We have started planning for the 2019 Copper Coast Geopark Festival – May 25th to June 9th! This is to coincide with European Geoparks Network Weeks when all over Europe Geoparks are coordinating events. (subject to change)
The 2018 Festival was a great success with a wide range of interesting events happened across the Geopark area.
Anybody along the Geopark with an event planned around the same time would be also welcome to join in!!
The Copper Coast Geopark stretches along the coast from Garrarus Beach, near Fenor in the east to Ballyvoile Beach near Stradbally to the west and inland to Kill and Dunhill. That’s 10 beaches, all different, most very accessible; including Trá na mBó near Bonmahon which has just got a path and rail down the cliff
2018 – Some Memories
Have a very Happy Christmas and all the very best wishes for 2019!
These are just a few memories from a happy 2018 on the Copper Coast!
The very popular Christmas Fair returns with a selection of local Food and Craft stalls offering high quality gifts and home baking. So join us in Bunmahon for a browse and shop, tea and a home made bun, a chat and a laugh to get Christmas going.
Saturday and Sunday December 1st and 2nd, 11am to 4.30pm. Admission is free!
Escape the hustle and bustle for an afternoon and come to the tranquil Copper Coast Visitor Centre in Bunmahon to learn how to make Christmas themed paper starts and transform them into a variety of imaginative Christmas decorations with creative Orlaith Hamersley.
A choice of 2 one hour workshops. Saturday December 15th 2.00 to 3pm and again at 3.30 to 4.30pm cost €5 including materials.
Visit by the Director of the United States Geological Survey
We were honoured to welcome Dr. James Reilly, Director of the U.S. Geological Survey and former astronaut, to the Geopark last week.
He gave a very interesting informal talk about his visits to space, his career path and his current work with U.S. Geological Survey to members of the Copper Coast Scout Group, Bonmahon Coastguard, Bonmahon Lifeboat and the Geopark team.
Members of the Bonmahon Lifeboat team with James Reilly, Director of the U.S. Geological Survey, and former astronaut at the Copper Coast Geopark Visitor Centre.Members of the Copper Coast Scout Group presenting James Reilly with a club badge at the Copper Coast Geopark Visitor Centre. James Reilly currently Director of the U.S. Geological Survey, former astronaut and scout
Members of the Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark team then took Dr Reilly on a whistle-stop tour of the Geopark. It was a beautiful sunny day, perfect for visiting Tankardstown engine house, the Geological Garden and Trá na Mbó beach.
Robbie Galvin, Jim Reilly, Richard Unitt and Mike Sweeney
Groups & Tour Guides
Thinking of booking a group in for a tour of The Copper Coast Geopark?
What a great idea! We can put in place a qualified Geopark Local Tour Guide to bring your group around the site and arrange for a fascinating tour highlighting local knowledge on the geology, archaeology and biodiversity of the site.
We run group and individual tours for all ages and fitness levels which can include topics from geology and biodiversity to history and culture.
We can arrange half or full day tours of the Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark area to take in the Copper Coast Visitor Centre and other sites such as Tankardstown, Fenor Bog and the hidden cove of Tra Na Mbo. What a way to spend your day learning about facinitaing sites with the local knowledge of one of our Geopark Guides.
Book a Tour Guide
To book a group tour or tour guide today call 051292828 or email info@coppercoastgeopark.com
Copper Coast literary weekend November 1st to 7th 2018
Don’t miss November 1st to 7th 2018….
To take part in a celebration of Copper Coast creativity and culture. Have a look below to find out where, when and what it costs to take part in this unique weekend!
Six-word story challenge
Taking place at: Copper Coast Geopark Visitor Centre
About Flash fiction postal challenge, write a Geopark inspired six-word story! As part of the Copper Coast Geopark Literary weekend this November we challenge you to write a six-word story inspired by the Copper Coast UNESCO Geopark or a Geopark near you!
The six word story is a form of flash fiction attributed to Ernest Hemingway he came up with the story “For sale: baby shoes, never worn.” Entries by Friday October 26th on postcard only to… Six word story challenge 2018, Copper Coast Geopark Visitor Centre, Bunmahon, Co Waterford, Ireland.
(Hand deliveries accepted) Postcards will be displayed in the visitor center during the 2018 Copper Coast Geopark Literary Weekend. Selected stories will be featured on our website and social media. Stories must be suitable for a family audience. For data protection please do not include personal information. The Copper Coast Geopark reserves the right to reproduce the story online and in print.
About: The Tramore Yarners are putting down the needles and picking up a book! To celebrate the copper coast literary weekend, the Tramore Yarners are putting down the needles and picking up a book! A chosen book will be read before the event and discussed on the day. We are pleased to announce that the book we have chosen to review is…. “The Day For You, The Night For Me” by Nuala Sherry!” All are welcome to join in!
About: Enjoy a relaxing evening of music, song and poetry in a beautiful setting. Music and song by Cúpla Búchla and Gabriel Murtagh. Poetry by the Wordsmiths, John Daly (published poet), Rose Butler, (published poet & producer), Tom Power, (author and published poet), a relaxing evening of music, song and poetry in a beautiful setting.
About: Book arts workshop hosted by Martin Fahy of Southpaw book arts at the Copper Coast Geopark Visitor Center in Bunmahon.Come and learn the simple art of book making in the beautiful surroundings of the Copper Coast . Learn how to create a variety of hand made books, using decorative papers inspired by the texture And colours of the area. 2 hour workshop limited to 8 participants €15 each materials & tools provided.Suitable for all abilities. Adults only (16+ ) Booking is essential, please contact Martin at southpaw.eire@gmail.com to book.
