Irish Geological Association - EXCURSION to North Donegal
2023-06-16 12:00 - 2023-06-18 17:00 (Europe/Dublin)
Image: Geological Survey Ireland Online map Viewer

Leader: Dr. Charlotte Du Pleissis

Start time: Saturday 17th June, 9.30am for 10am departure

Initial Meeting place: Holy Cross Church Dunfanaghy on the N56

55.181111, -7.975238 https://goo.gl/maps/CCb8SefnWXCWX7jo9

TO REGISTER please fill in the form HERE

DetailsWe will examine the outcrops, general geology and structure underlying the striking scenery of beautiful Glenveagh National Park. The Derryveagh Mountains and Lough Veagh dominate the views, showing off the Donegal Granite and local glacial geomorphology. We will also look at some major features of the Dalradian rocks in the area – the Ards Quartzite (Appin Group) at Ards, north to the famous Horn Head Slide that represents a major time break in Dalradian rocks of the region. There are granites, schists, quartzites, lamprophyres and metadolerite, structural geology, indeed something for everyone!During the weekend we will also look at how saxicolous, terricolous and associated flora owe a lot to the nature of the local geology.

Courtesy of Maria Cullen

Dunfanaghy Village, North Donegal is our base as it is most central to our activities.On Saturday 17th June there is quite a lot to do at Glenveagh including walks, the Castle, and the gardens. We will have the support of Glenveagh Head Gardener, Seán Ó’ Gaoithín and other National Parks & Wildlife Service staff. A short walk to the west of Glenveagh will allow us to identify the contact between the granite and the quartzite through a view of the landscape topography. Parking is adequate at this point. We will cross the road near the junction of R256 and R251 & then ascend the hill through bracken/heather.We will then take a very scenic drive further west to Dunlewy to see Errigal Mt, the old church, the Poisoned Glen, and the lake.https://www.welovedonegal.com/old-church-dunlewey-poisoned-glen.htmlOn Sunday 18th June we will take in the Ards Peninsula and the spectacular coastline there. (Low tide on Saturday 17th June is at 12 noon, so that suits us for the examination of exposures).We advise car-pooling where possible as parking needs must be considered on some of the stops. In the Google registration Form there is a space for you to opt-in to carpooling either as a drvier or a passenger.

About Dr. Charlotte Du PlessisCharlotte completed her primary degree in Natural Sciences at Trinity College Dublin and stayed on to complete her PhD on the Carboniferous South Donegal Basin. Charlotte grew up in the Gaeltacht of wonderful North Donegal. After 11 years working as a geologist in Norway, Charlotte has returned to her native soil and so we are fortunate to have the insights of language, history and geology of the region in one person as our leader for this special weekend.

IGA VIRTUAL LECTURE: Middle Devonian Fish Fauna from SW Ireland: New Palaeontology and Euramerican Geological Heritage
2023-06-28 19:00 - 20:00
Dr Vincent Dupret (Uppsala University, Sweden)

TO REGISTER please send an e-mail to info@geology.ie or please fill in the form HERE

Abstract:

The Middle Devonian of southwest Ireland is represented by rocks from the Old Red Sandstone (ORS) continent (~385 Ma) which have yielded a spectacular Greenschist facies ancient fish fauna. The most abundant fossil bones, found both on the Iveragh Peninsula and on Valentia Island, are those of a new species of the antiarch placoderm (bony fish) Bothriolepis. This Genus is simultaneously loved and loathed by palaeontologists: its ~100 species has precluded any clear classification of the Genus, yet Bothriolepis is a very useful stratigraphic and palaeogeographic indicator. I will present a new phylogeny for Bothriolepis and an X-ray analysis of other, previously published, fish fossils from SW Ireland, which has revealed several big surprises: for example, a supposed fin spine from an Acanthodian (“spiny shark”) turns out to be the fang of a giant lobe-finned fish (a Sarcopterygian). These taxa from SW Ireland are the first of their kind from the Euramerican Old Red Sandstone (ORS), demonstrating Ireland’s new-found geological heritage for these Irish fossils and localities.

Biography:

Dr Vincent DuPret

DR VINCENT DUPRET obtained his PhD at the National Museum of Natural
History in Paris (France) in 2003. He then secured several positions as a
researcher or teacher around the world (France, Sweden, China, Australia).
He is now finishing a research contract at Uppsala University (Sweden).
Vincent is deeply interested both in the natural world and in cultural heritage,
something his students say is fresh and appreciated by his students. Vincent
teaches best practice techniques in palaeontology and in research ethics,
with the aim of helping to create a fairer and more sustainable world.

