Field Trip to the Copper Coast, Co. Waterford, Ireland
On  Saturday12th April CGA members went on a field trip to the Copper  Coast Geopark. The leader was Martina Keating, BSc.  We began at Annestown Beach and worked westwards towards Ballydowane.
Here are some photos representative of the trip.
Mainly volcanic ash from the second volcano in the area around 450,000,000 years ago.Some rhyolite caught in the volcanic ash at Annestown." Ice, fire and water" by Colette O'Brien. This sculpture represents the common forces that shaped the Copper Coast. Commissioned by the European Geopark, 2006. You can see it at a roadside car park near Annestown.Partially restored mine buildings at Tankardstown beside the road near Bunmahon. This was one of the main centres when copper was extensively mined here during the 19th century.Restored cooling tower at the remains of the mining complex at Tankardstown.Adits used in the copper mining seen here in the cliff on the right of the picture at Stage Cove Pier. The copper ore used to be exported from here.The cliff at Stage Cove showing the glacial remains on top and the rhyolite with copper staining underneath.Another view of the cliff near Stage Cove showing the mineral staining in the rocks. Limestone dating from the Ordovician Period can also be seen at this site.Sandstone conglomerate cliff Ballydowane.Close-up of the sandstone conglomerate in the cliff.CGA members dwarfed by the tall sandstone cliffs at Ballydowane.Close of the sandstone cliff.Some CGA members hesitate before they venture down the steep descent to the beach just east of Stage Cove.
Double-click to see full size.   Then click "next" (top right)