Waterford’s Copper Coast is just one of 53 sites worldwide that are officially recognised as containing a geological heritage of global significance.
Known as geoparks, these sites are designated and supported by UNESCO. There are 32 geoparks across Europe, but just two in Ireland: the Copper Coast and the Marble Arch Caves, in Fermanagh and Cavan.
Stretched over 25 kilometres of coastline between Tramore and Dungarvan the Copper Coast is a massive outdoor geology museum into which is etched the history of the region over the last 460 million years.
It takes its name from the extensive copper mining that occurred in the area during the 19th century and that story is well documented in the geopark. But this remarkable site also tells stories from other ages and eras, boasting Neolithic dolmens, Iron Age forts, pre-Christian ceremonial stones and ruined medieval churches.
This is the story of Ireland through the ages, a story that would probably never have been told had it not been for the ceaseless work of the six local communities in the area who have moved heaven and earth since 1997, to develop the park as an historical, cultural and tourist amenity.
Their efforts bore signifocant fruit with the award of the UNESCO geopark designation, in 2004.
Today they offer educational programmes for all levels, heritage activities, tourist facilities and a huge array of publications on the geology and natural life of the area.
This community-developed resource is now a world-class amenity and clearly of immense value to the towns that surround it. Clann Credo assisted with the development of a new centre to act as a hub for the entire park.
This includes an interactive visitor experience and additional community facilities.
Location: Bunmahon, Co. Waterford
Website:
http://www.coppercoastgeopark.com/
"This is the story of Ireland through the ages, a story that would probably never have been told had it not been for the ceaseless work of the six local communities in the area who have moved heaven and earth since 1997, to develop the park as an historical, cultural and tourist amenity."