Burren and Cliffs of Moher join world famous geological sites in Top 100 list

The Burren and Cliffs of Moher have joined Vesuvius volcano, Yosemite Valley and The Dead Sea in being designated a Geological Heritage Site in a prestigious programme managed by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS).

The “Carboniferous evolution of The Burren and Cliffs of Moher” was named in the list of the Second 100 IUGS Geological Heritage Sites at the 37th International Geological Congress in Busan, Republic of Korea.

More than 700 experts from 80 nations and 16 international organisations contributed to the selection process which has given official recognition to the world’s best demonstrations of geologic features.

The County Clare geological site’s inclusion on the list follows its nomination by Dr. Eamon Doyle, Geologist with the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark.

The Burren in County Clare. Credit AirSwing Media.

Dr. Doyle explained that the Burren and Cliffs of Moher’s inclusion in the “Second 100” was based on the site being “one of the most complete sections with Mississippian limestones in exceptional karst landscapes and Pennsylvanian deltaics in spectacular sea cliffs.”

“This is a fantastic honour for the Geopark and to all interested in Irish geology considering the Burren and Cliffs of Moher is only the second entry from the island of Ireland included in the two Top 100 lists, with Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim being named in the First 100 in 2022,” he added.

The Cliffs of Moher in County Clare. Credit AirSwing Media.

Dr. Doyle continued, “The Burren is a remarkable limestone area. Its geology, flora, caves, archaeology, history and farming traditions set it apart as a place of great mystery and beauty. This new designation will help to create a greater sense of awareness and appreciation of area’s ancient geological history and its evolution through time from its formation through the retreat of the ice sheets some 12,000 years ago to the vibrant region we know of today.”

“I would like to acknowledge the support of Geological Survey Ireland (GSI) and Professor Patrick Wyse Jackson of Trinity College Dublin, who is the IUGS representative in Ireland, for supporting the application,” concluded Dr. Doyle.

Dr. Clare Glanville, Geological Survey Ireland; Dr. Eamon Doyle, Geologist, Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark; William Cormacan, National Parks and Wildlife Service; and Carol Gleeson, Manager, Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark. Photograph by Eamon Ward.

“The Second 100 IUGS Geological Heritage Sites, as with the First 100, receive IUGS recognition because they are of the highest scientific value,” explained Koen Verbruggen, the Director of GSI, Department of Environment, Climate and Communications. “They are the world’s best demonstrations of geologic features and processes. They are the sites of fabulous discoveries of the Earth and its history and have served to develop the science of geology.

Mr. Verbruggen added, “The recognition and visibility received by the inclusion of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher in the “Second 100 will lead to the further appreciation of the site, to its use as an educational resource, and, most importantly, to its preservation.”

The announcement of the Second 100 IUGS Geological Heritage Sites was made by IUGS President John Ludden, IUGS Secretary General Stanley Finney, and Asier Hilario, chair of the International Commission on Geoheritage during a special event of the 37th International Geological Congress.

Visit www.iugs-geoheritage.org or www.burren.ie for more.