Monthly E-Newsletter August 2015 No - Burrenbeo Trust

Monthly E-Newsletter
August 2015 No.104

WELCOME

Welcome to the August Edition of the Burrenbeo newsletter. It seems

the newsletters have been getting longer and longer over the past few months –
there’s just so much to report from the Burren, and this month is no exception. Lots
to report, from July, and more to look forward to in August - including a very full
events calendar to celebrate National Heritage week. The Burren is currently
bedecked with a most wonderful summer bloom - look out this month for the blues
of the harebells and scabious, the yellows of the goldenrod and ladies bedstraw, the
whites of the eyebrights and the gorgeous ‘grass of parnassus’. We do hope you’re
having a wonderful summer whether in the Burren or further afield.

If you enjoy our monthly newsletters maybe you could print/forward and leave in a
public place that would help us spread our message and let more people know about
the great work being done in the Burren.

BURREN NEWS

Wildlife Photo Competition
To follow on from the other photo competitions we have run this year, we are now
running one on wildlife. So do you have any interesting shots of Burren wildlife—
butterflies, birds, slowworms, hares etc. Send in your favourite image to
[email protected], we’d love to see them. The deadline is the 31st August. The
below images are by Deirdre Holmes, Martin Kiely, Patrese Moloney, and Andreas
Riemenschneider.

SPECIAL POINTS OF
INTEREST THIS MONTH
 Watch out for the Grass

of Parnassus above.
 Lots of events on this

month especially during
Heritage Week. See
www.heritageweek.ie
for more details.

Walk for the Blind and Walk with a Difference
Our first Walk for the Blind in July was a great success. Run as a pilot event, a group of visually impaired people and
companions enjoyed a day in the Burren, including a trip to the Burren Perfumery. Having learnt from the experience we
hope to plan a similar event on the 29th August. Let us know if you wish to join via the contact details below. Thanks to Sadie
Chowen and the team at the Burren Perfumery, Sharon Parr and Richard and Linda Morrison for making the event such a
success. As part of Heritage Week, we’ll be taking a group of wheelchair users out into the Burren and interpreting the
landscape (26th August). The event is run in conjunction with the IWA and anyone wishing to take part or for more
information should contact [email protected], 091 638096.

Ann O’Connor Dunford Memorial Walk
Blessed with a dry day a group of walkers took the pilgrimage from
Kilmacduagh to Slieve Carron on the 14th July in memory of Ann O’Connor
Dunford, co-founder of the Burrenbeo Trust. The walk was a truly fitting
memorial to Ann. Huge thanks to the landowners for letting us traverse their
land - Pascal Lee, Boston; Ann Marie Hynes, Kilfenora; Martin MacMahon,
Boston and Frank McCormack, Boston. Frank also allowed us use the car park
at his business, www.irishnaturalstone.com which was much appreciated.
Thanks also to the many helpers, leaders, first aiders, samosa and sandwich
makers that made it such a special event.

Young Burren Ambassadors
The recipients of the inaugural Young Burren Ambassador Bursary set up in Ann’s memory were also present at the Memorial
walk. The Bursary was presented to Megan McLoughlin & Chloe Messori who go to school in Coláiste Muire, Ennis (seen here

with Ann’s sister Monica who made the presentation, photo by
Ruairí O’Conchúir). The girls had submitted a detailed nomination
form and video outlining their passion for the environment and the
Burren and their plans for sharing this. We look forward to working
with the girls over the coming year. Well done also to the other
nominees – it was extremely difficult to reach a decision due to the
high standard. A number were selected to receive a certificate of
recognition for the work that they put into their application, below
are some snippets of the passion demonstrated by the applicants
Nina Bachanashvili – ‘the Burren could become an educational
experience, thus encouraging schools to come to the Burren for a
school tour. Giving students a chance to use their own initiative and
discover by themselves at a pace they are accustomed to. “Knowledge is sweeter found then given”
Kate Carroll – ‘But imagine what would happen if none of this was there? No rare orchids, no stone walls, no wild animals and
not even the famous Poulnabrone dolmen, just a bare, dull landscape. It's something that I know, I and local people would hate
to experience. This is what will happen if we don't join together and conserve this wonderful place. And what measures are in
place to ensure that this diverse heritage is protected for future generations to enjoy? It all starts with us.’

