TIONSCADAL GEOPHÁIRC Dhúiche Sheoigheach & Lochanna an Iarthair JOYCE COUNTRY & WESTERN LAKES GEOPARK PROJECT

1 UNESCO in Our Whispering Landscape CONFERENCE | 15 & 16 JUNE 2021 **SAVE THE DATE** THERE’S SOMETHING FOR ALL STAKEHOLDER INTERESTS

A major virtual conference is being In normal times it would be a large, blended longer term. The Joyce Country and Western organised by the Joyce Country & conference with in-person and virtual Lakes area of Mayo and Galway is worthy Western Lakes Geopark Project for contributions. Due to the ongoing Covid-19 of UNESCO Global Geopark status due to its Tuesday-Wednesday 15th & 16th June. uncertainty, we are opting for a virtual event, geology of international importance. UNESCO Themed as UNESCO in Our Whispering as in the advert above. While meeting, Global Geoparks (created in 2015) have Landscape, the conference will open a greeting and viewing online has some equal status to UNESCO World Heritage Sites window on UNESCO Global Geoparks’ limitations, it also comes with advantages – (created in 1972). They are both powerful contributions to sustainable development, more guest speakers from around the world branding tools but the advantage of the and how communities can benefit from and the island of , more people can UNESCO Global Geoparks is that they carry more locally generated jobs and business. tune in and it also creates a legacy. Exhibition no additional planning restrictions. It will also showcase the rich heritage space and workshops are also planned. in this JCWL geopark region, providing More detail about the conference models and ideas for cultural Just to re-emphasise, this project’s key aim follows soon via social media development, geotourism and is to achieve UNESCO Global Geopark status @JCWLGeopark and the project website networking. to benefit communities in the region in the www.joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie 8 Tuesday January 19, 2021 www.con-telegraph.ie www.con-telegraph.ie The Connaught Telegraph Tuesday January 19, 2021 9 FEATURE FEATURE

development of start-ups local heritage, and a range and business networks, of educational resources are Hikers enjoying a walk near food trails, accommodation, being developed. Finny / JCWL Geopark Project promotion of the unique traditions and ways of living The idea encourages visitors such as hill farming and to explore the great outdoors, fishing. After 10 years of the national walking trails dedicated voluntary effort of the region (including the and community consultation, Galway and Mayo sections the project and its longer-term of the Western Way, the structure can be a real boost as Seanbhóthar and parts of we look towards post-COVID the Tóchar Phádraig) and times. It will stimulate local is a member of Leave No jobs and income to help our Trace. As such, it promotes 2 communities survive and a collaborative and sensitive thrive. approach to highlighting local heritage while respecting the WHAT TO SEE AND DO rights of landowners and all The Joyce Country and others in the region. Western Lakes region now has a brand – a striking “The geopark has great new logo has been created potential to complement Killary Fjord from Sheep herding Tourmakeady, with in (see image in advert). The other tourism initiatives in Leenane on the Wild background / JCWL Geopark Project attractive new website www. Mayo, such as around Moore Atlantic Way / JCWL joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie Hall and various cycling and Geopark Project is a rich archive of information walking trails, to stimulate job about sites of interest and our creation and new business,” towns and villages – in English, Cllr Al McDonnell said. “It Irish and will soon expand also shows the benefits of with other languages. good collaboration with our neighbours in Galway and The ‘what to do’ section with other development has a great range of activities agencies such as Údarás na and attractions including Gaeltachta and Geological walks, hikes and national Survey Ireland.” trails, angling, options for food and accommodation, and a So here it is, Guth na talún slick interactive map to help ... a great opportunity to Wooded walks around Moore Hall you with orientation. Other learn what’s beneath our feet and its walled garden / clickable menus have easily and explore our whispering photo: Mayo County Council digestible detail such as the landscape. Guth na Talún - Explore our whispering landscape in Joyce Country & Western Lakes region

