This article is from page 46 of the 2009-05-19 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 46 JPG
THE unique geology of the Burren will form the centre piece for a new festival which takes place in north Clare later this month. The Burren Rocks! festival, organised by the Ennistymon-based Burren Connect Project, will take place from May 25 to 31 in a variety of locations around north Clare.
Some highlights of the festival will include a rock identification day at the Burren Outdoor Education Cen- tre in Bellharbour on May 28 and a
caving trip, due to take place on Sat- urday, May 30,
A number of family focussed events are also taking place including a range of themed walks and illustrat- ed lectures. Many of the walks and lectures are crossover events linking the Burren’s geology to its flora, ar- chaeology and culture.
A landscape-themed art competi- tion for children and teens will also take place, culminating with the winning entries being displayed at the Burren Centre in Kilfenora. Chil- dren are also invited to help make a
sandcastle city on Fanore beach on Saturday, May 30.
“There 1s an amazing wealth of geology in the Burren but it is often hidden or overlooked,’ said geologist Dr Maria McNamara.
“The Burren Rocks! festival is a really fun way of celebrating and raising awareness of the Burren’s fantastic geology, and will hopefully become a major annual event in the Burren calendar.”
All events are free of charge and most do not require booking. For full programme details, see www.bur-
renconnect.ie/geopark/events.html. The programme is also available lo- cally at libraries, visitor centres and selected public noticeboards or for more information ring 065 7072295 or email info@burrenconnect.ie.
The Burren Connect Project was established in December 2007 with funding from the Failte Ireland De- velopment Scheme Fund, in part- nership with Clare County Council, Shannon Development, National Parks and Wildlife Service, National Monuments Service, Geological Sur- vey of Ireland and Burrenbeo.