Date and Time: Wednesday, 28 June 2023, 19:00 pm via Zoom.

To Register: send an e-mail to info@geology.ie or please fill in the form HERE

A Zoom link will be sent on the day to those who have registered.

IGA EXCURSIONIona and Mull, Scotland23rd - 28th July, 2023 Only 3 places left!!
2023-07-23 00:00 - 2023-07-28 23:59
Leaders: Prof. Emeritus Stephen Daly (UCD) & Dr. Michael Flowerdew (CASP)

What you will see

Iona: c. 2.7 billion year old Lewisian Complex (granitic gneisses with minor intrusive rocks, anorthosite and marble) and unconformably overlying Iona Group (low grade metamorphosed conglomerates, sandstones and siltstones) cut by Ross of Mull Granite.

Mull: High metamorphic grade Moine metasediments, Ross of Mull Granite, Cenozoic basalt (like Antrim) including spectacular columnar jointing. Possible 1/2 day boat trip to Staffa.

Travel Options: Fly Dublin-Glasgow, train to Oban (option to rent car or meet someone driving over) or Car from Ireland to Belfast for the ferry to Cairnryan and drive to Oban; car ferry Oban to Craignure and drive to accommodation Daily foot passenger ferry available to Iona (no cars).

Accommodation: Self-catering cottage and camping:https://www.islandholidaycottages.com/https://fiddenfarm.co.uk/visiting-fidden-farm/

Boat option: Beneteau Oceanis 523 with 3 cabins (so up to 6 people). 23rd – 29th July. Skipper David will sail from Oban to bring us to/meet us at Mull and Iona (own cabin €914 and shared cabin for 2 is pps €457). This conditional booking, for the yacht with skipper, will disappear in 3 days time.

For full details on all aspects please contact:Stephen at (excursions@geology.ie 086 2201600) or Maria (087 3581302)

Travel to this excursion latest 23rd July. Field days: 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 last day finish and return (5 nights accommodation, 4 days in field)

Please note: A contribution to leader costs will be made by each participant

IGA & Heritage Week - Geology, History and Biodiversity of St. Mary's Church
2023-08-16 19:00 - 21:00
Every building tells a story through its history, but can the history of the stones which built it reveal more secrets? Investigating where these rocks came from, how they were carved and how they got there can tell us about trade, transport and technical capabilities at the time.Also at this site we can examine the lichens, mosses, liverworts and flowering plants to tell us about the more recent history of the building.The Irish Geological Association’s Laura Smith, Maria Cullen and Bill Sheppard have again teamed up with New Ross Street Focus’ Historian, Myles Courtney to piece together the quarrying and trade history of St. Mary’s and the significance this holds in the story at St Mary’s Church.This event explores a historic site form different perspectives including the geology of the stones used to make St. Mary’s and the tombstones around it as well as the lichens and mosses that live on these stones.The trip will be lead by a local historian, geologists, one who is also a geobiologist, giving a multi-faceted picture of St. Mary’s.You can register for the event by filling in this form: https://forms.gle/HTULZMsPp4JHAJdc8Places are limited! You will be notified once you have registered if your registration has been successful or you have been placed on a waiting list.This event is part of the Festival of Irish Geology by the Irish Geological Association

IGA & Heritage Week - Geology and Geobiology of The Rower Graveyard - Living Memorials
2023-08-17 18:00 - 20:00
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.

IGA & Heritage Week - Wild Child Rock N Shake Adventure
2023-08-19 10:30 - 12:30
Rathmines Library, 157 Lower Rathmines Road, D06 K2K6, Co. Dublin – Dublin City

Get ready for an incredible journey through time as we combine the thrilling world of earthquakes with the fascinating realm of rocks, minerals and fossils! Join Laura Reilly and Frank Clissmann for an event full of excitement and discovery perfect for children and families.Location: Exhibition Room, Rathmines LibraryMore about the library including transport and accessibility at: https://www.dublincity.ie/residential/libraries/find-library/rathmines-libraryFeaturing…

Earthquake Adventure Zone – Experience making and seeing your own earthquake and become a seismologist! Learn the science about the Earthquakes happening in Ireland and all around the Globe. From tiny tremors to massive quakes, you’ll explore the incredible forces that shape our world.