landscape. Instinctively, we outstanding geology of and Tourmakeady Add in the fantastic by hundreds of millions of like to know where we came international significance. So in the north to Headford, beauty of the Maumturks, years of geological processes from, what was there before, significant that this geopark Oughterard, Lough Inagh Maumtrasna and the interacting with other forms where’s it all going. Such project (see box) is preparing and Leenane to the south Mountains, glaciated lakes of the natural world and, in curiosity is not just about our the way for an application to and west. Beneath our feet and meandering rivers, and much more recent times, the own place of living, but also UNESCO for Global Geopark there’s: stunning karst landscapes to human world. It’s promoting when we read about and visit status. < a rock record of the rival parts of the Burren, and use of the for other places. So let’s take a opening and closing of the much more. education, business and look at how this applies to It’s why the ambitious Iapetus Ocean hundreds leisure, reminding us of our wider backyard – and Joyce Country and Western of millions of years ago, Clonbur, Corr na Móna, the rich connection to the how it can be part of a great Lakes Geopark Project is including the world-famous Maam, Leenane, Cong, landscape. opportunity to improve now helping showcase to our Connemara Marble , , livelihoods. communities and the rest < part of a geological story Carnacon and The Neale are Telling the stories of the MICHAEL HEGARTY of Ireland, Europe and the stretching from Norway to just a few of the 18 villages geological and cultural OUTSTANDING GEOLOGY world just how special our the southern USA and towns with fantastic heritage of the region creates Many readers will know place is ... and how we can < the only fjord in Ireland culture and heritage to potential tourism markets ow well do of Joyce Country, but might share some of it sustainably at Killary explore. to attract people who are you know your not be aware that the wider for the benefit of locals and < one of the fastest flowing willing to spend time in backyard, or region – on the Galway-Mayo visitors alike. spring complexes in the The project is informing, the geopark, to linger and Hgarden? Do we border, the area both sides world at Cong showing and educating locals absorb rather than drive have any idea how that of Loughs Carra, Mask and Here’s just a little of < Lough Carra as one of the and potential visitors about through. This encourages ridge, hill or mountain you the Corrib and touching what’s in the area, which most significant marl lakes in how our landscape and the spending on local services see out the window came the Wild Atlantic Way – has stretches from Ballintubber, Europe way we live has been shaped rather than mass tourism, about and why they look like that? Just how and when did all the lakes around Multiple agencies ... and a global trend us – large and small, deep and shallow – emerge and The Joyce Country and Western Lakes ( JCWL) from Geological Survey Ireland (lead partner), in place by local, national or EU legislation. The will they always be there? Geopark Project (Tionscadal Geopháirc Údarás na Gaeltachta, Galway and Mayo County UNESCO status is not automatically retained And how has our fantastic Dhúiche Sheoigheach agus Lochanna an Councils, Coillte, Fáilte Ireland and a cross-com- – it needs to be revalidated every four years landform history inspired Iarthair) 2020-2021 is a €1.19 million initiative munity group JCWL GeoEnterprise. through an assessment process. and shaped our lives and the promoting sustainable development. Support- There are now 161 UNESCO Global Geoparks way we live? ed mainly by the Rural Regeneration and Devel- in 44 countries ... and growing. UNESCO Global opment Fund (Project Ireland 2040), it also Geopark status carries no additional legal Michael Hegarty is the Geopark Manager with Joyce That’s just a sprinkling of has significant financial and in-kind support status or planning restrictions to those already Country and Western Lakes Geopark Project questions a geopark can help us answer ... by reading the

Our essential publicity and promotion of the geopark idea WE NEED TO BE SEEN, HEARD AND SUPPORTED

