The Copper Coast Geopark in is situated on the southern coast of County Waterford, Ireland. It has been declared a European Geopark because of its interesting geological features.
It is called the Copper Coast as there was very extensive copper mining carried on there during the 19th century and many of the rocks have been stained with the remains of this mineral giving some of them their coppery shade.
Oceans, volcanoes, deserts and ice sheets all combined to create the rocks, which provide the physical foundation of the natural and cultural landscapes of the Copper Coast.
On a recent visit some CGA members spent some time examining the very interesting explanatory chart which has been placed at the entrance to the Kilfarrasy Beach at the eastern end of the Copper Coast. This shows how the various rocks that can be seen on the cliffs at the beach were formed.
The photographs shown below are taken from this chart and there are also others taken close up of the actual parts of the cliff which are mentioned in the chart.
The whole coastline is well worth a visit. If you are interested in geology there are many spectacular rocks to be seen, many unusual stones to be looked at, very good explanatory charts on some of the beaches to be studied and the Geocentre at Annestown has a very good bistro as well as items of geological interest. For the ordinary tourist there is spectacular coastal scenery as well as many stretches of sandy beaches and for the walker there are many walks in the area.