Fossil and Crystal Exploration Expedition: Embark on a journey back in time as we delve into the world of ancient creatures and rocks. Get hands-on with fossils including a fossilised shark tooth and learn how palaeontologists uncover the secrets of prehistoric life. Unearth the mysteries of dinosaurs, and become a junior fossil detective!Chat with Community Seismology officer Laura and Geologist Frank who have dedicated their lives to unravelling the mysteries of our planet’s past. Be inspired to explore the world of science.Don’t miss this unforgettable opportunity to journey through time, experiencing the Earth’s dynamic history. A day of hands-on learning, excitement, and family-friendly fun will leave you inspired by the wonders of our planet’s past.Get ready to rock and shake on a one-of-a-kind adventure!This event is part of the Festival of Irish Geology by the Irish Geological Association.

IGA & Heritage Week - Great Sugar Loaf - A Geological Exposé
2023-08-19 10:30 - 13:00
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.ieMaximum: 15 participants.Please book early to avoid disappointment.

IGA & Heritage Week - Geology of the Hook Peninsula
2023-08-20 11:00 - 15:00
Hook Peninsula, Co. Wexford

The Hook Head peninsula is renowned for exquisite rock exposures with a variety of geology that encapsulates many of the important events in the Palaeozoic history of south east Ireland. The outcrops are all coastal and require short walks (up to 1 km) across fields and uneven rocky foreshores to access. We will combine thinking about physical sedimentary structures with evidence from trace fossils, palaeoecology and palaeocurrents to build up a picture of where we are on the depositional profile in south east Ireland.

Meeting Place: Car park opposite Templetown Church Ruins, Templetown, Co. WexfordGoogle Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/38LJr1yKHq4ffvEr8Coordinates: 52.179943, -6.894294

We will be stopping at four localities altogether:Booley Bay -Considered one of Wexford’s hidden gems! A locality to see some Late Cambrian turbidites sequences.Sandeel Bay -To look at the river deposits from the end of the Devonian Period.Little Cove NW of Hook Head Lighthouse -Here we will examine the contact between the Bullockpark Bay dolomite and Ballysteen Formation (faults, fluids and wider significance for Irish-type mineral deposits).Hook Head Lighthouse -One of Ireland’s best known geological sites (Hammer-free zone)!This event is part of the Festival of Irish Geology hosted by the Irish Geological Association. It will be led by geologists Tara Leacey Smith and Laura Smith.Please note: Parking is limited at some locations so please carpool where possible.Duration: 4 hrsYou can register for this event at https://forms.gle/Cg533kt4WByUM9Rz6

New Ways to Hunt Down Irish Zn-Pb Mineralisation
2023-11-15 19:00 - 20:00
Irish Geological Association Lecture – Zoom only

Dr Aileen Doran (iCRAG UCD)

TO REGISTER please send an e-mail to info@geology.ie

Abstract:

Metals such as zinc, lead and copper are crucial for society, but there are many challenges remaining in how we explore and discover these important deposits. This talk will provide an update on recent geochemistry research across the southern Irish Zn–Pb ore field, introducing two techniques that could help us to identify hidden mineralisation. The two new techniques are pyrite geochemistry and carbonate isotope analysis, focusing on minerals closely associated with mineralisation. These techniques provide a better understanding of the formation of the impressive Irish Zn–Pb deposits; the results can be used as new pathfinders to find additional Irish mineralisation. Internationally, knowledge taken from the Irish studies can be applied to help search for metals in other settings and other countries.

Biography:

Dr Aileen Doran (iCRAG UCD)

Aileen finished her PhD on Irish Zn–Pb mineralization in 2021 at University College Dublin (UCD) and is currently back in UCD as a post-doctoral researcher with iCRAG studying Cu–Co deposits of the Zambian Copperbelt. Aileen’s research focuses on understanding sediment and ore formation/alteration; hydrothermal fluid processes, including sources, mixing and modification; and on testing geochemical methods as vectors towards mineralisation. Before joining UCD, Aileenmworked at Geological Survey Ireland as a graduate geologist on the Tellus project, after finishing her undergraduate degree in geology at University College Cork in 2015.Aileen actively promotes geology as an accessible and representative field for all, and she is currently Director of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Geoscience (EDIG) project, a global virtual initiative.

Date and Time: Wednesday, 15 November 2023, 19:00 pm via Zoom.

To Register: send an e-mail to info@geology.ie

A Zoom link will be sent on the day to those who have registered.

