Mourne Gullion Strangford to Join Irish UNESCO Global Geoparks Forum 2025

Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark is delighted to take part in the Irish UNESCO Global Geoparks Forum 2025, taking place on Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 November at Hotel Doolin, County Clare.

This year’s theme — “Natural Capital Unpackaged: How UNESCO Global Geoparks Can Play a Role” — will explore the power of Geoparks in protecting and restoring the natural world while strengthening local communities.

As one of the island’s Geoparks, the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark will share updates on its projects, initiatives, and vision for future contributions to natural capital, geoheritage and sustainable development.

Forum Highlights & Geopark Participation

Wednesday 26 November
The day will begin with opening addresses from local and national dignitaries. Geoparks including Mourne Gullion Strangford, Joyce Country & Western Lakes, Copper Coast, Cuilcagh Lakelands, and Burren & Cliffs of Moher will present short updates on plans and current projects.

Opening addresses

• Cllr. Paul Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council
• Agathe Hutchinson, Attaché for UNESCO at the Permanent Representation of Ireland in Paris
• Dr. Koen Verbruggen, Director of Geological Survey Ireland
• Dr. Marie Cowan, Director Geological Survey Northern Ireland

Keynote speakers

Dr Catherine Farrell — Natural Capital approaches: an introduction.
Assistant Professor, Trinity Business School, Trinity College Dublin

Professor Stephen Hynes — Marine natural capital accounting: An Irish perspective.
J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics, University of Galway

Matthew Hornsby — Natural Capital as an environmental policy tool: Can Geoparks contribute?
Department of Climate, Energy & the Environment

The panel discussion and Q&A session is sure to be lively and engaging, moderated by Kirstin Lemon (GSI NI) and Clare Glanville (GSI), culminating in a wrap-up and preview of the next day’s field trip by Dr. Eamon Doyle.

Thursday 27 November – Field Excursion
Field excursions will take place by coach to a range of fascinating Geopark sites and local enterprises across the Burren & Cliffs of Moher region. Each stop will explore the close connections between geology, biodiversity, community, and sustainable land management:

• Doolin Pier (coastal and visitor management issues, fossil discoveries)
• Ballyrean (limestone landscapes, cave collapse, commonage management)
• Fanore Beach (dune restoration, biodiversity, biokarst features)
• Lisdoonvarna (village renewal, citizen science, geoheritage)
• Kilfenora (heritage centre, visitor engagement, local enterprise)

The excursion will conclude back at the hotel in the late afternoon.

How to Attend & Get More Information

Participation in the forum and field excursions requires advance booking. Attendees are asked to:

• Reserve places for the conference, dinner, and excursions
• Book accommodation at Hotel Doolin or alternate local providers
• Review the detailed programme, speaker bios, and logistical information (available via the links below)

For bookings and queries about conference attendance, accommodation, the dinner, or the field excursion, please contact Hotel Doolin at 065 7074111 or email [email protected] / [email protected].

Downloads and further information

Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark looks forward to sharing our experiences and learning from partners across Ireland’s Geoparks network as we work together to protect, connect, and celebrate our landscapes.