DOCSLIB.ORG

December 2019

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
December 2019 Nollaig/ December 2019 Tuarascáil Mhíosúil ón Phríomhfheidhmeannach Monthly Management Report PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Pgs. 11-13 PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT Pgs. 14-26 FINANCE & SUPPORT SERVICES Pg. 5 SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT Pgs. 6-10 RURAL DEVELOPMENT Pgs. 2-4 1 RURAL DEVELOPMENT Cliffs of Moher Strategy 2040 Clare County Council signed contracts with Haley Sharpe market positioning. The project value is €398k + VAT and will be Consultants to prepare a new Cliffs of Moher Strategy 2040. completed over 15 months with key deliverables at scheduled The consultants comprise a multi disciplinary team who will points. Miriam Kennedy, head of Wild Atlantic Way confirmed devise the strategy that will inform future developments at the commitment of Fáilte Ireland to work with the Council on the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience. This is a joint initiative this iconic product and the new strategic path. between Clare County Council and Fáilte Ireland. Chairperson of Cliffs of Moher centre Ltd., Bobby Kerr, said Deputy Mayor of Clare, Cllr. Clare Colleran Molloy, stated that that “The strategy is a critical piece of work in informing what’s the challenge of this Strategy, and its component master plan, is required for this iconic site and dovetails with the Clare strategy to deliver a world class visitor experience utilising best practice ensuring the Cliffs is a driver for tourism in the rest of the visitor management and environmental management practices county” to ensure the future of the natural asset is safeguarded. “This is a fantastic opportunity for Cliffs of Moher Visitor Chief Executive Pat Dowling said that the opportunity is to Experience to work with experts who will take a holistic provide adequate facilities onsite while securing a continued perspective to develop the much needed site improvements” contribution to the wider economy, to ensure commercial and environmental sustainability into the future maintaining Geraldine Enright Director. Kilkee Town has received a WTM World Responsible Tourism Dr. Senan Cooke, Dunhill Ecopark, Ballyphilip, Dunhill, Co. Award for ‘Best for Reducing Plastic Waste’. The Award was Waterford gave a presentation to the Clare Rural Development presented in London to Cllr Cillian Murphy. Forum on 12th November 2019 on Social Enterprise 2 2 RURAL DEVELOPMENT Clare Comhairle na nÓg A wheelchair basketball mini tournament took place recently This event was organised to encourage minority sports and in the fantastic facilities in Gurteen, Co. Clare. Clare Comhairle tackle discrimination. na nÓg and Kilmaley Youth Club joined with Clare Wheelers Basketball Club to learn the basics of the game and to let the young people have a little of the experience of being a wheelchair user. “A really enjoyable day even if I am exhausted” was the verdict of one of the young people. While another said that “we would never had a chance to see what it was like to use a wheelchair if we didn’t get to come today”. James Murrihy of Clare Sports Partnership who sits on the Comhairle Steering Committee said they were delighted to be able to facilitate the event and looked forward to working with Clare Youth Service to help it grow in 2020. He praised the young people from Comhairle na nÓg for coming up with the idea and organising the day. Comhairle na nÓg gives young people a voice in decision making and allows them to take action in areas of importance to them. Visit from Eastern Holland Rural Development staff recently facilitated a study visit by Ms. Anne Marie van Oldeniel-Boerhof. Anne Marie is from a rural region in Eastern Holland. She has a keen interest in rural and community development, in addition to involvement in a variety of voluntary activities in her own region. During her two- day visit, Anne Marie had the opportunity to attend the recent Rural Development Forum. She also observed the November meeting of Clare County Council and a Budget Briefing for Elected Members. Rural Development staff and Anne Marie also had the opportunity to exchange ideas and compare the Irish and Dutch systems of Local Government. International Tourism Awards – Cliffs of Moher shortlisted. The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience was among one of the The Mayor of Clare Cathal Crowe added “It’s a fantastic finalists shortlisted at the World Travel Awards in London on achievement for the Clare County Council owned facility to be Tuesday 5th November. Ireland was very successful with two acknowledged at an international level.” visitor attractions listed in the Best Visitor Attraction category. “Recognition at this level highlight the success of tourism • Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience by Clare County Council development in Co. Clare and provides rationale for future • Dark Sky® Alqueva: A Star Destination by Dark Sky investment and development” Leonard Director of Services Association Rural Development. • Les Villages Nature Paris by Groupe Pierre and Vacances • Sengan-en, Shoko Shuseikan Museum, and Satsuma Kiriko “We are very proud to be on the centre stage of best attractions Glass works Renovation Project by Shimadzu Ltd in the world. Being shortlisted is an affirmation that the Cliffs of • Spike Island by Spike Island Development Company Moher Visitor Experience is world class, this acknowledgment • Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry gives recognition to the staff who maintain the site meticulously Potter by Warner Bros. Studio Tour London and serve the customer to the highest standards” Geraldine Enright - Director Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience The Cliffs of Moher is part of the UNESCO Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark and is Ireland’s most visited attraction with 1.58 million visitors in 2018. The Awards celebrate the success of national, regional and city tourist boards and recognises outstanding private sector companies and individuals. Organised by World Tourism Market (WTM) London, along with an independent panel of expert judges, the 15 awards showcase the best in class of the global travel & tourism industry, in front of an audience of 500+ senior industry professionals. 