A fantastic rural development opportunity Councillors and senior staff in and > FLYER needs good publicity for strong support. County Galway, senior Galway City Council A5 size, it is simply key bullet points And so hopefully many of you have noticed staff, to the region’s TDs and Senators and about what a geopark is/isn’t, does/doesn’t, in recent months that the JCWL Geopark MEPs, and to senior staff at other stakeholder will/won’t ever be, to inform individuals, Project has upped its publicity through agencies including Geological Survey communities, businesses, others about various media outlets. We’ve had two-page Ireland, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Fáilte Ireland the idea. This will be sent out soon by news features in , and Coillte. And we made a submission to mail drop. Tribune, Connaught Telegraph and both the draft Mayo County Development Plan the Galway and Mayo Advertisers. An (Galway’s plan is pending). If you would like digital copies of any or all article in the winter issue of MountainLog – of those three documents, please contact us Mountaineering Ireland’s flagship publication, > CORPORATE BROCHURE on [email protected] and several local community magazines. With stunning photos and very brief narrative, its purpose is to showcase to key A crucial requirement of a UNESCO Global On the airwaves, project staff have been decision-makers the fantastic landscape, Geopark is to have a sustainable governance interviewed on Galway Bay FM, Radio na scenery, heritage, human and infrastructure and management structure in place, including Gaeltachta and Connemara Community Radio. resources in the JCWL area and to financial commitments. In the coming few On social media we are very active on facebook, generate support for the geopark idea. months we will host online presentations for Twitter and Instagram – all with the tag @ elected public representatives and senior JCWLGeopark – also linking to our website > STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK FOR officials about the geopark with ideas for www.joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie which we TOURISM DEVELOPMENT such sustainable structures. We hope you the hope you agree is a fabulous resource. This easily digestible document points the reader will help publicise whenever possible way for geo-tourism development in the and to whom ever, what a great opportunity Additionally, we have sent out a key set area, including six strategic objectives with the geopark idea is for Counties Galway and of project documents (listed below) to all key actions for the period 2020-2025. Mayo and the whole of Connacht. TIONSCADAL GEOPHÁIRC Dhúiche Sheoigheach & Lochanna an Iarthair LAKES GEOPARK PROJECT JOYCE COUNTRY & WESTERN

This certifies that 3 Seo dheimníonn go bhfuil is a GEOPARK AMBASSADOR AMBASADÓIR GEOPHÁIRCE of Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark Project den Tionscadal Geopháirc Dhúiche Sheoigheach agus Lochanna an Iarthair

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Check out our Geopark Ambassador course

LEARN HOW IMPORTANT GEOLOGY IS TO THE WAY WE LIVE IN OUR FABULOUS LANDSCAPE

21 participants start This JCWL Geopark Project short course has now been delivered twice since January Tour Guiding course 2021. It is also part of the curriculum of the Regional Tour Guiding Course which started this GUIDING WILL BE A KEY CONTRIBUTOR TO BOOSTING month at Petersburg OETC. Running over two sessions of 1.5 hrs each, and presented by the VISITOR NUMBERS IN THE GEOPARK Geopark Geologists, this short course enables participants to become Geopark Ambassadors The training course for those interested in in-person at Petersburg. Field visits will by learning about the geopark project, why Tour Guiding started at the end of February. be an important part of the curriculum. the local geology is so important, what can be Funded by the JCWL Geopark Project, it The course is accredited by Quality and found at the sites of interest, how to read the is being delivered by Petersburg Outdoor Qualifications Ireland (QQI) – the national geological map and the landscape and how Education and Training Centre (OETC), agency responsible for qualifications and you (the participants) can use the geopark Clonbur, following an open tender process. quality assurance in further education and brand. A field trip will also complement what There was great interest in joining the course training and higher education. The programme was covered in this course. This has not yet with over 30 applications. Following an consists of two parts: i) Irish Tour Guiding, and happened due to COVID-19 restrictions, though interview process, twenty-one were finally ii) Irish Natural Heritage & Culture – both of it is eagerly awaited by the participants. accepted, with priority given to those living in which are at Level 6 and QQI credit value 15. the geopark region. Participants come from So far, the sessions have been attended by 65 a great variety of backgrounds, and there’s a All participants are keen to engage either part participants from both our business network balanced age and gender profile – with great time or full time in tour guiding at some point and our local communities, and feedback has opportunities to share and learn from each after successful completion of the course. It been positive (average rating of 4.75 stars out other’s broad experiences. has the potential to add greatly to awareness of 5!) and encouraging. The course is free and raising about what the geopark region has to will run again in April for those in the geopark Course delivery will be a blended offer, to contribute towards increased visitor region and further afield. Details to follow on combination through online and, later numbers, and provide additional income and our website and our social media channels (@ when Covid-19 restrictions are relaxed, jobs. JCWLGeopark). 4

