooper@detini.gov.uk
Wednesday 2nd May
- Excursion. Glaciers, sea-levels, sand and plants – the natural history of Killard National Nature Reserve. Ian Enlander (EHS). 2pm. Meet at Mill Quarter Bay lay-by 3 miles south of Strangford (grid ref J599 441). Stout footwear and waterproof clothing.
For more information contact ian.enlander@doeni.gov.uk
Thursday 3rd May
- Laidback lecture. Druids & Drumlins, Dr Robbie Meehan (GSI), Cavan Town Library 7pm, refreshments from 6.30pm
For more information contact Kirstin.Lemon@fermanagh.gov.uk
- Laidback lecture. Rock around the Lough. A trip around Belfast Lough without leaving the lecture room. Ian Enlander (EHS). Carrickfergus Castle. 7pm.
For more information contact ian.enlander@doeni.gov.uk
- Laidback lecture. Rocks, Rails and Ríomhairí: A Virtual Tour of the Connemara Landscape on the Galway-Clifden Railway. NCBES Seminar Room, Orbsen Building, University College Galway, 1pm.
For more information contact Ronan.Hennessy@nuigalway.ie
- Laidback lecture. Donegal - Exciting Landscapes, Changing Climates.
Dr. Peadar McArdle, Director of The Geological Survey of Ireland, will talk about talk several topics of local interest including diamonds, uranium, oil licenses, granites and radiation and earth tremors.
Admission free. All welcome.
8pm Donegal County Museum, High Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal.
For more information contact Caroline T 074 9124613 E museum@donegalcoco.ie
Saturday 5th May
- Excursion. The natural heritage of Cuilcagh Mountain, Leader: Dr Kirstin Lemon (MAC), Time: 10am, Meeting point: The Market House, Blacklion. Bring stout footwear, waterproof clothing and a packed lumch.
For more information contact Kirstin.Lemon@fermanagh.gov.uk
- Excursion: Blast from the Past – the volcanic history of Carrickarede, Co. Antrim. Ian Enlander (EHS). Visit the famous rope bridge and limestone quarry to learn more about the geology of this famous locality which will also be alive with seabird activity. 2pm. Larrybane - Carrickarede car park (National Trust). Stout footwear and waterproof clothing. Car parking is free but there will be a charge for the bridge (free for National Trust members). Stout footwear and waterproof clothing.
For more information contact ian.enlander@doeni.gov.uk
Sunday 6th May
- Excursion: The Building Stone of Belfast. Come and explore an aspect of geology that most people take for granted and even more people fail to notice; the stone used in the construction of some of the major buildings in Belfast City Centre. Alan Bell. 10:00 am at the Sheep by the Entrance to the Waterfront Hall Duration ~ 2 hours.
For more information contact ABell@ndai.ac.uk
- Hands-on: 'Go Get Geoscience' at W5, Odyssey Centre, Belfast. Fossil making, fossil rubbing, and gold panning and lots more fun for the family. 2 – 5pm.
For more information contact marie.cowan@detini.gov.uk
Monday 7th May
- Hands on. Fantastic Fermanagh Fossils. Fossil Fun Day at Marble Arch Caves. 11am to 4pm. Fossil making, fossil rubbing and other hands-on activities.
For more information contact Kirstin.Lemon@fermanagh.gov.uk
- Excursion: Larne Promenade - The Real Jurassic Park. Dr. Mike Simms (Ulster Museum). Find out about climate change, sea level rise, earthquakes and tsunamis 200 million years ago, and why Larne is set to become of international importance for scientists studying the Jurassic Period. Meet at 10.30a.m. by the signpost at the foot of the zigzag path about halfway along prom between Leisure Centre and the main road. Stout footwear and waterproof clothing.
For further information contact michael.simms@magni.org.uk
May – June
- Exhibition. What on Earth: a visual exploration of what geology is and what geologists do. Without the Earth to sustain us, none of us would be able to exist. This exhibition attempts to show the importance and relevance of geology, what it is all about and what geologists do. Geology is the foundation of society; without earth resources - rocks and hydrocarbons (producing oil and gas) - there would have been no development of society and culture, as we know it today. We depend on geological resources for all the material things we use. The exhibition covers various topics, everything from diamonds to water, from railways to buildings, from heavy metal to gas.
Donegal County Museum, High Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal.
For more information contact Caroline T 074 9124613 E museum@donegalcoco.ie
Events are free of charge unless otherwise stated
It is intended to hold events around as much of Ireland as is possible so that there will be something easily accessible to everyone.
Do get in touch if there are particular activities that you would wish to see included for your area in future years.
ES2K Irish Geology Week Committee