Considered extinct!
Along the route of the Memorial walk between Kilmacduagh and Slieve Carron
botanist Dr Micheline Sheehy-Skeffinton spotted a Small Toadflax, Chaenorhinum
minus which is listed as ‘probably extinct in the region’ in the Flora of Connemara
and the Burren! The Botanical Society of the British Island data-base lists five
records for it in Co Clare, two pre-1970, so it is not a common plant. There’s always
something new to be discovered on a day out in the Burren. Thanks to Micheline
for passing on the information and Brendan McGrath for the photo.

Art, Food Security and Climate Change
Green European Foundation, with the support of Green Foundation Ireland, will
host a Symposium as part of The Burren Annual Exhibition 2015 "Beyond Sustainability" at the Burren College of Art on the
14th and 15th August. The Burren Annual Exhibition 2015 will showcase 'POTATO/BATATA', a collaborative project between
local artist Deirdre O'Mahony and Chicago-based artist Frances Whitehead. The Exhibition is a reflection on sustainability,
food security, landscape and human relationships and will include community-based projects developed by the artists. The
Burren Annual Exhibition will open to the general public with a reception at 7:00pm on Friday 14th August. The Symposium
comprises Seminar and Workshop and commences at 10:00am on Saturday 15 August, the event costs €20 (includes lunch
and tea/coffee). There will be a Celebratory Feast taking place on Saturday evening (€15 extra). Further updates on the
Symposium will appear at www.greenfoundationireland.ie

German President visits Burren
German President Gauck recently visited the Burren to learn about farming in this unique
landscape and about the work of the Burren Life programme which aims to support farming for
conservation in the region. He is pictured here with Dr Brendan Dunford, Manager of the Burren
Life programme (& Burrenbeo Trust Secretary).

MSc in Biodiversity & Land Use Planning
This unique, two year part-time course in NUI Galway has been designed specifically for
professionals who wish to incorporate expertise in biodiversity and associated legislative
requirements within current or future positions. The application process is still open. This course
applies an evidence-based approach to developing pragmatic solutions for environmental
problems with particular emphasis on integrating biodiversity within land-use planning.
Specifically designed to meet the needs of local authority staff and private environmental
consultants, students will learn how to deal effectively with the potential environmental impacts
of development in a considerate manner and in compliance with environmental legislation. It will
assist with meeting legal obligations such as Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment. Applications:
www.pac.ie/nuigalway

A Special Mention in the European Awards
The Burrenbeo Trust received a ‘Special Mention of the Jury’ in the category of
Education, Training and Awareness-Raising as part of the European Union Prize for
Cultural Heritage this month.

Revalidation of The Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark status
Representatives of the Global Geopark Network were in the Geopark to undertake a
reassessment and revalidation of The Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark status. The
UNESCO-supported designation is subject to review every four years and the
assessment, which was conducted by Dr. Klaus George from Germany and Dr. Margaret
Wood from Wales, forms part of the review process for the Burren and Cliffs of Moher
Geopark.

The assessment involved a series of visits and meetings with agencies and the local
community over a three-day period with an overall community presentation hosted in
Hotel Doolin. The assessors will now submit a report to the Global Geopark Network on
the revalidation process and a decision will issue later in 2015.

Prince Charles visit committed to canvas
Prince Charles’ recent Burren visit is among paintings in the new exhibition of
Michael Hanrahan which opened at Trump International Golf and Hotel in
Doonbeg on the 18th July. Other work from Co Clare, Achill and Connemara are
also included. Michael was the only artist accredited by the Dept of Foreign
Affairs to paint for the Queens visit to Ireland in 2011 and has two paintings
hanging in Buckingham Palace.

