News

Professor em. Michael O’Connell, together with the committees of the Galway Geological Association (GGA) and the Cork Geological Association (CGA chairperson, Dr Bettie Higgs), was responsible for organising a three-day geological excursion for both associations to Árainn (26–28 May, 2025). Gales and a downpour on Monday, 26^th May tested the metal of the 34 hardy souls who made the crossings from Doolin and Rossaveal ferries to Inis Mór. Thankfully the rain cleared on Tuesday morning; after that it was sunshine and warmth until the trip ended with the last ferries home on late Wednesday afternoon. Professor John Walsh (Earth Sciences, UCD) was our enthusiastic guide to the fascinating Carboniferous geology of the island. Also on hand to help were the Director of the Geological Survey of Ireland, Koen Verbruggen, and Professor em. Ken Higgs, Earth Sciences, UCC.

The photo (M. O’Connell; 28 May 2025) is from the western coast near Poll na bPéist (below Dún Aonghasa) where sea erosion provides striking examples of Carboniferous limestone layers separated by clay wayboards. This provides clear evidence of major environmental change about 350 million years ago, and also the effects of erosion due to rising sea levels and increased storm frequency and intensity during recent years.

Noel of Kilmurvey House and muintir Árann are thanked for the help so willingly given and, without which, this trip would not have been possible.