3 3 RURAL DEVELOPMENT Annual Tourism Policy Workshop The 10th Annual Tourism Policy Workshop took place in Dromoland Castle Hotel on 22nd November 2019. This event was supported by the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience. Clare Association Dinner International Tourism Awards Mid West Tourism Ball Pictured at the Irish Hotels Federation Mid West Tourism Ball 7th Annual Fundraising Tourism Bally in the Woodlands House Hotel, Adare are: Standing: Joan Tarmey, Tim Madden, Nicola Killeen, Cllr Cillian Murphy, Philomena O’Connell, Cllr Pat Hayes, Deirdre O’Shea; Seated: Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy and Deirdre Power. 4 4 FINANCE & SUPPORT SERVICES CORPORATE SERVICES Register of Electors The List of claims are now prepared and will be published this week, Pat Wallace, County Registrar will oversee the Revision Courts for the purpose of hearing claims, objections and the revision and amendment of the several Lists of Voters (Dail, Local Government and European Assembly) for the County of Clare. This will be held in Court 3, The Courthouse, Lifford, Ennis, County Clare on Wednesday 4th December at 2.30p.m. for all and every voting area of County Clare PROCUREMENT: The following tender competitions were published in November 2019 HUMAN RESOURCES November was a busy month for staff training with many operatives up skilling in the fields of Load Securing, Abrasive Wheel Operation, Location of Underground Services and PHECC First Aid Response. New this month were a Self Care Workshop for Housing Staff and a Stop Food Waste Workshop for all staff, while online training in Manual Handling, Employee Wellbeing and Children First are regular features on the Learning & Development calendar The final workshop/information sessions for the Fire Services were delivered in November with the crews from Kilrush and Killaloe stations attending and participating at their respective stations Freedom of Information & Data Protection: Statistics to 30/11/19: There are 14 recruitment competitions currently running • 162 Freedom of Information Requests including Burial Ground Register, Executive Engineer, Technician • 14 Freedom of Information Internal Review applications Grade 1, Temp. Part-time School Warden (Ennis MD and West • 3 appeals to Information Commissioner Clare MD), Senior Executive Technician and Retained Fire • 28 Access Requests (Data Protection) Fighters (Killaloe). Councillor Cases Application An application has been developed in-house to allow Councillors to make representations in a more efficient manner and to allow both Councillors and staff to record and track the progress on queries/representations lodged. This app is accessible using PowerApps and is free to download on a tablet or smart phone. The App has been loaded on Councillors Phones/Tablets and training is being provided on an individual basis. When the Councillor logs and saves a case, it will go directly through to ‘Customer Service’ who will set the status to ‘In Progress’ and assign the case to the relevant staff member / group (the assignee), for action and reply. The case will be updated as appropriate and the Councillor can view the status of the case and the last action which was taken, at all times. The app will provide a good tracking system for Councillors, staff and management, and allow Councillors access and visibility on their representations in one secure location. The Business Review Team are available to assist with any queries in the roll out of the application. 5 5 SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT Housing November saw the completion of two Council direct build schemes at Clonlara and Feakle with 22 household’s allocated new homes in time for Christmas. Also by the end of this month 31 dwellings at Tullyvarraga, Shannon are complete and purchased by Co-operative Housing Ireland (CHI) and are shortly due for allocation by CHI to households nominated by this Council to CHI. The remaining 16 units are due for completion before year end.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Wales-Ireland Travelogue 2009
    WALES AND IRELAND TRIP MAY 12 TO JUNE 4, 2009 What a coincidence! Meaningless, to be sure - but a coincidence, nonetheless. Our trip to the British Isles in 2009 began and ended one day earlier than our trip to Scotland, May 14 to June 5, 2001. (One can only hope that September of this year doesn't hold the same sort of unpleasant surprise that was visited upon us eight years ago.) OK, so I made a "small" error - we are departing two days earlier, not one. And, OK, so it wasn't much of a coincidence, was it? I mean, a real coincidence - one of excruciating consequence - occurred at the Polo Grounds in NYC on October 3, 1951 when Ralph Branca of the Blessed Brooklyn Dodgers was called in to pitch in the 9th inning and, by coincidence, Bobby Thomson of the Bestial New York Giants happened to come to bat, and, by coincidence, Mr. Branca happened to throw a pitch that the aforementioned Mr. Thomson happened to swing at, and, by coincidence, made contact with said pitch and drove it a miserable 309 feet into the first row of the left- field seats of the absurdly apportioned Polo Grounds, thus ending the Dodgers' season and causing a certain 12-year-old, watching on TV, in Brooklyn to burst into tears. Now that was a coincidence! But I digress. Tuesday, May 12 to Wednesday, May 13 Rather than leaving our car at the Seattle Airport Parking Garage (cost for three-plus weeks $468) or at an airport hotel (about $335) we decide to try the new Gig Harbor Taxi (at $95 each way, including tip).
