Geopark is focus of first talk for Mayo historical society
Geologist Dr Benjamin Thébaudeau with some callers to the Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark road show.
The Mayo Historical and Archaeological Society is set to commence a series of talks for the 2025/26 season.
The title of the first talk is entitled 'A UNESCO Global Geopark for Connacht: How local rocks influence our natural and cultural heritage'. It will be held on Wednesday next, October 22, in the ATU Campus, Castlebar at 7.30pm. The talk is being held to coincide with the awarding of UNESCO Geopark status to the Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark next spring.
Geologist Dr Benjamin Thébaudeau will describe the geological heritage in the Joyce Country and Western Lakes Region and offer an insight into how the geopark was put together and developed. The talk will also mention the roles of the geopark team and partners and discuss the plans for the future.
Dr Thébaudeau is based in Tourmakeady. He has a background in Physics, a MSc in Geophysics and completed a PhD in 2013 at the Department of Geology of Trinity College Dublin.
His current post in the geopark has to do with the telling of the geological story as well as linking it to the wider heritage of the region. Besides the production of outreach and education resources, both printed and digital, he is also visiting schools and delivering presentations to local interest groups in the wider area. Part of the current education offering from the JCWL Geopark is a Geopark ambassador course delivered by Benjamin.
The upcoming series of talks are most interesting and informative. Membership of the society for the coming year will be taken prior to the first talk and is open to all. Fáilte roimh chách.
