IGA & Heritage Week – Great Sugar Loaf – A Geological Exposé

Great Sugar Loaf Mountain, Red Lane Car Park, Co. Wicklow

One of the most iconic landscape features of the North Wicklow area is surely the Sugar Loaf. It is a fitting location for an event during this particular Heritage Week given that the volcanic nature of this icon has been frequently passed down through the generations, within communities and even in schools.

Dr Bill Sheppard, a geologist with a background in numerous studies of volcanic rocks globally, and more locally at Avoca Mine and throughout the Southeast of Ireland, will lead this event.
Initially, he will show how to identify volcanic rocks using rock samples and photographic images. Volcanic rocks come in a very diverse array of textures, compositions and colours. However, by understanding the various settings and characteristics one can grasp a reasonable understanding of what one is looking at/for. Progressively as one finds different volcanic rocks in an area the make-up of a volcanic area emerges.

Following this introduction, the group will traverse the c. 1-hour trail to the top of the Sugar Loaf, stopping along the way to talk about the rocks around us. In this way the geological story of the Sugar Loaf will be revealed by the time the summit is reached.

At or near the summit there will be an opportunity to view the landscape below us, impart the various geological elements in the landscape and the impact geology has on our heritage.
Meeting place: Red Lane Car Park (Lat Long: 53.1475838,-6.1575913; GRID REF: O 235 120) off the L1031 road.

To book, please email president@geology.ie
Maximum: 15 participants.
Please book early to avoid disappointment.