    [Show full text]
  • The Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark Newsletter
    ISSUE 6, AUGUST 2017 The Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark Newsletter Welcome to the sixth edition of our newsletter, your guide to what the Geopark is all about, with updates on the GeoparkLIFE project, events, education initiatives and much more…. Launching four new trails during Heritage Week This Heritage Week, (19th-27th Au- footprint signs along the route ensure gust) will see the launch of four ad- you are on the right path. ditional heritage trails to the exist- Guided walks for Heritage Week: ing Geopark Heritage Trail series. The new trails at Fanore, Doolin, Fanore, 22nd August 2.00pm Kilinaboy and Carron will bring the Patsy Carrucan of Fanore will tell his Killinaboy, 24 August, 7:30pm total number of Heritage Trails in stories of the heritage of Fanore on a Join Frank O'Grady and explore the the Geopark to nine. walk from Craggah to Fanore Beach. fascinating history of the village of Meeting point: Outside O’Donohues The new trails have been designed pub, Craggah, Fanore Kilnaboy along the Kilnaboy Geopark to celebrate the cultural and built Heritage Trail. heritage of the communities and Cusack to Cahercommaun, 24 Meeting Point: Old Killinaboy church will be launched by Geopark Geolo- August, 11am. Agnes O'Loughlin of the Doolin, 26 August, 10:30am gist Dr. Eamon Doyle with local heri- Michael Cusack Centre will guide a tage experts. The Intriguing story of the history of walk to the ancient stone fort of Ca- Doolin as told by archaeologist Joe A trailhead map is the start point for hercommaun along the Cusack - Ca- McCooey in a walk along the Doolin each of the self-guided trails.
    [Show full text]
  • Sea Environmental Report Draft Burren and Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience Development Plan
    SEA ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT FOR THE DRAFT BURREN AND CLIFFS OF MOHER VISITOR EXPERIENCE DEVELOPMENT PLAN for: Fáilte Ireland 88-95 Amiens Street Dublin 1 by: CAAS Ltd. 1st Floor 24-26 Ormond Quay Upper Dublin 7 OCTOBER 2019 SEA Environmental Report for the Draft Burren and Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience Development Plan Table of Contents List of Abbreviations ................................................................................................v Glossary ...................................................................................................................vi SEA Introduction and Background ..................................................... 1 1.1 Introduction and Terms of Reference ........................................................................... 1 1.2 SEA Definition ............................................................................................................ 1 1.3 SEA Directive and its transposition into Irish Law .......................................................... 1 1.4 Implications for the Plan ............................................................................................. 1 The Draft Plan .................................................................................... 3 2.1 Overview ................................................................................................................... 3 2.2 Relationship with other relevant Plans and Programmes ................................................ 4 SEA Methodology ..............................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Field Trip - the Burren and Cliffs of Moher
    Field Trip - The Burren and Cliffs of Moher Friday 24 August 2012 – Full Day The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's top attractions- recently appeared in Harry Potter's Half-Blood Prince and of course the movie classic The Princess Bride! This tour is a MUST for any visitor to Galway. Taking you along Galway Bay, your first stop is at the fishing village of Kinvara to see Dunguaire Castle. The castle was built in 1520 by the O'Hynes clan on the picturesque shores of Galway Bay. This restored 16th century tower house sits on a rocky outcrop on the shores of Galway Bay, 300 yards outside the village of Kinvara. We then travel on into The Burren- home to 75% of Ireland's native flora & location of numerous ancient monuments many of which we visit including the Gleninsheen Wedge Tomb, the 5,800 year old Poulnabrone Dolmen and Ballyalban Fairy Fort. We visit Aillwee Caves, perched high on its Burren terraced mountainside with what has to be one of the most spectacular views of Galway Bay. The tour consists of a 30 minute stroll through the beautiful caverns – over bridged chasms, under weird formations and alongside the thunderous waterfall which sometimes gently sprays the unsuspecting visitor! Marvel at the frozen waterfall and explore the now extinct brown bears bones (ursos arctos). Stopping also at Kilfenora to see the famous Celtic Crosses (Irish High Crosses), we make our way to the coastal village of Doolin, stopping for lunch, before visiting the 200-metre high, 8kms long Cliffs of Moher.
