IGA & Heritage Week – Geology and Geobiology of The Rower Graveyard – Living Memorials

The Rower Graveyard, Co. Kilkenny

Join native geologist and biologist, Maria Cullen on an exploration of the heritage and biodiversity of The Rower (Farrantemple) Cemetery. There are many gravestones of differing ages and rock types here. Each headstone has its own carving style and represents a memorial of loved ones recently or long ago departed. Each stone has its own biodiversity too – the lichens, algae, cyanobacteria, mosses and liverworts. Rather than remove this rich biodiversity that lives on rock, perhaps we can look closely and begin to appreciate these other kinds of life as worthy and of interest in their own right. Some of these species provide a patina of protection for the stone surfaces, others begin the process of recycling of rock minerals for future life. Many species are to be seen too on the stone walls surrounding the cemetery, along with ferns and flowering plants there. These walls show off the local rock types of the area – the Leinster Granite and older Schist of the Ribband Group and other kinds, a little more exotic.

With views across to the Blackstairs and along as far as Mount Leinster, this is a beautiful and peaceful resting place.

All are welcome on Thursday 17th August between 6pm and 8pm and this 2 hours of exploration together is free. Parking is available just to the north of the graveyard at Lat Long coordinates 52.454706, -6.958341

This event is part of the Festival of Irish Geology hosted by the Irish Geological Association.