Website content and business listings expansion

CHECK IF YOUR BUSINESS IS LISTED ON THE GEOPARK WEBSITE

Our website www.joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie is regularly We also plan to add a page called local updated for news content and events. And we always welcome products on local crafts and food products. any comments, suggestions or corrections you might have for If you would like a particular product to be the content. One of our new additions is the page dedicated to listed there, or your accommodation, food festivals and annual events organised by the communities of and drink or activity business in the geopark the region. And we’ll soon offer parts of the website in further region, do let us know and we’ll include you international languages for when our visitors from overseas will [email protected] be allowed back (post Covid-19). 5

Fáilte Ireland’s outlook for tourism in 2021 THE OUTDOORS WILL PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN DOMESTIC HOLIDAYS

Fáilte Ireland has been closely monitoring locations, for example, have tended to be After a year of isolation, domestic tourists will consumer insights and sentiment throughout higher. Self-catering providers are seeing a be looking for a sense of fun and connection the COVID-19 crisis, and research shows that high level of booking enquiries for July and when on holidays. There is an opportunity domestic tourism will be the first to return as August. Hotels are also expecting a slight for trade to act as a reconnection point. the vaccine rollout gets underway. increase in occupancy levels in the latter Safety and security will, of course, play a key half of the summer and some are seeing an role in the visitor experience and will be an Fáilte Ireland is hopeful that some kind of increase in the length of stays being booked. important area of focus for trade, as they domestic tourism activity can start again Many of these bookings are provisional and prepare for reopening and recovery. Fáilte this summer and initial metrics for 2021 are most are flexible given the uncertainty around Ireland’s COVID-19 Safety Charter aims to generally up, suggesting that this year will re-opening. boost public confidence in the safety of be stronger than 2020. People who claimed tourism businesses and can be displayed to have taken fewer domestic trips last year The latest Fáilte Ireland research into both online on a business’ website to assure are showing higher intent for 2021, meaning consumer behaviour tells us that the consumers while booking as well on the there is an opportunity for tourism businesses outdoors will play an important role in premises for when they arrive. to convert this intention into bookings, when domestic holidays in 2021, for individual, it is safe to do so. While families continue to group and family holidays. Families are show strong intent, younger unconstrained more inclined to visit nature reserves, For expert guidance and advice on areas adults, are showing an interest in travel in the gardens, zoos, wildlife parks and open such as driving domestic sales, tourism as a destination. outdoor spaces, as these are easily identified businesses should visit Failte Ireland’s as places to go by parents. Building local COVID-19 Business Support Hub at We are hearing mixed reports from tourism itineraries to both help and encourage www.failteireland.ie businesses across the country in terms of broader activities planning would be Fionnán Nestor bookings. Booking enquiries for coastal welcomed by those looking to book. Projects Officer, Wild Atlantic Way, Fáilte Ireland

6

All Saints Heritage Centre Clonbur – a local heritage initiative REACHING INTO THE PAST TO DEVELOP A STRONGER FUTURE

There’s exciting and ambitious The plan acknowledges the beneficial relationships with the A ‘repeatable process template’ planning taking place these days rich heritage of the West of tourist population. Much like a will be developed that starts around heritage development in Ireland, with a deep sense three-legged stool, it relies on with gathering interest in Clonbur, Co Galway. All Saints of self-reliance, hard work balance: one leg heritage and the community, providing Heritage Centre (ASHC) / Ionad and everyday life skills that cultural preservation and skills tantalizing glimpses of the Cultúr agus Dearadh An Fháirche generated satisfaction of a job building, a second leg increased craft, then walking interested is preparing a 5-year Heritage well done, while celebrating economic viability, and the third parties through learning and Culture Strategic Plan the cycle of the year with leg celebration of the beautiful the skills, and guiding them aiming to preserve and enhance creativity and enthusiasm. It natural assets and community towards creating a saleable the social, economic and also recognises the role of well- Clonbur offers. product or experience. Current cultural vitality of Clonbur and targeted tourism for sustaining artisan and craftspeople will be its surrounding communities. rural viability, with durable skills Four areas of cultural heritage engaged as training resources The plan will revive and and enhanced quality of life knowledge, skill, and craft have where possible, and will rely on enhance skills to leverage local for the community that goes been selected to begin with: research and academia where distinctiveness and traditions for beyond monetary gain. All ASHC no local craftsperson exists. > butter and buttermilk making a more diverse local economic projects are designed to invest Among the planned outcomes > súgán/straw craft future including crafts, artistry, a sense of place, and pride in will be saleable heritage > nettles (textiles, foods, lore) resourcefulness, self-reliance, the cultural assets of the area crafts, and cultural tourism > horn spoons skill, joy and wisdom. while engaging in mutually experience. 7 8

