Weekend excursion – 29-31 July 2022: Geology of Valentia Island, the Iveragh Peninsula with Dr. Aidan Forde (Valentia Slate) & Gosia Horajska Shaikh (Kerry Geo)

Booking is now open for this IGA Excursion. Please fill in the booking form HERE

Aim of Excursion:

To explore and learn about a range of geologic, palaeontologic and heritage features in the Valentia Island and environs, Iveragh Peninsula, Co. Kerry with local and expert geologists.

General Itinerary (weather dependent):

Friday: Cnoc na dTobair (Hill of the Wells), weather permitting, to take an overview of the regional geology and to get our Iveragh Peninsula and Dingle Bay bearings. Friday evening: Synopsis of the weekend and the geological context (short talk by Dr. Aidan Forde); Slate Yard in Knightstown, location of first Transatlantic messaging.

Saturday Morning: Tetrapod tracks; Valentia Slate Quarry. Saturday Afternoon: Bray Head walk to see cliff scenery and Skellig in distance (also location of 19^th Century copper mine); (alternative shorter walk) Kerry Cliffs walk – cliff scenery and Skellig in distance; Lighthouse Road (Tertiary dyke, Myriapod tracks and Devonian plant fossils).

Sunday morning: Boat trip to see Cathedral Cave and Beginish Gabbro (columnar jointing). Viking house on Beginish (cost sponsored by Valentia Slate); (Added option) White Strand – Peperite and Keel Tuff; (Added option) Ancient cliff collapse and storm beach at Reenadrolaun.

Please note: The Sunday Boat trip will involve a small charge for participants.

Some Accommodation in the Valentia Area and Iveragh Peninsula, Co. Kerry

Pressure on accommodation is high all round the country at this time so please secure accommodation as early as possible. We are here to help where possible with co-ordination of small group bookings and general assistance.

Room at Reenglass, Airbnb, Valentia, Airbnb

Royal Valentia Hotel, Knightstown, Valentia

The Skellig Lodge & Hostel, Ballinskelligs

Skellig Dock, Airbnb

Glanleam House, Valentia, Airbnb

Maoilinn House, Cahersiveen, Airbnb

Quinlan & Cooke Boutique Townhouse, Cahersiveen

The Old Monastery Guesthouse, Cahersiveen

When booking, please indicate your interest, or not, in sharing a meal together on one or both evenings on Valentia Island. This is possible in the Comments field of the booking form.