IGA Excursion – 20th & 21st May – Copper Coast Geopark, Co. Waterford

Since the early days in the 1990s with Des Cowman’s talks on the heritage of the Copper Coast area and European Geopark Network membership in 2001, the Copper Coast Geopark has elucidated the geology and heritage of this beautiful part of the Waterford coast. Geopark Geologist-in-Residence, Robbie Galvin, will show us the sights and show off the exceptionally beautiful minerals of the area of which at least 36 have been recorded! The geological record is c. 460 Million years in the making, with the presence of ancient island arc volcanoes (think Japanese islands as a modern equivalent) and the actions of oceans, deserts and ice all in evidence.

These days Waterford is being investigated again for its volcanogenic massive sulphide minerals. Recently the Tellus initiative of the Geological Survey of Ireland has mapped the area, showing subsurface detail, as never seen before.

Saturday 20th May (free of charge):

• 8.45: Meeting at Copper Coast GeoPark
• 9.00: Driving and walking tour of the area
• 13.00: Lunch in the GeoPark Centre (available on site for a fee)
• 14.00: Guided tour by Robbie Galvin including minerals
• 17.00: Day ends

On Sunday 21st from 10am to 1.30pm there is a wonderful opportunity for 9 people to take a Copper Coast Tour on the water around the spectacular coastal features of the area. Seapaddling and Mick O’Meara will, weather permitting will guide this group. Priority will be given to IGA members, minimum age of 12 years. Please mention if you have been sea kayaking before. Price for the Copper Coast Seakayaking Tour is €40 per person.

Sunday 21st May (€40 for kayaking tour):

• 10.00: Seapaddling with Mick O’Meara
• 13.30: Day ends

Please let us know if you require accommodation to be booked for you in the area – maria@geology.ie