    [Show full text]
  • The Burren Spreads
    The Burren Naturally Yours FREE VISITOR GUIDE The Burren Naturally Yours INSIDE... 4-5 6-7 8-9 The Burren And The Burren’s Sheer Delight Cliffs Of Moher For The Visitor Geopark Eco Tourism Leap 10-11 12-13 In Touch A Landscape With Nature Made For Reflection 14-15 16-17 Kilfenora & Corofin Doolin: Deeply 18-19 20-21 Rewarding Try New Things Map of The Burren 22-23 24-25 26-27 Walking Holy Wonders Fine Fare Pair Paradise 32-33 28-29 30-31 Foodie Family A Wonderfully Heaven Favourites Winding Road 34-35 Burren Pubs 36-37 38-39 Serving Up Carron and Burren Great Food Cusack – a Window Ecotourism and Music to the Past Members Every effort has been made in the production of this magazine to ensure accuracy at the time of publication. The editors cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any alterations made after publication. This publication has been produced for your enjoyment. If you are disposing of it, please consider the environment when doing so. Printed on Recycled Paper. Designed & Compiled by A unique visitor experience The Burren | 3 The Burren Naturally Yours o, stand on the edge of the Burren, on its limestone pavement and listen; hear the waves crash into the Gunseen caves beneath your feet. Then turn; look at the Cliffs of Moher as they rise majestically from the raging sea, The Burren and you will realise why this extraordinary region, with its magnificent landscape, has been awarded the prestigious UNESCO and Cliffs recognised Global and European Geopark Status.
    [Show full text]
  • Be Careful What You Wish for When Tourism Growth Exceeds Capacity
    Be Careful What You Wish For When Tourism Growth Exceeds Capacity Katherine Webster – Kittiwake Solutions Introduction I spent the last 12 years leading the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience From construction stage through to opening in 2007 & for 10 years of operation up to end of September 2017 Tripled turnover and grew spend per head by 61% Over 150 direct jobs in August 2017 with significant local economic impact Multi-award winning operation with consistently high visitor satisfaction ratings Over 1.4m visitors in 2016 with 2017 expected to exceed 1.5m Over 36% of Cliffs visitors overnighting in Clare & over 52% visiting other attractions Introduction I spent the last 12 years leading the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience From construction stage through opening in 2007 up to September 2017 Tripled turnover and grew spend per head by 61% Over 150 direct jobs in August 2017 with significant local economic impact Multi-award winning operation with consistently high visitor satisfaction ratings Over 1.4m visitors in 2016 with 2017 expected to exceed 1.5m Over 36% of Cliffs visitors overnighting in Clare & over 52% visiting other attractions Over 20 years leadership experience in tourism & travel sector Currently setting up Kittiwake Solutions Visitor management and attraction development for the visitor attraction sector Specialising in solving the operational challenges facing visitor attractions Focussing on sustainability, quality & delivery of a world class visitor experience Launching in January 2018 Y, ‘Overtourism’
    [Show full text]
  • Buses in the Burren 2014 a Study of the Impacts and Issues
    Buses in the Burren 2014 A Study of the Impacts and Issues January 2015 Funded by 1 Introduction This study on bus and coach tourism has been commissioned by the Burren & Cliffs of Moher Geopark and has been funded jointly under TransTourism, the Northern Periphery Interreg IVB Programme and the EU LIFE + GeoparkLIFE Programme. The Burren is one of Europe’s most unique landscapes whose landscape and culture attracts increasing visitor numbers each year. The astonishing character of this karst region has evolved through a powerful combination of geology, ecology, archaeology, agriculture, history, heritage, commerce, creativity and community. These rich and diverse influences infuse the area with a haunting, spectacular and world-unique beauty. Tourism is a valuable source of income for many businesses and families in the region. The quality of the tourism product and the care with which it is offered are crucial attractions for visitors. It’s clear to all that tourism brings challenges as well as opportunities and that the unique natural assets of the region need to be protected and cared for. To ensure the protection and sustainable use of this natural resource, a co-ordinated approach to visitor management and environmental protection has been underway for over a decade implementing the principle of ecotourism in the area and linking environmental, community and tourism interests with statutory agencies and business operators. These efforts have been accelerate since the award of UNESCO recognised Global Geopark status in 2011. In order to plan more effectively for sustainable tourism practices in the area, the Burren & Cliffs of Moher Geopark have commissioned this study to establish baseline information on the extent and impacts of coach tourism in the area.