Drama Classes
Where: Barron Hall, Stradbally
When: Saturday 3rd 2pm to 5pm and Wednesday 7th 2.30 to 5.30pm
Cost: POA
About: Drama public speaking and theatre skills classes with The Stage Coach, also on Saturday FREE class for children with special needs 4-5pm, for bookings or inquiries please call 087 9609614.
Board Game Meet Up
Where: Copper Coast Geopark Visitor Centre, Bunmahon.
About: Do you like playing board games and card games and having fun? Then come along to the Copper Coast Geopark Visitor Centre on November 3rd from 1pm! Everyone is welcome to join in and bring along their own games. This is a free event and suitable for all ages.
Copper Coast Book Fair.
Where Copper Coast Geopark Visitor Centre, Bunmahon.
About: As part of an ongoing initiative by the Copper Coast UNESCO Geopark to help promote all the locality has to offer they are holding their 3rd Annual Book Fair for Book Lovers and Collectors. Attractions will include…. Copper Coast Cosplay Competition! Six word story challenge! Mrs Colfer’s famous tombola! and more!! Self published authors… Geological books….. Specialist books…. Second hand books… Also at this years book fair will be a chance to learn about the ERDF co-funded Atlantic Geotourism route project of which the Copper Coast Geopark is a part by visiting an information stand about all of the other destinations on the trail and their unique contributions to this awe-inspiring route! Tea, coffee, light lunch and wine will be served in our Cafè. The Copper Coast Geopark are very glad to receive donations of books which are sold on their own bookstall on the day. The money raised is then used by the Geopark in its on-going work. The Copper Coast Geopark is a community based registered charity. The Copper Coast Geopark is a UNESCO Geopark, a designation based around sustainable development of communities around areas of significant geological interest and importance.
Cosplay Competition.
Where: Copper Coast Geopark Visitor Centre, Bunmahon.
Dress as your favourite literary character or a book inspired original creation! To celebrate the Copper Coast’s creativity, we are having a costume competition on Sunday November 4th as part of the Copper Coast Geopark book fair in the Copper Coast Visitor Centre! Come as your favourite literary character or a book inspired original creation! So if you love “Where’s Wally” “The hobbit” or even “Wuthering heights” show us! Anonymous judges will be mingling with the crowd at the Copper Coast Geopark Book Fair. Don’t be shy an make sure you are seen! The best costume in 4 categories will be announced at 4.30. Prizes sponsored by the Copper Coast Geopark.
Knockmahon NS poetry project Knockmahon School
Details TBA
About: The students and parents at Knockmahon explore their favorite poems.
More events to be confirmed, If you or your organisation would like to get involved please email Orlaith at hamersleyart@gmail.com www.coppercoastgeopark.com, Tel:- 051 292828
After the Show! a few photos from the Flower Show.
The Flower Show happened in its experimental Autumn slot and was a success, albeit a little quieter and more mellow – but still an opportunity to meet old friends and acquaintances, start conversations and renew old ones.
Katherine Walsh one of the Léine medieval Crafters with her daughter HazelBeekeeper Donal O’Brien showed his glass hive with live bees and talked about bees and beekeeping. Kieran O’Keeffe with his award winning vegetables.
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Copper Coast Craft Skills Taster Day
Copper Coast Skills Taster Day at the Copper Coast Geopark Visitor Centre, Bunmahon,
Saturday October 6th, 1pm to 5.30pm.
In association with Hamersley Art and supported by Creative Ireland Waterford, and Waterford City and County Council.
Galway Shawl by Orlaith Hamersley
Special price of only €10, light refreshments and materials are included.
Join us in the Copper Coast Geopark Visitor Centre for a unique day of craft and traditional skills taster workshops.
The 3 workshops will include the traditional crafts of crochet, embroidery, and sailors’ knots!
Learn all the skills required to make a Galway shawl with artist and designer Orlaith Hamersley.
An introduction to Bayeux tapestry style embroidery with Medieval textile expert Katherine Walsh. (Some basic sewing skills an advantage)
Experienced sailor Billy Crowley will teach you how to tie a variety of useful sailor’s knots.
Booking is essential as places are limited.
Craft enthusiasts of all skill levels are welcome.
The 2018 Copper Coast Geopark Flower Show will take place in September, Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th in the Copper Coast Geopark Visitor Centre, Bunmahon.
We will have 2 new categories at this year’s show, in the arts and crafts category – a Geopark themed tea cosy, and for the under 18’s, a decorated wooden spoon!
You can download the Categories here and the Entry Form here.
2018 Copper Coast Geopark Festival
Following last year’s success, the Copper Coast Geopark is proud to be hosting its second Copper Coast Festival which will take place between Friday, the 25th of May and Wednesday, the 30th of May.
Our Festival is part of the European Geoparks Network Week during which geoparks all over Europe put on fascinating events to highlight the EGN and biodiversity in their area.
We involve as many of the Geopark villages and communities as possible and have prepared an exciting programme brimming with fun activities and events. Road bowling in Fenor during the 2017 Copper Coast Geopark Festival. See www.facebook.com/coppercoastfestival for more details.
About Copper Coast Geopark
The Copper Coast Geopark is in Co. Waterford, Ireland and is an outdoor museum of geological records; it stretches along the coast from Kilfarassy Beach, near Fenor in the east to Ballyvoile Beach near Stradbally to the west.
Volcanoes, oceans, deserts and ice sheets all combined to create the rocks which provide the physical foundation of the natural and cultural landscapes of the area. Follow the self-guided "Copper Coast" trail and walking cards available
from the The Copper Coast Geopark Centre in Bunmahon.
Road bowling in Fenor during the 2017 Copper Coast Geopark Festival.
