Contents

An international treasure. A local way of life. 2

The key role of tourism in the 4

Balancing tourism and conservation 6

Geopark status – a win for all 8 Strengths of the Burren & Geopark 10 Our mission. The Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark supports people and organisations to work What the Burren and Cliffs of Moher together to ensure a cared-for landscape, a better- Geopark has already achieved 12 understood heritage, more sustainable tourism, a vibrant community and strengthened livelihoods. The next phase: 3 Priorities 14 What can Geopark Status do for you? 16

Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark is managed by Clare County Council and co-funded by 2 people. place. learning. livelihood The key test that faces everyone who cares for the region is how to sustain lives and livelihoods while maintaining its special qualities and character.

Because of these influences the Burren The reality is that one can’t exist and Cliffs of Moher has become a well without the other. We need a protected known tourist destination. And these environment to ensure a prosperous influences have helped create a strong local economy and a rich quality of life local neighbourhood: a living, vibrant for all. We need thriving communities to place where families are reared; where ensure our wonderful and unique place is work is done; where food is produced; protected and sensibly developed. I manage the Burren Outdoor Education where business is transacted; where Centre. It’s a purpose-built centre that people explore and learn, and where provides quality outdoor education and culture and entertainment are ingrained adventure experiences for all ages. There’s in the local DNA. a growing curiosity from local people. The more knowledge you have the more likely you 2 A constructive challenge are to realize how wonderful and unique the 3 The key test that faces everyone who cares Burren is in and internationally – and for the region is how to sustain lives and then the more likely you are to care about An international treasure. livelihoods while maintaining its special conservation. So how does that knowledge qualities and character. We need thriving transfer? That’s where we’re different. We try communities but can we have this without to make it alive and exciting and experiential. harming our environment and culture? And who are the experts? Geologists are A local way of life. experts but farmers and locals are experts too. The Burren is about working for shared Shaped by nature. Given life by people. interests while making sure you hold your individual interest too. That’s what gives us The astonishing character of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher region has evolved a quality of community. I think there’s also through a powerful combination of geology, ecology, archaeology, agriculture, a huge potential for what I’d call ‘learning tourism’. history, heritage, commerce, creativity and community. These rich and diverse Joanna McInerney, Manager, Burren influences infuse the area with a haunting, spectacular and world-unique beauty. Outdoor Education Centre 4 5 people. place. learning. livelihood

Turning a challenge into a solution “tourism and environmental interests competitiveness of the Irish tourism It’s clear to all that tourism brings can be aligned, so that tourism aids industry can only be sustained if challenges as well as opportunities. and reinforces conservation in order the quality of these resources is The key is to turn those challenges into to ensure its own long term economic maintained. Now, more than ever, constructive and exciting goals: how future.” Ireland’s tourism industry relies on can there be tourism without erosion, Brady Shipman Martin – Tourism in the strong and appropriate environmental damage, traffic congestion and littering? Burren, A Strategic Plan, 1994 policies.” What is to be done about water, waste, Fáilte Ireland’s Environmental Action and energy sources? How do we best ‘The future of Irish tourism is Plan for 2007 – 2009 balance infrastructural needs and fragile inextricably linked to the quality environments? of the environment. Our scenic The statistics below are taken from the landscapes, coastline, rivers and lakes, 2011 Census and looks at the Electorial Everyone agrees that the unique natural and cultural heritage are the bedrock Divisions that take in the Burren and assets of the region need to be protected upon which Irish tourism has been Cliffs of Moher region. and cared for; decades of consultation built. The economic and research support this view: viability and Breakdown of Tourism Businesses Population Occupation Burren Connect 2011 Census 2011 Census Research Attractions

Agriculture/ Forest/ Fishing National Park 4 6,979 Accommodation 5 512 204

10 Visitor Centres The key role of Building Restaurant 0 - 4 yrs 125 55 428 2 Education Centres

Manufacturing Activities 5 - 14 yrs 238 56 tourism in the Burren 904 9 Information Points

Commerce Crafts/Produce Tourism is a valuable source of income for many businesses and families in the 15 - 64 yrs 41 422 9 Viewing Points region. The quality of our tourism product and the care with which it is offered 4,603

Transport & Members of Burren 65 + 11 Geopark Trails are crucial attractions for visitors. Communication Network 1,044 148 36

