Date/Time
Date(s) - 5 February 2017
2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Location
Ballinalacken Castle
Categories
Geological Gems around Ballinalacken
With Dr David Drew
@2pm on Sun 5th February 2017
Ballinalacken Castle (OS 51 M101004)
Our February walk will visit one of the lesser known areas of the Burren. Led by geologist Dr David Drew and beginning at Ballinalacken Castle, this 7km route will include views of the contrasting landforms on the shale and limestone rocks as well as the development of ‘tomorrow’s Burren’ where the limestone is exposed at the land surface as overlying shale rocks are eroded away. The walk will also include a trip inside the entrance (only a few metres!) of one of the Burren’s finest river caves – the Coolagh River Cave.
Formerly a lecturer on karst, hydrology and hydrogeology in Trinity College Dublin, David’s particular interest is in limestone (karstic) regions of Ireland such as the Burren and especially in the underground waters in these areas and is actively involved in research into the groundwater in the Burren
The meeting point Ballinacken Castle, near Doolin (OS 51 M101004) is marked on a google map here. This is a walk which will require a reasonable level of fitness. You will need good walking boots or shoes, warm waterproof clothes, hats gloves etc. If you intend to enter the cave please bring some protective headgear (helmet or woolly hat) and a powerful torch (it is 100% dark inside!). The slope down to the cave is steep and slippery so over-trousers would also be useful.
The walk is open to everyone. However, it is free for Burrenbeo Trust Members and a donation of €10 is suggested from non-members. Members please bring your membership card. In case of bad weather which may affect the walk please check our website or Facebook page for the latest updates. For more information please email [email protected] or phone 091 638096.
Directions
From the South
Take the R476 north of Doolin, after c. 2 miles there’s a junction between the R476 and R477, the entrance to Ballinalacken Castle is situated here. Please park in the lower car park at the Castle.
From the North
From Lisdoonvarna take the R477 coast road, after c. 3 miles from the town the entrance to Ballinalacken Castle is on the right. Please park in the lower car park at the Castle.