IGA Members’ Night 2023 and Zoom Lecture
2023-12-13 18:30 - 22:00

Joint IGA–GGA–CGA Lecture 2024: From Seafloor Methane to Continental Flooding
2024-01-24 19:00 - 20:00
Understanding the Palaeocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum and Global Climate Change

Date and Time: Wednesday, 24 January 2024, 19:00 pm via Zoom and in-person in Museum 4, Museum Building, Trinity College Dublin.

IGA Hybrid Lecture
2024-02-21 18:30 - 20:00 | y Zoom and in-person in Museum 4, Museum Building, Trinity College Dublin.
Putting fossils in a ‘nuclear oven’ may not sound like a good idea, but high-energy radiation from a nuclear reactor can provide a unique, non-destructive approach to examine fossils, inside and out. Such non-destructive methods are being increasingly sought after by fossil researchers to avoid making potentially regretful mistakes when preparing and examining these irreplaceable relics from our past.In this talk, Dr Chris Mays will discuss the applications of various high-energy imaging techniques to ‘virtually extract’ and ‘virtually dissect’ fossils, even those still embedded deep within their host sedimentary rocks. Chris will demonstrate these new tools in the palaeontologist’s toolkit with a series of case studies from his specific research on fossil plants and mass extinctions.

Visit to Earth Surface Research Laboratory
2024-03-06 19:00 - 20:00
This will take around 2 hours. It will involve a preliminary talk by Victoria Lowe to illustrate how the facilities of the lab have been applied to a contemporary research project. A tour of the lab and its analytical facilities will follow led by the Director of ESRL, Dr. Michael Stock.

Numbers: Limited to 15 attendees.

Modern Advancements in Volcano Monitoring
2024-04-03 19:00 - 20:00 | Museum Building, Trinity College Dublin
Claire Harnet (UCD) and Mike Stock (TCD) are organising a special evening seminar for the 60th Anniversary of the Volcanic and Magmatic Studies Group, a special interest group of The Geological Society. This will be held in Trinity on Wednesday 3 April and is open to the public. Prof Chris Bean (DIAS) and Dr Swetha Venugopal (TCD) will be speaking about modern advancements in volcano monitoring.

The Changing Roles of Long-lived Faults in MountainBelts: Examples from the Variscides of Southern Ireland
2024-04-17 19:00 - 20:00
Once initiated and developed, faults tend to have prolongedactivation histories that highly influence tectonic deformation, fluid flow, andassociated mineralisation in the brittle upper crust. The fault systems associated with Devonian/Carboniferous crustal extension and subsequent Variscan crustal shortening from southern Ireland offer an opportunity to explore the various stages and roles of faults throughout their long lifespans. This talk will primarily look at the temporal and spatial distribution of Variscan tectonic strain across the northern margin of the Upper Devonian Munster Basin, which was very much influenced by pre-collisional basin architecture, particularly by inherited extensional fault systems.

IGA Annual General Meeting
2024-04-24 19:00 - 20:30
Annual General Meeting of the Irish Geological Association follow by a wine and cheese reception.

IGA Whit Weekend Excursion
2024-05-31 12:00 - 2024-06-02 12:00
Roundstone, Co. Galway and Environs

Leader: Maria Cullen

Three Granites, Two Beaches, One Island and Lots of Life!

This weekend excursion (2 days of the long bank-holiday weekend), we will explore three distinct Caledonian Granites (c. 400Ma) of the Bertraghboy Bay area – Murvey, Errisbeg and Roundstone – in their type localities. Errisbeg Mountain (300m) displays the boundary between the granite there with older Lower Palaeozoic Amphibolite rocks, of the Metagabbro-Gneiss Suite (470Ma), to the north. We will visit two stunning Foraminifera “sand” beaches, at Dog’s Bay and Gorteen. In between the beaches lies an Isthmus leading south to a hammerhead-shaped Tombolo with Earawalla Point in the West and Gorteen Point to the East. Inis Ní, an island, connected by a causeway just east of Roundstone Village, will another focal point of our excursion.

The Faulty Side of Howth Head
2024-06-30 09:00 - 15:00
In this field trip we’ll examine the geology and structure of Howth Head.We’ll see how the Howth Fault juxtaposes Carboniferous limestone andCambrian clastic sequences, which have very distinctive geologicalhistories and structures. The outcrops visited provide nice examples offractures, veins, minor faults, fault rock and fault-related mineralisation.Not only does the Howth Fault highlight the structural characteristics ofthose faults responsible for Ireland’s Zn-Pb deposits, it has also had animportant role in the formation of Dublin Bay. Places on this excursionare limited to 30 and there is still some space left.