Launch of Leave No Trace new training network Place Names booklet OPPORTUNITIES TO PARTNER AND COLLABORATE ON PROJECTS official launch THIS WILL HELP YOU “READ OUR LANDSCAPE” The Leave No Trace initiative is ‘Annual CPD Programme’. This an internationally recognised set first webinar welcomes the An exciting new booklet exploring the relationship between geology of operational rules for access to international award-winning and place names will be launched on Wednesday 14 April on the countryside to help prevent author Richard Louv as guest the JCWL geopark project facebook page. This bilingual publication conflict and serve a variety speaker. Richard’s books have focusses on the geological and geomorphological features recorded of needs and responsibilities. helped launch an international in place names in Ireland with more specific examples from the Its Irish branch was launched movement to connect children, project region. The booklet provides tools to research your local in 2008 and focusses on families and communities to geology all over Ireland with a glossary of frequent terms used. an education programme nature. He speaks globally on focussed on messages and nature-deficit disorder and on Printed copies were sent to all schools (primary and post-primary) skills for outdoors users. The the need for environmental in both county Galway and Mayo and others will soon be delivered organisation, of whom JCWL protection and preservation for to all the community councils and partner agencies to the project. Geopark Project is a partner, will greater access to nature and the Lecturers in Geology and Geography in Higher Education institutions launch its new training network health of the Earth. in Ireland were also sent digital copies of the booklet. on 25 March with their first online Continuous Professional This webinar is free to The launch will feature a short presentation of the content of the Development (CPD) webinar. Accredited Trainers and booklet and will showcase some examples of such place names Accredited Training Centres, connections with the local geology in the region. The digital copy The training network aims to but registration is essential. The of both the Irish and English versions will then be accessible on the engage with Leave No Trace event takes place on 25 March at project website www.joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie. trainers and training centres to 7.30pm and you can register Printed copies will also be made available free. create opportunities to network, here. partner with other practitioners, Leave No Trace Ireland offers a The booklet has been funded by Geological Survey Ireland and is a collaborate on projects and number of educational resources publication of Joyce Country and Western Lakes GeoEnterprise – programmes and learn from a on their website, most of them the cross-community representative group which is a partner in the new exciting Leave No Trace also available in Irish HERE JCWL Geopark Project. 9

LIFE application submitted by Catchment Association

€5M PROJECT COULD BE A LIFE-SAVER FOR LOUGH CARRA

The LIFE application was submitted on 17 close to €5 February - a trojan effort by the consultant million including team at Woodrow SS and the Co-ordinating an EU financial Beneficiary Mayo County Council. The contribution application is based on the Concept of close to Note and Feasibility study organised by €3 million. the LCCA in 2019/2020 – the LCCA LIFE If approved, Feasibility Study ‘Charting a Bright Future expected start for Lough Carra’ available here. date is 6/09/2021 and expected end date 04/09/2026 with Protection There has been excellent support from all plans for continuing the project after LIFE. Agency; Office of Public Works; Local the associated beneficiaries, partners and Authorities Waters Programme; Inland stakeholders including Geological Survey The list of associated beneficiaries includes: Fisheries Ireland; Vincent Wildlife Trust; Ireland, the JCWL Geopark Project and Department of Agriculture, Food & The Marine; Teagasc; and the National Federation of GeoEnterprise (the cross-community group National Parks and Wildlife Service; Geological Group Water Schemes. partnering in the Geopark Project). The Survey Ireland; Lough Carra Catchment LIFE Project title is ‘Improving ecosystem Association; Coillte. Other partners who do Our best wishes to Lough Carra Catchment resilience and reducing nutrient pollution not receive funds from the project but who co- Association and all the partners, it would be in Lough Carra, one of Europe’s premier ordinate their activities, under the supervision great if the LIFE project is approved, for the SAC marl lakes’ with a total project budget of Mayo County Council are: Environmental benefit of current and future generations. Copyright © 2021 Joyce Country & Western Lakes Geopark Project, All rights reserved.

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