Galway An Taisce Burren Tour
On the 9th August, the Galway branch of An Taisce have a Sunday Study Tour -
‘Learning New Facts on Drumacoo, Corcomroe and Kilmacduagh’. The tour
leaves Galway Cathedral Car Park at 10am and prior booking is essential by
calling Martin Byrnes 091 794435.

News from Further Afield….

Birdstyle Burrenbeo Patron and well known artist Gordon D’arcy has an exhibition on theme of "birdstyle" running until

28th August in the National Park in Connemara……Foxford Walking Festival 29th & 30th August

www.foxfordwalkingfestival.com 094 9257684 ….Merriman Summer School 12th - 15th August . Theme is Cumann

agus Céileachas: Love and Marriage Revisited. Location Ennis, County Clare. www.merriman.ie

BURRENBEO TRUST EVENTS CALENDER AUG 2015 (Print & Post)

Sun 2nd 2pm Gortlecka
Burrenbeo Trust Monthly walk ‘Summer visitors of the feathered kind’ with Alex Copland. More information 091
638096, [email protected]

Sun 2nd Ballyvaughan
Ballyvaughan Fanore Walking Club are walking Western Burren Peaks - several climbs over the Burren Peaks,
Ballyvaughan to Fanore to Ballyvaughan Loop. Meet: 8 hr+ Pier Ballyvaughan @ 8.30am, walk@t 8.45am, club
members only. Meet: 5 hr + Fanore Church @ 1pm. Booking of walk essential. More info Gerry Reidy 087 7911700
& Michael Queally 0851259666.

Sun 2nd—17th Kinvara
KAVA summer exhibition, ‘Throw us a Line’. Open 12-5pm at the Kinvara Courthouse. In aid of RNLI, Cruinniú na
mBád and Courthouse Renovation.

Sun 16th11am Fanore
Ballyvaughan Fanore Walking Club are walking Blackhead Loop Clockwise. Meet at Fanore Beach Carpark at
10.30am walk at 11am. Contact Frank Folan 086870 9746

Sun 30th 11am Fanore
Ballyvaughan Fanore Walking Club are walking Slieve Elva - North Clare’s Highest Peak via The Miners Well.
Meet at Fanore Beach @ 10.30am walk @ 11am. Contact Michael Queally 086 0767776

Heritage Week Events (for individual times, booking and costs contact event organisers)
22nd – 25th Ennis

Monastic Europe: Landscape & Settlement International Conference. More info

www.monasticeurope.wordpress.com

22nd & 29th 12pm Ennistymon
Snapshots in Time: Ennistymon, Lahinch and Liscannor photographic exhibition presented by the Old

Ennistymon Society. More info [email protected], 065 7071630

22nd – 29th 10am Kinvara
Kinvara 1916 - This exhibition is a prelude to the Centenary of Easter Rising 1916, in particular the events that
happened in the Kinvara area. On display will be photographs, witness statements and other artefacts. More info

Kinvara Folklore Digital Archive, [email protected], 091 637052/087 2778146

22nd – 30th9am Cliffs of Moher
Live Dry Stone Walling exhibits from a local master stonemason and guided tours where you can learn more
about quarrying methods and traditions. More info Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre, [email protected],
065 7086141.

22nd – 30th 10.30am Gort
Gort and its Weigh House - information and a useful book on Gort and talks and guided tours of the Weigh

House. More info [email protected]

22nd- 30th 11am Kiltartan
Unique Place - Unique Design, Kiltartan Cross Museum. More info Kiltartan Gregory Cultural Society,

[email protected], 091 632346.

22nd 9am Gortlecka
Family Friendly Bird-Watching Walk in the Burren National Park. More info National Parks and Wildlife Service

[email protected], 065 6827693.

