Global Network of National Geoparks

Bealtaine Festival of Outdoor Science

Source :http://www.globalgeopark.org Source:Copper Coast Geopark Published :May 12, 2009




17th -24th May 2009

Celebrating our Living Earth in the Southeast of Ireland

This year's Bealtaine Festival of Outdoor Science will run from May 17 - 24th and offers primary and secondary school pupils along with the general public the chance to explore the natural world around them. Events are organised for primary and secondary schools and there are also events on in the evening and weekends to suit adults and families.

In ancient Celtic times the festival of Bealtaine celebrated the arrival of Summer. Bealtaine Festival of Outdoor Science celebrates our Living Planet with an emphasis on activities outdoors understanding our surroundings and the plants and animals that we share the world with.

A number of groups in the South East have come together to create this festival, which is coordinated by CALMAST at Waterford IT.

See www.livingearth.ie for full programme of events and below for Copper Coast Geopark contribution to the Festival.

Booking is essential with Mary O’Brien, School of Education, Waterford Institute of Technology. Tel: 051 302040, Email: mobrien@wit.ie

Tuesday 19th May Visit of Fenor bog (bog wildlife) with Alan Walsh

Venue: Fenor bog

Time: 10am-11.30am

Duration: 1h30

Age group: Primary school, 5th /6th

Number of participants: 25max

Meeting point if different to venue: Fenor bog car park

Special requirements for participants: warm, windproof, waterproof clothes

Directions to venue: Fenor is located a few miles outside Tramore on the coast road (R675- direction Dungarvan). Once entering Fenor village, take the right turn at the church, the car park is on your left a few meters after the turn

Wednesday 20th May Guided Walk of Bunmahon, Stage Cove and Knockmahon Beach, (Geology of area) with guide Sean O’Connor

Venue: Bunmahon, Stage Cove and Knockmahon Beach,

Time: 7.00pm.

Duration: 1h30

Age group: General Public

Number of participants: 25max

Meeting point if different to venue: Bunmahon car park

Special requirements for participants: warm, windproof, waterproof clothes

Directions to venue: Bunmahon is located approx. 18 miles from Waterford on the coast road (R675- direction Dungarvan). On entering Bunmahon village, the car park is on your left as the road swings right to exit village.

Thursday 21st May Guided Walk of Annestown (Geology of area) with local guide Kathryn Curran

Venue: Annestown Beach

Time: 7.00pm.

Duration: 1h30

Age group: General Public

Number of participants: 25max

Meeting point if different to venue: Annestown car park

Special requirements for participants: warm, windproof, waterproof clothes

Directions to venue: Annestown is located a few miles past Fenor on the coast road (R675- direction Dungarvan) travelling from Tramore. Before entering Annestown village, the car park is on your left as the road turns into village.

Thursday 21st May Visit of Kilfarrasy beach (rocks, landscape, erosion) with Sophie Préteseille (Geological Survey of Ireland)

Venue: Kilfarrasy beach

Time: 10am

Duration: 1.30h

Age group: Primary school, 5th /6th

Number of participants: 20max

Meeting point if different to venue: Kilfarrasy car park

Special requirements for participants: warm, windproof, waterproof clothes

Directions to venue: Kilfarrasy is located a few miles outside Tramore ~ on the coast road (R675- direction Dungarvan) just before the village of Fenor, take the turn to the left (Signposted Kilfarrasy). The car park is a mile or so down the road.

Friday 22nd May Visit of Ballydwane beach (sedimentary and igneous rocks, past environments, glacial geomorphology, coastal erosion) with Tina Keating

Venue: Ballydwane beach

Time: 10am

Duration: 1.30h

Age group: Transition Year

Number of participants: 25max

Meeting point if different to venue: Ballydwane car park

Special requirements for participants: warm, windproof, waterproof clothes

Directions to venue: Ballydwane is located between Bunmahon and Stradbally. On the coast road coming from Tramore (R675- direction Dungarvan) just before leaving the village of Bunmahon, take the uphill turn to the left (Signposted Ballydwane/grey thatched cottage at the corner). The turn to the car park is not accessible to large coaches but possible for small bus (20 seats or so). If coming with a large coach, park on the main road and walk down to the car park, 500m.

Saturday 23rd May Giant Mosaic on Annestown using natural materials found on beach (pebbles, seaweed, shells, etc) with artist Sinead Driver and Tina Keating

Venue: Annestown beach

Time: 12.00pm

Duration: approx 2 hrs.

Age group: Families

Meeting point if different to venue: Annestown car park

Directions to venue: Annestown is located a few miles past Fenor on the coast road (R675- direction Dungarvan) travelling from Tramore. Before entering Annestown village, the car park is on your left as the road turns into village.

Booking is essential for all the events listed above. Please contact Mary O’Brien, School of Education, Waterford Institute of Technology, Tel: 051 302040, Email: mobrien@wit.ie