Geopark Annual Reports - European Geoparks Network

Copper Coast Geopark– IRELAND
Beaches, with their cliffs, caves, rock-pools and pebbles make a natural
and fun geo-textbook.
Towards the end of 2011 we at last saw the start of work on our Geopark
Centre, which is in a former church. While we have curbed our ambitions, in
recognition of these difficult times, the result will be a building which we can use
all year round. We plan to set up an exhibition relating to the geology and
history of the Copper Coast. It will also be available as a community facility. The
building work should be completed by May.
● Throughout the year we are visited by students at all levels, from primary
schools to third level and mature students. Last year we have seen architectural
students, environmental scientists, secondary students conducting geographical
investigations, tourism students and more. Each year up to 600 Italian students
from Waterford Institute of Technology visit the Copper Coast – 150 every
second Saturday during July and August. 3 coaches start from different places
on 3 different itineraries.
● The Geoparks Week programme on the Copper Coast attempts to
incorporate a diversity of event which will appeal to a larger audience with a
wide range of interests including arts and crafts and science in the hope of
introducing a greater number of people to the Copper Coast and all it
encompasses. This year saw a Geology through Art Exhibition, involving 5 year
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