23rd 9am Online
Launch of ‘Our Industrial Heritage: Water Pumps in Co. Galway’ - Galway County Council’s Record of Protected
Structures and the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage have compiled a list of over 45 water pumps in

Co. Galway. www.irelandxo.com. More info [email protected], 086 3967496

23rd 2pm Fanore
All-Ireland Whale Watch day, invites the public and visitors alike to join the experts at the IWDG for a free and
guided land-based whale watch at a local headland near you. More info Irish Whale and Dolphin

Group, [email protected], 086 6061869

BURRENBEO TRUST EVENTS CALENDER AUG 2015 (Print & Post)

23rd 2pm Dromore

Tree Walk. More info Hilda MacLochlainn/NPWS, [email protected], 065 6827693.

23rd 11am Lahinch
Organic Garden Tour at Moy House. More info Moy Hill Community Garden,
[email protected], 0871301937, www.moyhillcommunitygarden.wordpress.com

23rd 3pm Coole Park
Coole Demense - A Working Estate - Discover the restored lime kiln, remains of the horse pump, stables,

coach houses, hot houses and more... More info Hilda MacLochlainn, [email protected], 091 631804.

24th – 30th 9am Nogra
Nogra Wall Mural based on the sights of Doorus as seen by a postman. It includes 19th century ruins, the
sea, houses big, small or thatched, walls, mountain views, dogs, farm animals, machinery. More info Brian

Twomey/ Kava, [email protected], 087 7761855.

24th 8pm Ennistymon
Forgotten Placenames and Landmarks of Ennistymon -An illustrated talk by Colm Hayes. More info

The Old Ennistymon Society & The North Clare Historical Society, [email protected], 065

7071630
26th 7pm Ennistymon

A Heritage Walk around Ennistymon Town with local historian Colm Hayes. More info The Old Ennistymon

Society & The North Clare Historical Society, [email protected], 065 7071630

26th 8pm Gortlecka

Bat Talk and Walk. More info National Parks and Wildlife Service, [email protected],

0656827693
26th 11am Kilnaboy

Burrenbeo Trust Walk with a Difference. More info Burrenbeo Trust, [email protected], 091 638096
26th 2.30pm Coole Park

Open Your Eyes to Nature - Using the senses, discover the wonderful world of nature that Coole has to

offer. More info Hilda MacLochlainn, [email protected], 091 631804.

26th – 30th 12pm Kinvara
Route 51 - This exhibition explores Route 51,a rural postal route which runs from Kinvara. It uses
photos,drawings and paintings to look at the Doorus area as it is seen through the window of the postal

van. More info Brian Twomey/ Kava, [email protected], 087 7761855.

27th 2pm Lisdoonvarna
Lisdoonvarna's Famous Mineral Wells - a Guided Tour. More info Lisdoonvarna Fáilte Ltd,

[email protected], 065 7075644.

27th 2pm Cahercommaun
Burrenbeo Trust Caher Capers - Discover some of the secrets of the Burren with games and activities
around the hazel scrub, limestone pavement and the remarkable Cahercommaun stone fort. Most suitable

for ages 6-12. More info Burrenbeo Trust, [email protected], 091 638096

29th 10.30am Gortlecka
Mini Beast Hunt in the Burren National Park. More info National Parks and Wildlife Service,

[email protected], 0656827693

29th 2pm Kinvara
Official Opening of the Burren Botany Bubble at the Burren Nature Sanctuary. More info Burren Nature

Sanctuary, [email protected], 091 637444.

29th 3pm Coole Park
Create Your Own Coole House and/or stables using mixed media. With ideas from photos and drawings of

the buildings you can let your imagination run free. More info Hilda MacLochlainn, [email protected],

091 631804.
29th – 30th 10.30am Aughinish

X PO BOX / Aughinish Radio event to celebrate Aughinishs musical traditions past and present and

highlights the iconic design of the Irish postbox. More info Brian Twomey/ KAVA,

[email protected], 091 637075.

30th 2pm New Quay
Olive Carey will lead this trip through Corcomroe Abbey, recounting its history and pointing out its
architectural features. Info from Clare Archaeological and Historical Society, [email protected], 087
9165916

30th 3pm Coole Park
"Me and Nu" and Mr Yeats too - A walk and talk to find out what Lady Gregory's grandchildren really

thought of this famous visitor. More info Hilda MacLochlainn, [email protected], 091 631804.