12 Way Marked Ways Public Administration 137 3 Cycle trails Professional Services 576 6 people. place. learning. livelihood

Burren Connect fostering local solutions Many local interests have been addressing these vital challenges for some time and strong solutions are emerging. For instance, the Burren Connect project was set up in 2007 and set out to help resolve environmental, community and tourism issues in the region. In the last 5 years the project has achieved many of its objectives, including:

· Building relationships between communities and conservation and tourism agencies “Culture and arts are vital in the Burren in terms of people’s creativity but · Developing visitor infrastructure also as a way of interpreting place, life and history. For instance, through and access to viewing points, the decades, the post office at Killinaboy used to be an informal point of sites and trails social contact. Now through weekly clubs, occasional exhibitions, talks, and the ongoing collecting of local heritage and history, this function is · Establishing a strong network of now restored. We re-imagined it as “X-PO” – the disused post office came tourism businesses that shapes 6 back to life as ‘public art’ where the social, economic and environmental 7 and promotes a sustainable issues of rural communities could be open for discussion. Where different tourism strategy for the Burren forms of knowledge – social, historical, agricultural and cultural can make Balancing tourism · Generating high quality unexpected connections. This demonstrates the potential of collaborative interpretative material for locals art practices in revealing untold narratives and unrecognised skills. and visitors alike Information is shared; friendships are made; agreements and disagreements happen; together, informally, we try to make sense of and conservation · Building a strong track record of where we live.” attracting funding for the region Deirdre O’Mahony, Artist and founder of X-PO Conservation and tourism – one supports the other. One depends on the other. Neither can flourish without the other. Therefore, it’s clear that this balance can only These achievements have produced a “Culture and arts are vital in the be achieved through a genuine partnership between conservation, economic and solid platform for the next phase of development and success. The Burren Burren in terms of people’s creativity social interests – and between agencies and local people. and Cliffs of Moher Geopark can play a significant, helpful and supportive but also as a way of interpreting role in ensuring this. place, life and history” 8 people. place. learning. livelihood

This distinguished recognition acknowledges the region’s significant This publication geological, ecological and cultural value. The award also honours the successes is an invitation in creating partnerships between local interests and national agencies, to add your in pursuing the common interests of tourism and conservation, and in voice, to funding the management expertise and strategies necessary to make this a long- support, term positive force for progress. to participate Why are both the Burren and Cliffs of Moher combined under the and to benefit. Geopark status? Though both offer completely different This Geopark status brings with it new I’m part of a loose alliance of 6 farmers who visitor and landscape experiences, the opportunities for local benefit. run Farm Heritage Tours. Farmers have a two places are nature-forged neighbours It encourages all local interests to very particular connection to the land. You’re – connected by geography and people. continue to work together towards connected by work, livelihood, family, history, Both places powerfully influence each a shared and cherished goal – the heritage and the narrative of how farming other socially and economically. The protection and prosperity of this evolved in the Burren – and both shaped, and 8 Cliffs of Moher attraction delivers a beautiful area. was shaped, by the place. Each of our farms is 9 significant impact on tourism in the different. Each farmer is shaped by their farm. wider region. Its management and That says something about the diversity of The Burren and Cliffs of Moher region Geopark status – marketing strategy actively promotes the the Burren. You can’t plan conservation here has a strong community. The new greater Burren region as a very special without including farmers. We’re minding prestigous Geopark award can empower destination. It has in turn embraced an ancient system that links us directly to our communities even more to help the use of model sustainable tourism pre-historic Burren farmers. We’re an example a win for all get the region to the next stage of of how livelihood, conservation and tourism practices adopted elsewhere in the conservation, tourism, economic activity Burren. can connect and serve each other. Coming Hard work and community effort through the years led to the awarding of a new and prosperity. on our walks you will be participating in an Taken together, the Cliffs of Moher and ecotourism experience that contributes to the prestigious international status for the region. This happened when the UNESCO- The support of local organisations, the Burren is a convincing ‘example in local economy, supplements our farm incomes families, businesses and community recognised Global Geopark designation was awarded to the Burren and Cliffs of action’ of what can be achieved when and helps us to continue the farming practices groups will help the Geopark make a people, enterprises and organisations that are vital for the conservation of the significant contribution to building a Moher in 2011. work constructively in common cause. Burren. thriving and vibrant future for the area Each can learn from, and benefit, the Frank O’Grady, Farmer and member of and everyone who calls this region home. other – and the wider community. Farm Heritage Tours. 10 people. place. learning. livelihood

