Located on the west coast of Ireland, the Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark has an area of 530 km2, it is bounded by Atlantic coastal cliffs (10-200 m high) to the west, the Gort lowlands to the East and by low hilly terrain to the south. Much of the land is at an elevation of 100 m-200 m above sea-level; the highest point is Slieve Elva at 344 m. The area of limestone which comprises most of the UNESCO Global Geopark has few rivers and only one (Caher River) which flows its entire length over ground.
The geological landscape is one of glacially smoothed Carboniferous (300 million years ago) fossil-rich limestone hills; dramatic sea cliffs; seasonal lakes; and vast networks of subterranean caves. This physical landscape hosts rare natural habitats and unique floral assemblages not found anywhere else on Earth; as well as abundant legacies of human settlement dating back over 6000 years.
The Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark is formed of Carboniferous limestones sandstones and shale (320-300 Ma). The limestones were formed in warm shallow water conditions on a carbonate shelf close to the equator. Fossil brachiopods, corals and crinoids are abundant. The limestones contain abundant caves including one of the longest free hanging stalactites in the world open to the public and are extensively karstified. The extensive limestone pavement is considered to be one of the best of its kind globally. The limestone is overlain by deep water shales and prograding cyclical deltaic deposits. Slumped units with sand volcanoes, turbidites and channel deposits are common. Typical fossils are goniatites, bivalves, and plant material. The sequence is part of some of the finest coastal exposures of ancient deltaic sedimentation in the world.
City / Region
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Number of Geosites
Enjoy the most beautiful landscapes and the most emblematic geosites in these unique and special territories.
The Geosites are locals of geological interest that represent the existing geodiversity and have a high educational, tourist and/or scientific level.
The geodiversity is present in the landscapes, that are the cradle for all the existing biodiversity in these territories.
Fahee North, lies at the top of Glencolumbkille, the valley of St Colmchille (c 520-597), the
Set against the rugged Atlantic Ocean and surrounded by the spectacular bare limestone landscape of
Uses and Customs
Geoparks are territories with a strong cultural and ethnological identity, which are represented by their customs and traditions. These customs and traditions have gained relevance throughout the centuries and became inseparable from the present and history of this regions and its people.
Farming in the Burren traditionally focuses on animal rearing with cattle, pigs, sheep and goats grazing on the herb rich grasses of the ‘Fertile
Pick up a whistle or a fiddle and give us a tune! Traditional Irish music is very much alive and kicking in the Burren Geopark! There is music played every
The Burren and cliffs of Moher Geopark sits on the Atlantic edge, there is an abundance of fresh local seafood on offer On a visit tot he Geopark you can
Farming in the Burren has traditionally focused in animal rearing with cattle, sheep pigs and goats grazing the rich herb grasses of the ‘fertile
The experiences that geoparks provide, trigger authentic experiences and unforgettable emotions.
Explore the Coast
Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark is situated on Irelands Wild Atlantic Way The rugged coast
Hidden beneath the highly visual Burren landscape is a complex underworld of caves which includes
During your visit, geoparks have restaurants and accommodation available to complement and enrich your experience.
Museums / Interpretative Centre
Museums gather collections that allow us to better understand our existence and everything related to it. They are privileged spaces that tell us about the history of the Earth and life.
Burren Nature Sanctuary
This heritage site in Kinvara, Co Galway is the perfect place to discover the magical Burren
The Burren Centre
Walk through time at the Centres exhibtions and be introduced to the ancient mysteries of the
United Kingdom , Ireland
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