Galway Geopark celebrates new UNESCO status in style!

Celebrating their UNESCO status outside at the Larches, Finny on Mayo/Galway border were (from left) Gearóidín Ní Ghrúinéil, Helena Morrin, Trish Walsh, Geopark manager Michael Hegarty, Padraig Conway of the Larches, Geopark tourism officer Sinéad Seoighe, Geopark geologist Benjamin Thébaudeau with dog, Joe Greaney, Ben Reid, Meadbh Seoighe Údarás na Gaeltachta, guitarist Richard and Theo Bowyer of the Luke O’Malley Trad Band.

placeholder image — Celebrating their UNESCO status outside at the Larches, Finny on Mayo/Galway border were (from left) Gearóidín Ní Ghrúinéil, Helena Morrin, Trish Walsh, Geopark manager Michael Hegarty, Padraig Conway of the Larches, Geopark tourism officer Sinéad Seoighe, Geopark geologist Benjamin Thébaudeau with dog, Joe Greaney, Ben Reid, Meadbh Seoighe Údarás na Gaeltachta, guitarist Richard and Theo Bowyer of the Luke O’Malley Trad Band.

The Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark is now officially a UNESCO Global Geopark – a first in Connacht and the fifth on the island of Ireland…with the only Gaeltacht region in a UNESCO Geopark in the world.

This high-profile international badge of honour recognises the JCWL Geopark’s outstanding natural beauty, unique culture, rich heritage, Irish Language – Gaeltacht region, progressive and strong community spirit along with its inspiring residents.

It puts the area alongside the Burren and Cliffs of Moher, the Copper Coast in Waterford and the area around Strangford and the Mournes in the North of Ireland.

The JCWL UNESCO Global Geopark encapsulates 20 highly motivated and determined communities across North Galway and South-west Mayo, inclusive of the Gaeltacht.

Each community is dedicated to maintaining their individual charm and ethos while working together to sustain, nurture and support unique cultural and heritage skill sets and traditions.

Embracing new opportunities also forms part of the agenda especially those which complement the sustained developmental efforts of people and their communities in order to achieve the coveted UNESCO status for the region.

“The ratification of Joyce Country & Western Lakes as a UNESCO Global Geopark is a landmark achievement that celebrates the extraordinary natural heritage and living Irish language culture of this remarkable region,” said Tomás Ó Síocháin, CEO of Údarás na Gaeltachta.

Cllr David Collins, Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, said that this UNESCO Global Geopark status ‘shines a well-deserved spotlight not just on our unique landscape, but on the people who live and work here and have cared for it over generations’.

Cathaoirleach of Comharchumann Dhúiche Sheoigheach Teo Seán O’Cionnaigh said that this status ‘celebrates our special landscape and the people who have looked after it for generations’.

“It can also help the local economy in a sustainable way. It supports communities in caring for the environment and preserving our language, traditions and way of life. So that the communities here will continue to thrive,” he said.

To mark this historic and high-profile UNESCO accolade, all came together to host a series of community events – dedicated to the ethos, character, spirit, culture and heritage of their respective communities.