Strengths of the Burren & Cliffs Geological Survey of Ireland What is EU LIFE + Geopark Status could not geology - and its integral of Moher Geopark have happened without the relationship with habitat EU LIFE + Life+ Policy and tourism businesses and support and funding from the and human history - to locals Governance Projects are high enterprises to adopt Geological Survey of Ireland. and visitors alike, and as an quality model projects that environment-friendly The GSI sees Geoparks as important catalyst for local have been funded in different practices and standards. a vital public interface for economic development. Participation Funding Thinking ahead regions of the EU. They are education and outreach, We have built a strong foundation We have the support of local and We have access to excellent projects that contribute to through the promotion of www.gsi.ie of collaboration with local national funding agencies and expertise, training and advice on new and innovative ideas, Matching grant aid is being communities and businesses we are part of an international how best to plan for the future technologies and practices kindly provided by Clare and national and international network with a proven track through relationship building and that combine social and County Council, Geological agencies. record in EU Interreg funding convincing case-making. economic benefits with Survey of Ireland, Failte 10 programmes. We have the 11 environmental benefits. EU Ireland, National Parks & Security security and resources to attract LIFE funding was granted Wildlife Service, National We have the security of having continued funding. In October for a 5-year programme of Monuments Service, Office a Local Authority function, with 2012 we succeeded in securing conservation and tourism of Public Works, Heritage dedicated office facilities and an EU LIFE funding for 5 years to actions in the Burren and Council, NUIG and UCD. annual work programme budget. further the Geopark programme. Global Geopark Network Cliffs of Moher Geopark. These are designed to Global Geopark Network of local protection, education implement key programmes The Global Geoparks and development. To be like sustainable visitor Network (GGN) is an included in the GGN, a set of management and supporting international network that criteria as must first be met by seeks the membership of the Geopark and are reassessed geological parks, or geoparks every 4 years. - geographical areas where geological heritage is the focus www.globalgeopark.org 12 people. place. learning. livelihood

Here in the surf school we offer people an opportunity to really get active and engage with the area – and not just be an admiring onlooker. I find What the Burren and there’s a demand from visitors but also a growing one from local people which is great. Certainly I notice a growing appreciation among people of the fragility of the landscape and environment. There’s Cliffs of Moher Geopark an increasing demand from consumers for providers like us to be environmentally caring and to have the highest standards. That’s all very positive. It’s great that the Geopark will be promoting standards and has already achieved accreditation. You’re also seeing internationally, publications like Lonely Planet benchmarking you against high standards so it can become a Establishing and producing an Interactive Supporting the Burren “Because the Geopark movement is international, supporting the Burren Information CD ROM (with Spring Gathering, promotional tool for businesses. We’re an example of how trade can be transacted in a sensitive area it gives local businesses a ready-made, world-wide Ecotourism Network www. Burrenbeo Trust) on the Burren in Bloom, Burren network of discerning customers and promoters. It also . like this and in so doing protect our wonderful burrenecotourism.ie Burren for local businesses Slow Food and Burren makes local people look at what we have here and value and schools. Winterage festivals. natural resource. Securing EU LIFE funding Peter Hynes, Aloha Surf School. it – the Burren area itself and the quality of businesses for a 5-year programme of Establishing introductory Developing a signage within it. The Geopark is also concerned with standards conservation and tourism Geology Evening Classes plan with local visitor which any good business should embrace. You have to 12 actions in the Burren. at the Burren Outdoor attractions. be passionate about producing the finest quality food 13 Education Centre. products and great customer care. But a business shapes Installing 9 Visitor Creating a transport and the DNA of where it’s located. And when that location Information Points, 9 Establishing a Geology tourism APP; encouraging is the Burren, you have to be as passionate about Viewing Points and 11 Summer Field School locals and visitors to use protecting it as you are about the standards of your Heritage Trails in the at Caherconnell Stone sustainable modes of products. You have to make sure the visitor and the local Burren. Fort, and supporting the travel. can both gain wonderful benefits. That will only happen Burrenbeo Ecobeo Primary with great planning, enterprise and imagination. The Publishing the Burren Providing a maintenance Schools programme. Geopark gives us the framework to be ambitious and Passport (with the and litter removal service fearless about achieving great things here.” Burren Passport Group); Supporting the Burren at Geopark locations which producing the Stone, Water Charter process. improves the environment Birgitte and Peter & Ice series of publications for locals and visitors alike. The and teaching aids on the Establishing the Burren geology of the Burren; Rocks Festival which publishing Birds of celebrates the geology and (with John Murphy), and; culture of the Burren. people. place. learning. livelihood

