So, you’ve probably heard about this group through various online posts, or new signage that’s beginning to appear in our neighbouring towns, but here’s what you really need to know about the Geopark.
The idea for a Geopark in Joyce Country and Western Lakes area started in 2008. The financial crisis had begun to put real pressure on local communities, jobs and services, and a group of local volunteers observed that the outstanding beauty and rich local heritage of the area would be a great draw for sustainable tourism, as well as for jobs and new sources of income – if only there was a way to organise and promote this lesser-known area!
A few years previously the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) was formed, and UNESCO had become involved. They championed the work of raising awareness of geological heritage, and the possibilities for supporting sustainable development emerged. Now there are around 200 UNESCO Global Geoparks across 75 countries.
These are places of internationally important geology, all managed with a concept of protecting local environments, education and local economic and social development. Importantly, UNESCO Global Geopark status carries no additional legal status or planning restrictions to those already in place by local, national or EU legislation. It’s a fantastic brand to have for an area, and is enthusiastically supported by communities, businesses and agencies such as Fáilte Ireland and the local authorities. (It’s worth noting the UNESCO designation has to be revalidated every four years otherwise the status is lost.)
Initially a 10-year voluntary effort, then a two-year project (2020-2021), Joyce Country and Western Lakes is now consolidated into a fully functional Geopark. Significant foundation support for this aspiring geopark has come from the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (part of Project Ireland 2040 – the national development policy). It is now hosted by Comharchumann Dhúiche Sheoigheach Teoranta (CDS Teo) and supported by a multi-agency partnership with Údarás na Gaeltachta, Mayo and Galway County Councils, Geological Survey Ireland, with consultation from Coillte, Fáilte Ireland, NPWS, Inland Fisheries Ireland and a cross-community voluntary group JCWL Geoenterprise.
It complements the strategic vision of all those partners, and wider sustainability initiatives such as ‘Leave no Trace’.
The 2020-2021 project built management capacity and secured a financial base for the geopark leading to the application to UNESCO at the end of 2022. There are currently four UGGs on the island of Ireland. Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark will be the first UNESCO Global Geopark in Connacht.
The Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark includes 17 village communities and three towns, of which Headford is one.
For the last eighteen months or so, Headford and District Association member, Richard Geraghty, has been representing H.A.D.A on the Joyce Country & Western Lakes Geopark community liaison group, and been actively involved in contributing to the work of the Geopark, as well as coordinating opportunities for local communities to showcase what they have to offer.
UNESCO Global Geopark designation will benefit the area through promotion of sustainable development in local communities in education, tourism, agri-food sectors and help local communities to grow and retain and expand services. UGG status will also help highlight the areas local heritage to potential visitors, and raise its profile as a place to visit. All of which will be done by working in partnership with local communities. The status doesn’t oblige any business or landowner to open up to tourism if they don’t want to. But there are great opportunities, especially for local jobs and income.
Since the inception of this idea, there have already been some small but significant changes that may impact positively on Headford.
Firstly, the new Tourism Strategy for Galway for 2022-2030 has created a new tourism zone, encompassing east Connemara, and Lough Corrib, that will take in our lovely town, and notes specific actions that may benefit us. These actions include the development of Ross Erilly as a visitor experience, highlighting the fabulous achievements and awards of the Headford Lace group, support for the Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark, and the ongoing development of Lough Corrib as a recreational resource.
Secondly, in January of 2024 the Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark launched the Mám Éan geo-trail at the ancient pass crossing the Maumturks, with funding in the form of a geo-heritage grant from Geological Survey Ireland.
Assessors from UNESCO have already visited the area, in July of 2023, and the outcome of this visit will be known later in 2024. We’ll keep you posted on that, but meanwhile, for more information on the Geopark and their plans for the future, they have an excellent website here https://joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie/ and is active on social media @JCWLGeopark
Go and check out what’s on your doorstep! You’ll be amazed!
