Irish Geological Association Excursion
to Bohernabreena, Co. Wicklow
Saturday 20th September 2025, 11am.
with Owen McFadden and Gordon Poole
PLACES AVAILABLE
For long time members this is a very important trip. A time to remember our old friend Peter, who is greatly missed by those who had the pleasure to be involved with the IGA when he was around, enjoying one of his favourite past times, gold panning! He would be delighted to know that we’re still inspiring amateur geologists to be their own prospectors and welcoming members old and new to experience a fun day of Gold Panning!
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.
When? Saturday 20th September 2025, 11am.
Where? Meet up at Bohernabreena Upper Lake Car Park, County Dublin. Paid Car parking (€5 in cash, please).
https://maps.app.goo.gl/FQBzo6uCaLEB5A689
Grid ref. 53.258669, -6.368991
Easily accessible from J12 of the M50.
Panning will take place at the location below, which is a short walk away from the car park.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/KyNTeRozoAoKMiDB8
Grid ref. 53.226024, -6.35108073
What to bring? Wellies, gloves, and appropriate clothing to keep warm. If you have your own gold pan, then bring it along.
Register by clicking HERE before 15h September. Numbers are limited to 15 so please register early. There will be a waiting list and we will advise you if you’re on this following completion of the registration form.
Contact:
Mobile 086 2201 600
Acknowledgement: The IGA is most grateful to the Geological Survey of Ireland for the loan of pans and sieves for this event.
Leaders:
Gordon Poole is currently president of the IGA. He graduated from University College, Dublin in 2003 with a degree in Geology. Since then Gordon has worked as a Geological Consultant on Environmental Impact Studies and for a time worked in the Geological Survey, Ireland, in the Minerals Section under Gerry Stanley. He joined the Mineral Exploration industry and spent the following 10 years exploring for Copper, Nickel and Gold in Southern Africa. Gordon is currently working as a Data Management Consultant in Ireland with a focus on GIS and Data-Governance.
Owen McFadden is a seasoned educator with a B.Sc. in Biotechnology and an M.Sc. in Science Communication, bringing over 25 years of experience in lecturing at the third level. While his academic background is not strictly in geology, his passion for the subject has developed through extensive fieldwork, global travel, and recreational exploration. Hailing from Donegal but residing for three decades near the Dublin Mountains, Owen has cultivated a special appreciation for geological formations and processes, which he is eager to share with fellow enthusiasts.
In recent years, Owen’s geological pursuits have been enriched by his young son, Evan, who has developed a fascination with prospecting, hydrology, and the intricacies of rocks. Together, they have participated in various IGA excursions.
Their adventures have included gold panning in local streams, where they have dammed water to enhance their prospecting efforts. Although they have yet to discover a significant gold deposit (!!), the four flakes they have collected serve as cherished tokens of their outings, particularly those with our gold finding mentor Frank Clissman, who introduced them to the art of gold panning.