“Farming helped shape the Burren over thousands of years. Today, we’ve managed to combine a working farm with archeology, education and tourism. Caherconnell Fort is on the The next phase: 3 Priorities family land but we didn’t know all of its history. The only way to find it was Working with partners, local people and organisations over the next 5 years, to excavate the site so we talked to the Geopark can help deliver real benefits and results for the region: University College . It was a real breakthrough to get accreditation and now we’ve students coming Building Growing Promoting from all over. I also do the sheepdog participation sustainable learning demonstrations showing groups how tourism. We will strengthen the working We will promote the region as a working farm dog operates. It all means I can employ local people and partnership between local, We will spearhead a vibrant a destination that supports “Within rural tourism there’s a lot I feel passionate about the national and international champions of model of sustainable tourism popular and specialist learning by: that in turn helps the local economy. of stand-alone businesses – often, preservation of local culture and conservation, tourism and community to that develops and promotes the area as a So it’s all about offering diversity one person operations – many the protection of our landscape. ensure increasing benefits locally by: truly special destination that strengthens · Creating a network of outdoor and that’s where cooperating with working in isolation. I run a hostel We need to care for this wonderful classrooms and programmes that the local economy and improves the visitor others brings real benefits. Our area here in and I struggled asset we have because that’s the · Using the LIFE funding to experience, by: promote engaged learning assemble an elite panel of local is unique and that’s the asset. ‘Mind during my start-up. I found it right thing to do – but it’s also the · Sharing geological knowledge in what you have and protect it as well expertise, national agencies, · Developing destination difficult to ask for help. It was economically smart thing to do.” a compelling way – knowledge academics, and successful management and targeted as you can’ – that’s my philosophy. through my involvement in the about the forces that shape our 14 international methods to further marketing strategies That’s what the Geopark is about too.” Ecotourism Network that I realised Orla Vaughan, 15 develop a high quality sustainable world, knowledge that increases there were others like me all facing Kilfenora Hostel tourism destination. · Providing training, certification our understanding of our John Davoren and quality standards to local landscape and culture and helps similar challenges. I drew so much · We will monitor and measure businesses, which in turn will us to adapt better to changes in Caherconnell Fort support from working together. environmental, economic and increase the quality of visitor our environment And we also share practical social performance against experiences solutions. international best practice · Assisting formal and informal benchmarks. · Developing and promoting local educators operating in the region cultural events, festivals, produce The Geopark status brings · Developing an ‘archive at your · The Geopark will share that and trails with it marketing and business fingertips’ by building links with learning by networking, opportunities. For instance, I have publishing results and producing · Upgrading visitor management universities, research centres and 41 archeological students here tool kits that are adaptable for and access at natural and cultural Geoparks throughout the world to other regions. attractions gather data, which has not been from Leeds studying the geology of readily available to the public the Burren. That’s a direct result of · Implementing a coherent and the educational programmes in the integrated signage system · Introducing new ideas and new thinking to help us sustain and Burren. · Providing information on public enrich our livelihoods. transport systems. 16

For Communities For Tourism Businesses Conservationists

More co-operation, collaboration, Destination management A model for balancing conservation, and networking and marketing economic and visitor needs An improved environment Quality and standards A model for conservation as Higher tourism revenue Training and networking an economic and social driver More knowledge Packaging and promotion A model of international good practice Contact us - More resources Data and measurement

Cost and energy savings Burren & Cliffs of Moher Geopark Office For Visitors Clare County Council Area Offices ,

16 For Researchers Ennistymon, Co. Clare 17 Authentic and unique experiences and Learners Improved access Phone: 065 7071017 More choices of local products, New courses and novel places, activities and experiences ways of learning Email: [email protected] Greater understanding of the area Training for local www.burren.ie High standards in sustainable interpreters practices New research Quality and comfort Better access to research Value High quality publications/media New ideas

This publication is an invitation to add your voice, to support, to participate and to benefit. We wish to thank Clare Local Development Company for their support in producing this publication. burren.ie