July - December 2017 Events Guide 3 Introduction The Marble Arch Caves UNESCO Global Geopark has had a very JULY busy and fruitful start to 2017, hosting many different events and National Meadows Day working closely with the wonderful communities located here in the Geopark. Saturday, 1st July. 11am - 4pm Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre & Meadow For the second half of the year 2017 we continue with another Learn more about the work being carried out by Ulster Wildlife and diverse range of events which we hope will cater to all interests the Geopark under the Magnificent Meadows project to conserve and abilities. Our aim is to host events which encourage people to these precious habitats and a chance to appreciate the biodiversity come out and interact with their Geopark and to attract visitors to on the doorstep of Marble Arch Caves. Free event. Booking not this wonderful region. required. The Marble Arch Caves UNESCO Global Geopark covers a huge For more information please area of Cavan and Fermanagh and boasts numerous recreational sites as well as amazing geological and archaeological features at visit www.marblearchcavesgeopark.com or some inspiring locations. Sites like Castle Caldwell on the northern telephone +44 (0) 28 6634 8855. shores of Lough Erne right down to the impressive Clough Oughter GPS: 54.25, -7.81 Castle in the Lakelands of Cavan. All these wonderful sites across the Geopark have one thing in common – they all promote the amazing geological, archaeological, cultural and natural heritage so evident within the Marble Arch Caves UNESCO Global Geopark. The Geopark embraces local communities and forms partnerships so we are delighted to say that the majority of our events are run in conjunction with local communities, local tour guides or other stakeholders in the area. Our events programme for 2017 includes boat trips, caving expeditions, family fun days, bat, moth and bee keeping events, guided walk and jeep safaris. There is a real mix of activities for those interested in getting out and about and discovering the Geopark. For more details on upcoming events, news and information on all Geopark sites please visit www. marblearchcavesgeopark.com . You can also find us on “Bat Detectives” Facebook and Twitter. Saturday, 1st July, 8pm Meet at Geopark Exhibition Room, Market House, Blacklion, Co Cavan Join bat expert Caroline Shiel together with local Geopark Guide Andrew King for an evening Bat Walk and Talk. Learn about our local bats, how to recognise them, where they live, where they breed, what they eat and how to protect them. Please wear sturdy footwear and bring warm waterproof clothing. Walk approx. 1.5km. For more information please contact +353 (0) 49 9526121 or +353 (0) 87 6638428. GPS: 54.29, -7.87 www.marblearchcavesgeopark.com 4 5 Guided Tour of Built Heritage of the Guided Geopark Walk Archaeology & Geopark – Moneygashel, Geology of Cavan Burren – Cathal Buíί Cathal Buíί Festival Festival Saturday, 1st July, 11.30am Sunday, 2nd July, 1.45pm Gowlan Church, Moneygashel, Blacklion, Co Cavan Interpretative Centre, Cavan Burren Enjoy a guided tour of the mystical surroundings of Moneygashel Park, Blacklion, Co Cavan Cashel. Discover examples of stone working spanning from As part of the Cathal Buí Community Arts and Heritage Festival prehistoric times to 20th century with local Geopark Guide Séamus come out and experience a guided tour of the wonderful Ó’hUltacháin. Distance approx. 4km. Walk will last approx. 2 prehistoric landscape of Cavan Burren Park. Learn more about the hours. Please wear stout footwear and bring warm waterproof magnificent megalithics, the amazing geology and the intriguing clothing. There is a charge of €5 and children are free. folklore of this special landscape with local Geopark Guide Séamus For more information and bookings contact Ó’hUltacháin. Walk will last approx. 3 hours. Please wear sturdy Seamus on +353 (0) 87 9653178. footwear and bring warm waterproof clothing. There is a charge of €5 for adults and children are free. GPS: 54.25, -7.89 For more information see www.cavanburrenpark.ie and to book contact Séamus on +353 (0)87 9653178. GPS: 54.26, -7.88 Cuilcagh Mountain Jeep Safari Sunday, 2nd July, 2pm – 4pm Jump on board one of the Geopark Landrovers and explore the stunning patchwork of landscapes found on Cuilcagh Mountain. Cost £5 per person. This event is not suitable for children under 12 years old. Warm waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear required. Booking is essential - contact Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre +44 (0)28 6634 8855 or [email protected]. GPS: 54.25, -7.81 Geopark Safari Tour – Cathal Buí Festival Monday, 3rd July, 10am Meet at Market House, Blacklion, Co Cavan As part of the Cathal Buí Community Arts and Heritage Festival join us for a guided bus tour of some of the highlights of the Geopark showcasing the archaeological, geological and scenic value of this area. Tour will last approx. 