29th 8pm Kinvara
Stories from 1982 - the Kinvara Digital Archive will once again give a window into the past by showing this

wonderful DVD. More info Kinvara Folklore Digital Archive, [email protected], 091 637052/087 2778146

Festivals in August
Doolin Craft Beer & Roots Festival, 21st -23rd August more information 065 7074111, [email protected],
www.facebook.com/DoolinCraftBeerandFoodFestival

Cruinniu na mBad, Kinvara 14th – 16th August, traditional wooden boat festival, for more information
www.cruinniunambad.com.

Other points of interest

April—Oct Burren Every Monday the Burren Food Trail will carry out a themed food event will take place in

locations around the Burren. www.burren.ie

April—Oct Burren Every Friday the Burren the Adventure and Activity Trial are a series of events from

surfing, kayaking, caving and cob- building to name but a few…each activity is led by an

experienced guide. www.burren.ie

May—Oct Kinvara Kinvara Farmers Market every Friday from 10am-2pm.

May—Oct Ballvaughan Ballyvaughan Farmers Market every Saturday in the village hall from 10am-2pm.

May—Oct Ballyvaughan Burren Arts and Crafts Market starts every Sunday in the village hall from 10am-6pm.

BURRENBEO TRUST NEWS & UPDATES

Monthly Walks & Talks: The August Burrenbeo Trust walk is ‘Summer visitors of the feathered kind’ with Alex
Copland on the 2nd August at 2pm, meeting @ Gortlecka Crossroads. During the summer many different visitors come
to our shores including many birds. Dr. Alex Copland is Senior Conservation Officer with BirdWatch Ireland will lead
our walk in August which will have a look for the bird species that have migrated to this area for the summer. Alex
has the responsibility for the delivery of a strategic conservation programme for farmland and peatland birds. He
delivers this work at all levels, from designing surveys and undertaking research to developing and advocating
conservation policies nationally and internationally. Occasionally, he gets out counting real birds in the field! There
will be refreshments available at the Father Ted house after the walk for the suggested donation of €5pp. Suitable
outdoor clothing and sturdy waterproof footwear recommended. The walk is open to everyone. The walk is free for
Burrenbeo Trust Members and a donation of €10 is suggested from non-members. For more information please
email [email protected] or phone 091 638096.

Huge thanks to Gearoid Nealon (and apologies for misspelling his name
previously) for leading our July walk. The weather was absolutely beautiful for
the group that joined us on the flaggy shore to get to know some of the
seaweeds. Equally huge thanks to Mark Helmore at Mount Vernon, for opening
his house and gardens and providing tea after the walk – a real treat. Particular
thanks to Mark for donating the monies raised to the Trust.

Education: We’re almost ready to start looking for scholarship applications to
take part in Ecobeo for the next school year. The course is an amazing
opportunity for any school, we give it to free to the schools (worth €1,500 per
school) – a massive investment which we believe is worth every cent. Emails will
be sent to schools in early September with application details – if you have a
school you’d like to take part tell them to keep an eye on their emails or register
your interest by emailing Áine on [email protected].
You could also get the school year off to a good start with a Burrenbeo visit for a
Heritage in Schools talk or a Burren Field Trip –why not get a date in your diaries fast and treat your students to a
great learning and fun experience.

If you know of any local businesses (or even those further afield) that would like to invest in the future of the Burren
and Place Based Learning in Ireland – get them to get in touch about how they could sponsor a local school or
provide scholarships for Ecobeo schools.

This year we’re delighted to be expanding the Áitbheo transition year programme – we’ll be delivering the course
during the year to the 60 incoming Transition Year students in Seamount in Kinvara.

