European Geopark Network evaluation visit to the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark - August 2011

(From a press release: August 2011)

"The process of achieving an award of European Geopark status for the Burren and Cliffs of Moher continued last week with a visit to North Clare made by members of the European Geoparks Network.

The visit allowed the Geoparks Network members to experience first-hand the high-standard of tourism and recreation facilities, education initiatives, and community-led programmes in the Burren.

European Geoparks Network evaluators visited the Burren over a four day visit to gain an insight into the variety of experiences available to tourists and local communities in the Burren and Cliffs of Moher region.

Visits to the Cliffs of Moher and Doolin Cave offered a taste of the unique geology in the region, whilst the archaeological story was told on visits to Poulnabrone Portal Tomb and Caherconnell Stone Fort, where archaeologists were actively digging and making new discoveries.

At the source of the Fergus River near Roughan Hill, the evaluators were treated to a smorgasbord of stories about farming, social history, and local folklore by members of the Clare Farm Heritage Tours co-op.

Visits to the Burren Centre Kilfenora, Kilnaboy XPO, and Lisdoonvarna Spa Wells and the Burren Outdoor Education Centre gave the visiting team an appreciation of excellent community-led initiatives in the region.

Throughout the four day visit the evaluators met with a variety of people who are actively involved in tourism, education, conservation, and business in North Clare."