Our primary role is the protection and promotion of Ireland's geological heritage. Ireland has a long and interesting geological history which has given us a great diversity of rock types and land forms for a country of its size. The geology has shaped the way we live and continues to contribute to our economic, cultural and societal development. We care for this important aspect of our heritage through the identification of sites as County Geological Site and their conservation and protection under the guidelines adopted by ProGEO, the European Association of the Conservation of Geological Heritage.​​

Geological Survey Ireland is a partner in the three UNESCO Global Geoparks in Ireland – Copper Coast in Waterford, Burren and Cliffs of Moher in Clare and Marble Arch Caves in Cavan and Fermanagh. We also assist aspiring Geoparks by providing advice and support at the strategic planning, development, pre-application and UNESCO Global Geopark application stages. Geotourism is now part of County and Heritage plans of many local authorities as they realise the value of promoting out geological history, our diversity of physical features and the relationship between these and human development. At GSI, we can provide advice and technical information to all local authorities or community groups wishing to develop geotourism products.

We contribute to the national curricula for Primary and Secondary education by developing educational materials and providing advice and training where needed. We also run field trips as requested by groups and organise and partake in geological educational and heritage events throughout the country.