The Copper Coast Flower Show is Later this Year!

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 have plenty of time to plan your project and get growing!

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.

There are 13 new UNESCO Global Geoparks

The Executive Board of UNESCO has endorsed the new 13 nominations for UNESCO Global Geoparks that the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council recommended last September.
The final, legal endorsement was made on Tuesday 17th April at the plenary session of the Board.
This means that there are now 140 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 38 countries.

Seals return to the sea!

On Saturday April 14^th Seal Rescue Ireland facilitated a seal rescue course in the Bonmahon Lifeboat boathouse. A large crowd gathered on Bonmahon beach after the training to see 3 seals, “Gilgamesh”, “Tristan” and “Toothless” released back into the sea; the seals had been rescued from the Waterford area. A big congratulations to all involved!

Thank you to Louise Minehan for the photo.

The French Ambassador visited Knockmahon National School

Knockmahon National School in Bunmahon received a 5-Year Achievement Award from the Blue Star Programme run by the National Implementation Body, European Movement Ireland, this week. Seven primary schools were up for the award this year. Representatives from the Copper Coast Geopark were proud to be invited to the ceremony where the French ambassador to Ireland, Stéphane Cruz, presented the award to the students. Congratulations to the pupils and the staff.The Copper Coast Geopark delegation having tea in Knockmahon School with the French ambassador to Ireland Stéphane Crouzat and Marc Dms attaché for science and technology at French embassy.
Orlaith Hamersley, Breda Colfer, Stéphane Crouzat, Marc Dms, Robbie Galvin, and John Galloway. Photo by Billy Crowley

Visitor Centre Cafe is open at Weekends!

The Copper Coast Geopark Visitor Centre Cafe is open at weekends during April. Do call in and say hello. Parts of the exhibition are available for free and the rest should be operating by May.
Opening hours 11 am-5 pm.

Knockmahon NS Open Mic Night! Fri 23rd. March

The Knockmahon NS second annual Open Mic Night will take place at the Copper Coast Geopark Visitor Centre, Bunmahon on Friday March 23rd.

Doors open at 7.30pm, music from 8pm. Tickets €10 (including cake and sandwiches) available from the school or on the night.

Music by Seamie O’Brien, Gusty Carey, Three Sound Folk and guests. All performers are welcome.

Tea/Coffee/Wine will be available in the Café.

There will be a raffle with lots of great prizes and a Waterford jersey signed by the 2016 under 21 All Ireland Hurling winning team will be up for auction!

Copper Coast Geopark – Skills Taster Day

Copper Coast Geopark Skills Taster Day

At the Copper Coast Geopark Visitor Centre, Bonmahon.

Join us in the Copper Coast Geopark Visitor Centre in Bonmahon for a unique day of craft and traditional skills taster workshops.

Saturday February 3rd, 10am to 4.00pm

€65 light lunch, refreshments and materials are included.

Taster workshops will include traditional needle craft, naalbinding, spinning, finger loop braiding and, appropriate for February, St. Bridget Cross weaving, all materials will be provided and a light lunch will be served. Booking is essential, craft enthusiasts of all skill levels are welcome. No previous craft experience is required. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Group discount available.

For more information or to book please email hamersleyart@gmail.com

An evening with Dúnaill for Bonmahon Lifeboat

Join us in the Copper Coast Geopark Visitor Centre, Bonmahon for an evening with Dúnaill on Saturday January 20th in aid of Bonmahon Lifeboat.

Dúnaill Folk Group are accomplished musicians, a harp, flutes, violin, whistle and guitar accompany beautifully harmonious vocals.

The event is organised by a group of WCFE (Waterford College of Further Education) sound engineering and music technology students.

Doors open at 7pm.

Tickets 10 euro, available on the door

Copper Coast Christmas Fair, 2nd and 3rd December

Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd of December.
11.00 am – 4.30 pm

Our popular Christmas Fair returns this year with a selection of local Food and Craft stalls offering high quality gifts and home baking.
Join us in Bonmahon for a browse and shop and tea and a home made bun and a chat and get Christmas going!
Admission is free.
Tea and coffee will be served in our Café with delicious cakes from the Fair.
The Copper Coast Geopark will also run a raffle to support Geopark in its on-going work.