A popular Clare destination has been included a new cultural route launching across Europe.
The Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark has been inserted into The European Atlantic Geotourism Route. This celebrates outstanding geological landscapes and has been created to support the development of Geotourism in the European Atlantic Area. The destinations span the Atlantic frontier from Ireland and the UK, to France, Portugal, Spain, and over to the Atlantic islands of Lanzarote and the Azores.
To celebrate the launch of this new route a series of events have been organised across all the destinations to promote ideals of sustainable Geotourism that are fostered by UNESCO Global Geoparks.
The launch in the Burren titled ‘Between a Rock and an Art Place’ will take place from 28 May to 10 June at several visitor centres including; The Burren Nature Sanctuary, Kinvara; Aillwee Cave; Doolin Cave; The Burren Centre, Kilfenora; Moher Cottage, Liscannor; EkoTree Knitwear, Doolin and Caherconnell Stone Fort, Carron. Local artists Phillip Morrison, Sara Foust, Kay Maahs, Patsy Risks and Mary Fahy will be visiting the centres during this time to draw and paint the landscape while interacting with the public.
Mayor of Clare, Councillor Tom McNamara, stated, “As a Geopark, the Burren is very much part of a global community that shares knowledge and expertise on heritage management and sustainable development. The inclusion of the Geopark in this new cultural route launching across Europe will further enhance local efforts to better preserve, manage and promote our protected landscapes and local heritage.”
Pat Dowling, Chief Executive of Clare County Council, commented, “We are delighted that the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark has been included in this new tourism route which will see County Clare promoted as a sustainable destination across Western Europe.”
Geopark Geologist, Dr Eamon Doyle stated, “Artists play an important role as intermediaries between the landscape and people by documenting the unique characteristics of our environment and how we interact with it. Geotourism promotes an intimate relationship with natural and cultural heritage of a destination and we are delighted to have these talented artists promote the new European Atlantic Geotourism route to locals and visitors alike.”
The European Atlantic Geotourism Route is co-funded by the EU Interreg Atlantic Area programme and Clare County Council. The 30 month project aims to forge new tourism links along a defined Atlantic route through highlighting the common interests and heritage of the destinations along the route.
