Summer of fun at the Geopark

Geopark is jointly managed by Fermanagh & Omagh District Council and Cavan County Council.

Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark is delighted to announce the July – December programme of events. For 2022, our aim is to host a range of events, which encourage people with various interests and abilities to engage with their Geopark – its unique landscapes, geology, and stories and to attract visitors to this wonderful UNESCO designated region.

The Geopark is jointly managed by Fermanagh & Omagh District Council and Cavan County Council and includes a wide variety of sites of interest allowing locals and visitors to appreciate the very best of what this unspoiled region has to offer. It covers an extensive area, almost 18,000 hectares in size, containing over 60 sites of diverse geological, natural, historical, or cultural interest. Our local Geopark Guides are crucial to the delivery of the Events Programme and only with their on-going support and assistance can we offer this truly diverse and engaging programme.

Highlights of the new programme include Guided tours of Cavan Burren Park. Guided tours will be now available every Thursday to Sunday at 11am throughout July. This site is one of the finest prehistoric relict landscapes in Ireland – come with us to see why! From Neolithic Rock Art and the remains of Neolithic settlements to magnificent megalithic tombs, the park also offers stunning views of Cuilcagh Mountain, west Cavan and the wider Geopark. Our guided tours will take you on a journey through history, with some gorgeous views along the way!

Kids Summer Camp

We are excited to announce that the Geopark will be running a Kids Summer Camp this July. The programme will include an action packed, four-day Summer Camp for kids aged 8-12 years. The programme will involve all things Geopark, including Minibeast Hunts & bug hotels, fossil making, science experiments, arts & crafts, bushcraft and much, much more!! Beginning on July 18, 10am-1pm, it’s going to be four days of fun filled activities at Cavan Burren Park!

Due to the phenomenal success of our previous foraging events, we’ve added some more! We have a number of different events at both Tully Castle and Killykeen Forest Park. You will join local experts to learn how to identify a range of plants to use in food and home remedies! You might even pick up a tasty treat or two!

Introduction to bee keeping

There has been much said recently about the importance of bees and other pollinators, and we have a number of ‘Introduction to Bee Keeping’ events with local Beekeeper and Geopark Guide Kevin. Here you will learn all there is to know about delving into the world of keeping your own hive. Once you feel confident, you can join Geopark Guide Aidan for a practical guide to beekeeping, visiting the Geopark hives and donning a bee suit! We’re here to support your journey in bee keeping! Chair of Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark Committee Cllr John Paul Feeley noted: “Overall this is a wonderful and varied programme of events and indeed a new departure for the Geopark, offering guided tours of Cavan Burren Park will give visitors an incredible experience of all that the Geopark has to offer. The programme of activities spans the ideals of the Geopark; improving tourism, engagement with children and enhancing our understanding of the world around us. He added that the Geopark are offering a “full and exciting programme, take the opportunity to participate, learn about and enjoy our Geopark.”

Gráinne O Connor, Geopark Manager, added that the programme offered a “varied and exciting opportunities covering the expanse of the Geopark, highlighting the geological value of this UNESCO designated landscape. I would encourage people to participate and experience the wonders of the landscape through these facilitated events, many delivered by Local Geopark Ambassadors”.

Please see our website and social media for the full list of events, including kayaking, craft days, historical tours, wildlife walks, wild caving, open water swimming, bike riding, minibeast hunts, rock detectives, kids’ science workshops, hikes and so much more!

See www.cuilcaghlakelands.org