Teacher Training: Our first group of teachers have completed our Teacher Training course on Place-based
Education – using your local place as a teaching resource training
course. It was great to work with such an enthusiastic group,
including teachers and educators from a range of backgrounds.
Hopefully they will have fun putting their knowledge into use when
they’re back in the classrooms in September. Thanks to Rory
O’Shaughnessy, Eugene Lambe, Brendan Dunford and Harry Jeuken
for leading fieldtrips. There are still a few places left on the August
course on the 17th -21st. It is only €70 for the 5 day course that is
based in Kinvara and out in the Burren. The course is open to all
teachers, qualifying them for EPV days in lieu of this training, but it
is also open to anyone else that wants to be involved. Spaces in the

BURRENBEO TRUST NEWS & UPDATES

August course are booking up fast so get your details into [email protected] or 091 638096. More information
here.

Wild Child in the Burren
The July summer camp sold out so we decided to put on a second camp in
August….which then sold out just as quickly! It’s a great sign that children are
interested in taking part and learning more about the Burren. If you didn’t get a place
you could still come and take part on Caher Capers, as part of Heritage Week.
Discover some of the secrets of the Burren with games and activities around the hazel
scrub, limestone pavement and the remarkable Cahercommaun stone fort. Most
suitable for ages 6-12. Meet at Cahercommaun at 2pm, cost per child €2.50. More
information from [email protected], 091 638096.

Conservation:
The Volunteers have been helping out with the Ann O’Connor Dunford Memorial walk
and the Walk for the visually impaired and in August they’ll be helping again at the
Walk with a Difference. There’s still plenty of archaeological post dig analysis going on
with a core group of highly trained volunteers working through the interesting finds
from recent digs.

Over the coming weeks we’re organising a First Aid course for our volunteers – details
to follow via email. There’ll also be the annual BCV BBQ to look forward to so start getting the marinades ready!

For more information on any BCV events or to be added to the mailing list contact Kate at [email protected]
or calling the office on 091 638096.

BURRENBEO BUSINESS
MEMBERS

Please support these businesses that
support the work of the Burrenbeo Trust
working towards the future
sustainability of the region together.
More details on our business members

Dr Duncan Medical Services, Lahinch

Why not become a Burrenbeo Business Friend this year?
Not only are you supporting the education and conservation of the Burren region but you are giving your business an advantage—it is
advertised here to over 3000 people, it will have a presence on the most used website in the region and two other big events of the
region; Burren in Bloom and Burren Winterage Weekend. It is €150/€350/€600 for the year. More information here. Our business
friends so far this year are listed above.

Members News: Support those that support the work of the Burrenbeo Trust. See the full list of Business members above.
Their news this month…

ST TOLA CHEESE
St Tola Goat Cheese are having two Open Days in August! On Monday
10th August and Friday 28th August, St Tola Goat Farm will open its
doors at 2.30pm. A full tour of the farm will start at 2.45pm sharp
comprising of a visit to our beautiful goats, a talk on sustainable farming
and breeding, a simple cheese making demonstration and a full tasting of
our award winning cheeses. There will be a bit of history and a some
folklore for good measure as well. All are welcome, young and old and it
is a fabulous opportunity to get up close to our lovely goats and find
about cheese making. The event is free and gates open at 2.30pm.
Contact sales@st-tola or www.st-tola.ie for more information and
directions!

THE BURREN PERFUMERY
Tuesday, 4th August at 2pm - An Introduction to The Art of Perfume
A 45-minute Talk with Sadie Chowen €18pp to include a perfume sample. Advance booking essential. To book your
place email [email protected].

Friday, 7th August at 2pm - Organic Herb Garden Tour
A 1-hour tour with Burren Perfumery Gardener Sarah Casey. No Charge.

THE RUSSELL GALLERY

Sean Tyrrell in Concert on Friday 21 of August @ 8pm (doors open at 7pm)
Limited tickets available. 13.50 euro buy also online www.russellgallery.net/Sean_Tyrrell.html
For info tel 065 7078185

The Burrenbeo Trust is a membership charity. If you like what we do and want to support our work please become a member. You can fill in the below and
return to us or click here to buy your membership online. If you would like to be a Business Member contact [email protected] directly.

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