RHA Annual Art Exhibition
2024-07-13 10:30 - 17:30
Following the success of last year’s IGA visit to the Annual Exhibition of the Royal Hibernian Academy (RHA), Ely Place, Dublin, Bill Sheppard will again lead you through the Exhibition this year. This is a great opportunity to review the current works of leading Irish artists and to seek out a geological spin within the works on show. Artist-members are particularly welcome and non-member artists are urged to express an interest in the event.

This year the event is expanded into a full day excursion. The group will meet at Ticknock Wood, south of Dundrum, Co.Dublin to view the landscape and exchange perceptions and information within the realms of Geology in Art, Geologically Perceived Landscape and Landscape Art. In the afternoon the group will visit the RHA exhibition.

Geology within the National Museum of Ireland
2024-12-04 19:00 - 20:00
Irish Geological Association Lecture

Nigel Monaghan (Retired Keeper of Natural History at NMI)

2025 IGRM Keynote Lecture
2025-03-01 18:30 - 19:30
This lecture is being presented by Prof. Frances Wall who is based at the University of Exeter in England. The topic is critical rare earth minerals, now very sought after, causing significant socio-economic and environmental challenges.

LECTURE: Fin Whale Song in Seismic Land Data
2025-03-19 19:30 - 20:30
(In-person event only, all are welcome)

Title:“Fin Whale Song in Seismic Land Data: New Opportunities for Coastal Cetacean Monitoring”

Speaker: Dr. Martin Möllhoff (Dublin Institute of Advanced Studies)

Venue: Lecture at M4, The Museum Building, Trinity College Dublin

Excursion: MINE LANDS with Artist Judy Carrol Deeley
2025-03-22 12:00 - 17:00
Exhibition/Excursion: MINE LANDS with Artist Judy Carrol Deeley followed by an Excursion to the Summit of Bray Head, Co. Wicklow

Venue: Mermaid Art Gallery, Bray Co. Wicklow and an Excursion to Bray Head

IGA Leader: Dr. Bill Sheppard

Excursion: National Centre for Isotope Geochemistry at Science Centre East, UCD
2025-03-26 19:00 - 20:00
The visit will be led by Prof. Frank McDermott, who was appointed to the full-time lecturing staff in the UCD Dept. of Geology in 1999. He is currently Professor of Geochemistry at UCD and has been Director of the National Centre for Isotope Geochemistry since 2021. His research spans aqueous and low-temperature geochemistry, mineral weathering, isotope geology and U-series dating methods, palaeoclimatology and related atmospheric processes. He served as a Member of the Editorial Board for the international geochemistry journal Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta from 2014-2023. He was elected as a Member of the Royal Irish Academy (MRIA) May 2020.

IGA 2025 AGM and Council Nominations
2025-04-29 18:30 - 20:00 | Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS), 5 Merrion Square, Dublin 2
Irish Geological Association Annual General Meeting

Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS), 5 Merrion Square, Dublin 2

In person and by ZoomDate: Tuesday, 29th April from 6.30pm

The 3rd Annual IGA Visit to the Royal Irish Academy (RHA) Annual Art Exhibition 2025
2025-07-26 10:00 - 17:00
Leader Bill Sheppard

Bill Sheppard, having attended the opening of the Exhibition, is delighted to confirm that this year’s RHA Annual Art Exhibition has much to offer the geological enquiring mind. Many of Ireland’s leading Irish artists again exhibit works on which to base discussion of the geological aspects within their works. The exhibition also affords the opportunity to enjoy/be challenged by the range of art on show. Artist-members of the IGA are particularly welcome.

Joint IGA and BGS Weekend Excursion: 2nd-3rd August 2025
2025-08-02 10:30 - 2025-08-03 16:00
Please Mind the Gap – Groundwater Flow through Permo-Triassic rocks of Northern Ireland

Lambay Island
2025-09-06 07:00 - 20:00
Excursion to the island of Lambay on the 6th September 2025. Places still available. Book Now!

Peter Lewis Memorial Gold Panning Excursion
2025-09-20 11:00 - 17:00
The outing promises to promote interpersonal interactions among participants, providing yet another opportunity for the eclectic gatherings of the IGA to enjoy a great day out. Everyone will have the chance to pan for gold and witness the small sluice in action in the field, encouraging collaboration and a pleasant, shared experience. As always, what makes the day is the participants that choose to come along.