4 hours. Cost is €20 for adults. For more information and to book a place please contact Ena on +353 (0) 071 9853082. GPS: 54.29, -7.87 www.marblearchcavesgeopark.com 6 7 Cuilcagh Ramble Friday, 21st July, 2pm – 4pm Meet at Cuilcagh Mountain Park car park Take part in a guided tour of one of the most fascinating areas of the Geopark, Cuilcagh Mountain Park. Explore the lower reaches of Cuilcagh Mountain and find out more about this unique, fascinating landscape which has been over 300 million years in the making! Free event. This event is not suitable for children under 12 years old. This walk is approximately 3km in length and will not include the Cuilcagh boardwalk. Warm waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear required. Booking is essential - contact Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre +44 (0)28 6634 8855 Explore the Geology and Heritage or [email protected] of the Geopark by Canoe GPS: 54.25, -7.82 Saturday, 22nd July, 2pm Cavan Canoe Centre, Butlersbridge, Co Cavan Why not see our Geopark from a different perspective! Join Cavan Canoe Centre staff with Geopark staff and experience the beauty of Lough Oughter and surrounding landscape which was shaped by the power of glaciers over 13,000 years ago. Learn about the wonderful biodiversity of this area, a designated Special Area of Conservation. Visit Clough Oughter Island and see the amazing plantation castle. The cost of this event is € 25 adults/€ 15 children. Booking is essential. For more information and to book a place please contact +353 (0) 49 9526121. GPS: 54.03, -7.43 On the trail of Finn Mac Cool Exploring Big Dog Forest Sunday, 23rd July, 2pm – 4pm Meet at Big Dog Forest Car Park Big Dog Forest takes its name after two very distinctive small rounded hills known as Big Dog and Little Dog. But, how have they formed? Legend tells us one way and science another – come along and see which you believe! Free event. This event is not suitable for children under 8 years old. Warm waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear required. Booking is essential - contact Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre +44 (0)28 6634 8855 or [email protected] GPS: 54.41, -7.96 8 9 Bog Day Celebration Bawnboy Community Festival – Sunday, 30th July, 1pm – 4pm Work House Tours Meet at Cuilcagh Mountain Park car park Monday, 7th August, 2pm – 6pm Join us to learn more about the fascinating bog habitats that Bawnboy, Co Cavan dominate the Geopark. Learn how people hand cut peat, listen to As part of Bawnboy’s Festival take a tour of Bawnboy’s stories from days gone by and take part in some bog pool dipping Workhouse. Learn about the story associated with this building. activities! A great day out for all the family. Cost free. Please wear sturdy footwear and bring warm waterproof clothing. Booking not required - contact For bookings and more information please contact Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre +44 (0)28 6634 8855 Dympna Headen on +353 (0)87 9891862. or [email protected] for more information. GPS: 54.12, -7.67 GPS: 54.25, -7.82 Bawnboy Community Festival - AUGUST Boat Trips to St Mogue’s Island Monday, 7th August, 2pm – 6pm Build Your Bear Workshop St Mogue’s, Templeport, Bawnboy, Co Cavan Friday, 4th August, 11am – 1pm As part of Bawnboy’s Festival take a boat tour to the mysterious Bear Essentials Centre, Bawnboy, Co Cavan ecclesticial island of St.Mogue’s. Learn about the story of St. Mogue Build your bunny or other teddy bear/animal with us at Bear and all the legends associated with this picturesque island. Please Essentials. This workshop is for all ages 3-99. Children under 6 wear sturdy footwear and bring warm waterproof clothing. have to be accompanied by an adult. Refreshments for everyone For bookings and more information please included in price. After the workshop you can visit the teddy bear contact Aidan Brady +353 (0) 87 6905898. gift shop or have a picnic at Bear Essentials play ground. Book a place at www.bearessentials.ie or contact local GPS: 54.10, -7.67 Geopark Guide Anke on +353 (0) 87 7610537. GPS: 54.12, -7.71 Bawnboy Community Festival – Open Day at Jampa Ling Bawnboy Community Festival - Monday, 7th August, 2pm – 5pm Bee Keeping Display Sunday, 6th August, 2pm – 6pm GAA Grounds, Bawnboy, Co Cavan Join in the celebrations of Bawnboy’s Festival with this special Beekeeping Information Event where local Geopark Guide Aidan Brady of Cavan Beekeepers Association will inform participants on Jampa Ling Tibetan Buddhist Centre, Bawnboy, Co Cavan beekeeping and honey making. This is an excellent opportunity As part of Bawnboy’s Festival everyone is invited to spend an to discover more about this important creature and will give an informal day at the centre and to enjoy the garden and grounds opportunity to all who attend to learn about keeping their own with your friends and relatives.