How Burren and Cliffs of Moher hold clues to more than 300 million years of Earth’s history

Experts at Unesco Global Geopark are keen to share their discoveries with visitors

The Burren and Cliffs of Moher, which have already earned spots on the bucket lists of many tourists, can offer “clues” to the conditions on Earth more than 300 million years ago.

Experts are inviting visitors into their world across a two-day event in May, featuring “bite-sized” and accessible insights from those who have found fossils and uncovered the fascinating truths of the landscape.

The Burren and Cliffs of Moher Unesco Global Geopark covers 36,000 hectares in north Clare and is home to more than 70pc of Ireland’s native species of flora and 28 of the country’s 30 butterfly species.

“The oldest rocks visible on the Burren’s surface were formed during the Carboniferous period, approximately 330 million years ago,” geologist Dr Eamon Doyle said.

“These limestone rocks formed in shallow, warm, tropical seas 10 degrees south of the equator.

“More recently, the last Ice Age has sculpted those rocks and largely given the Burren its current shape.”

The landscape draws researchers, students and tourists from all over the world, with experts in the field examining the impact of the Ice Age, the history of human settlement in the region and the ancient past that can be uncovered through the discovery of fossils and the more than 2,700 recorded monuments on the site, some dating back over 6,000 years.

A 315 million-year-old fossil sponge was discovered near the Cliffs of Moher by Dr Doyle earlier this year, dating back to when Co Clare was close to the equator. It is the largest example of its kind anywhere in the world.

The county is taking strides to become the first certified sustainable tourism destination in Ireland, with the geopark becoming the guiding force in cementing its place on the map.

“It is a nationally important site. After the Guinness Storehouse, the Cliffs of Moher is the most visited place in the country by tourists,” Dr Doyle said.

“It’s the biggest visitor attraction in the country from that point of view, we have to take that into consideration as well. When people come to Ireland, one of the reasons they come here is to go to the Cliffs of Moher.

“It is on the bucket list for people all across the world.”

More than 80pc of the park is designated as special areas of conservation, where Arctic and Alpine flowers grow alongside Mediterranean species and the Great Stalactite – one of the longest stalactites in the world to be accessible to public visitors – is found in Doolin Cave.

“There are challenges with all of these things because we want people to come here, but at the same time you’ve got to have balance in terms of tourism and the impact of congestion on the roads or the sites becoming damaged. It’s an ongoing balance, it’s a delicate balance,” said Dr Doyle.

“So, when we talk about tourism, we really push the sustainable part of it. That’s a strong point for us. We are strong supporters of Leave No Trace. If you’re conscious of that, no matter where you go, you’re doing a good job.”

The Geopark Academy will show off the ancient geological history of one of Ireland’s most famous natural landmarks and how it has changed, from the retreat of the ice sheets some 12,000 years ago to what is now the geopark.

It will take place on May 25 and 26 at the Burren College of Art in Ballyvaughan, with speakers including those who undertook a groundbreaking mapping project of the seabed off the Burren and Cliffs of Moher and an archaeologist involved in the ongoing excavation of a Mesolithic stone-axe manufacturing site at Doolin.

“It is very accessible, the talks themselves are only 25 minutes to 30 minutes long. That’s what we’re aiming for – that’s what the geopark does – we present information in a way that’s accessible to as many people as possible and that’s one of our strengths,” Dr Doyle said.

“The fact that we can have the event last year with different people this year shows how much is going on.”

The free talks are open to the whole family, with a guided mini-bus history tour of the area also taking place, though places are limited and booking is essential.

“Even as a child, if you don’t get everything somebody is saying, you will still see the pictures and the slides. If you go and some of it registers, hopefully down the line that might trigger somebody into becoming a scientist,” Dr Doyle said.

“I would encourage people to bring children. I recommend exposing children to as much science and as much interesting information as possible.”