​Aim of Excursion:

To explore and learn about a range of geologic, palaeontologic and heritage features in the Valentia Island and environs, Iveragh Peninsula, Co. Kerry with local and expert geologists.

General Itinerary (weather dependent):

Friday: Cnoc na dTobair (Hill of the Wells), weather permitting, to take an overview of the regional geology and to get our Iveragh Peninsula and Dingle Bay bearings. Friday evening: Synopsis of the weekend and the geological context (short talk by Dr. Aidan Forde); Slate Yard in Knightstown, location of first Transatlantic messaging.

Saturday Morning: Tetrapod tracks; Valentia Slate Quarry. Saturday Afternoon: Bray Head walk to see cliff scenery and Skellig in distance (also location of 19th Century copper mine); (alternative shorter walk) Kerry Cliffs walk – cliff scenery and Skellig in distance; Lighthouse Road (Tertiary dyke, Myriapod tracks and Devonian plant fossils).

Sunday morning: Boat trip to see Cathedral Cave and Beginish Gabbro (columnar jointing). Viking house on Beginish (cost sponsored by Valentia Slate); (Added option) White Strand – Peperite and Keel Tuff; (Added option) Ancient cliff collapse and storm beach at Reenadrolaun.

Please note: The Sunday Boat trip will involve a small charge for participants.

More info here.