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Heritage & Conservation

Mayo's Geological Heritage


Mayo Geology Audit 

In 2013, Mayo County Council, working with geologists from National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG) and the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI), to carry out a survey of important geological heritage sites in Mayo. This survey will feed into the GSI’s national database of County Geological Sites. The Mayo Geological Heritage Project was supported by the Heritage Council, the Geological Survey of Ireland and Mayo County Council.

The full reports will be available from this office, our branch libraries and will be available to download here shortly.

High resolution versions of individual site reports and digital mapping files are available at the website of the Geological Survey of Ireland.

Reading the Rocks – Exploring Mayo’s Geological Heritage

Based on the results of the audit, a selection of sites was chosen for inclusion in a new book on Mayo’s geology, which is aimed at a general readership. 

Reading the Rocks – Exploring Mayo’s Geological Heritage by Ronan Hennessy and Martin Feely, illustrated throughout in full colour, highlights a selection of Mayo’s important Geological Heritage sites. Published by Mayo County Council, the book is available from this office and local bookshops at a cost of €15

Mayo Geology Exhibition 

An exhibition based on Mayo’s Geology will be opening in Aras an Chontae, Castlebar soon, and will then tour to other venues around the county. Further details of venues and dates will be available here shortly. 

Mayo's Geological Heritage StoryMap

Joyce County Western Lakes GeoPark Project 

The Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark Project aims to establish a new UNESCO Global Geopark in the South Mayo and North Connemara area of Galway.

The rich geology of South Mayo and Connemara has the greatest diversity of rock types in Ireland and tells the story of volcanoes, tropical seas and glaciers covering the country. Explore and experience this incredible story by visiting the Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark Project 

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