    [Show full text]
  • Early Start in Irish Archaeology @
    Early Start Semester Programme in Irish Archaeology at University College Cork, Ireland Why choose this course? The Early Start Programme in Irish Archaeology: •is a stimulating introduction to Ireland’s culture, history and landscapes •incorporates field-trips to an unparalleled range of sites from fascinating local ruins to major complexes of international importance •gives students with no previous experience of archaeology the chance to study this exciting subject in a country with an outstanding archaeological heritage •provides anthropology and archaeology students with an engaging and challenging overview of Irish archaeology •considers aspects of Irish art and architecture and explores the role of buildings, monuments and artefacts in the formation of Irish identities Who is the course aimed at? The Early Start programmes – which are The Early Start in Irish Archaeology provides unique to University College Cork – are students with a stimulating introduction to Ireland’s designed to give Visiting Students a pre- culture, history and landscapes. session introduction to Ireland and Irish It offers students of Anthropology and Archaeology a Studies. The longest-established unique insight into Archaeology as practiced in programme is that in Irish Archaeology. Europe; they find the material and the approach taken Students take the course in late August / to its interpretation engaging and challenging. After September before joining standard classes taking it, they are eligible for most of the other Archaeology modules offered at UCC. with their Irish counterparts. The course incorporates several field trips and is worth The programme is equally suited to students with no ten UCC credits. previous academic experience of Archaeology or Anthropology.
    [Show full text]
  • Burren Activity & Heritage
    ACTIVITY Archaeology, Built Explore the Coast The rugged Atlantic Coast of the Geopark offers caves Heritage & Pilgrimage and inlets, sea stacks and dramatic cliffs along with stunning views of & HERITAGE The Burren is one of the richest archaeological landscapes in the Aran Islands and Galway Bay. western Europe with over 500 ring forts sitting alongside Neolithic In the stunning surrounds of the Geopark you will find the longest tombs and sacred sites. The Burren takes you on a journey through Lahinch Adventures cave system in Ireland, the largest stalactite in Europe, the Burren the ages. What better way to see the coast than to get out and get active! Learn National Park, the Carron Nature Reserve, and a host of wild flora to surf the crashing Atlantic waves, kayak and SUP through bays and and fauna waiting to be discovered. Heart of Burren Walks inlets, rock climb the coastal crags or try archery and climbing at our Offering a wide variety of guided walks through the landscape and The best way to discover the Burren is in the company of a indoor centre on Lahinch Promenade. the Burren National Park with commentaries on the geology, flora, knowledgeable and professional guide, who will delight in sharing T. +353 (0)86 844 8622 E. [email protected] archaeology, fauna, farming and folklore of the Burren. the secrets, mysteries, scents and silences of this beautiful and W. www.lahinchadventures.com T. +353 (0)87 292 5487 E. [email protected] dramatic landscape with you as they guide you on a bike or a hike, Location: Lahinch, Co.
    [Show full text]
  • Burren Hostel
    BURREN The Burren Hostel Hop is an ideal way for families and small groups to enjoy a special holiday together where Hostel Hop the emphasis is on the journey, on the discovery of your surroundings and on taking time to be together. Slow it all down and explore this spectacular landscape, either by bike or on foot. Get up close with nature, with history, with Irish culture. This is a flexible walking or cycling tour that uses 5 Burren hostels as stop-off points on a Grand Burren Tour. The routes are designed to ensure you A PARADISE FOR WALKING & CYCLING experience the best that the area has to offer, especially those areas not readily accessible by car or You could start your journey from the Wild Atlantic Way on a coach. at Doolin or from the Burren National Park at Corofin. Make your way deep into the heart of the Burren, Each hostel is a member of the Burren Ecotourism following route maps designed to capture the Network, and they work together to promote highlights and hidden gems of the area. responsible tourism that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people. • Stay in welcoming and distinctive hostels • Travel from one to the other by bike or on foot • Choose from a selection of detailed walking or cycling routes • Enjoy your time together • Delight in the sights, smells and sounds of the great outdoors Each hostel provides: • Hostel Hop Pack - detailed information to help you plan your trip including contact numbers, cycling and walking routes, bike hire with luggage drop off details • Clothes drying facilities • Free Wi-Fi paper on recycled Printed Uncover the Burren LEAVE NO TRACE OF YOUR VISIT TAKE NOTHING BUT MEMORIES..
    [Show full text]
  • The Anthropological Significance of Knockloon Hill
    University of Northern Iowa UNI ScholarWorks Honors Program Theses Honors Program 2019 The anthropological significance of nockloonK Hill Emma Rosentrater University of Northern Iowa Let us know how access to this document benefits ouy Copyright ©2019 Emma Rosentrater Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.uni.edu/hpt Recommended Citation Rosentrater, Emma, "The anthropological significance of nockloonK Hill" (2019). Honors Program Theses. 397. https://scholarworks.uni.edu/hpt/397 This Open Access Honors Program Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Honors Program at UNI ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Honors Program Theses by an authorized administrator of UNI ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. The Anthropological Significance of Knockloon Hill A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Designation University Honors Emma Rosentrater University of Norther Iowa May 2019 This Study by: Emma Rosentrater Entitled: The Anthropological Significance of Knockloon Hill Has been approved as meeting the thesis or project requirement for the Designation University Honors. ___________ ________________________________________________ Date Dr. Tyler O’Brien, Honors Thesis Advisor, Anthropology ___________ __________________________________________________ Date Dr. Jessica Moon, Director, University Honors Program 1 Some of the most intriguing mysteries in archaeology surround monuments that are all that remains of cultures that have left almost no record of their existence. Their beliefs have been lost to the ages and the purpose of the monuments they built along with them. Yet with proper analysis, it may be possible to learn about a site’s purpose and significance in the society in which it was built.
    [Show full text]
  • Inland from Western Ireland's Mighty Cliffs of Moher, the Burren Offers a Sensory Journey Connected to the Rhythms and Flavou
    BOUNTY OF THE BURREN Inland from western Ireland’s mighty Cliffs of Moher, the Burren offers a sensory journey connected to the rhythms and flavours of nature. Words SERENA RENNER GETTY PHOTOGRAPHY 078 VIRGIN AUSTRALIA NOVEMBER 2016 GETTY PHOTOGRAPHY NOVEMBER 2016 VIRGIN AUSTRALIA 079 OU’LL KNOW YOU have reached “Because it’s predominantly grey rock, the the Burren when the County Clare Burren reflects light continuously; it’s like watching coastline in western Ireland turns a movie,” says Peter Curtin, as he sits beneath the into stone. (The name comes from antiques and old photos adorning his Roadside the Gaelic word ‘boireann’, which Tavern in Lisdoonvarna, one of the oldest pubs in means ‘stony place’.) Everywhere the area. “If you’re a photographer, October is the you look, grey limestone is stacked and spiralled time to come because the sun has gone back towards Ylike a surrealist sculpture. But the Burren is far from the Equator. So you don’t have the golden summer barren, as proven by its UNESCO Global Geopark light. You have the silver light of autumn. status. Just look closer at the rocks — hewn by “The Burren is also very special in terms of the geological forces over 360 million years — and grasses. If you take a piece of wood, about the size you might see marine fossils, Neolithic burial sites, of a folded newspaper and drop it on the ground, and pairings of Arctic, Alpine and Mediterranean you’ll find 57 different varieties of grasses and flowers blooming from the cracks in the pavement.
    [Show full text]