GEOLOGICAL HERITAGE:THE FIRST OF A series of maps focusing on Ireland's geology has been launched by the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI), the State's earth-science agency.
The map of the Burren celebrates the Co Clare region's very special limestone landscape, Dr Peadar McArdle, director of the GSI, said at the launch.
Speaking at the Cliffs of Moher visitor centre, he said the map was the first in a new national series of geotourism maps of outstanding landscape and geological heritage.
"In the series, GSI hopes to convey the key message that geology underpins the physical basis of our society - where we live, work and play," he said.
He added that the new map could be an important element in the proposal for the Burren's distinctive karst landscape to be designated as a Unesco geopark.
"This Unesco designation uses geology as a basis upon which to explore the diverse fauna, flora, history and archaeology of a particular region in an integrated way."
Carol Gleeson, project manager with the development agency Burren Connect, said the map would be a resource for tourists and students.
It will be available from the agency's nine information hubs around the Burren. For more details about the agency and area, see www.burrenbeo.com.
A new website provides photographs and maps of Ireland's seabed, which spans 900,000sq km. The website, www.infomar.ie, is managed by GSI and the Marine Institute and is the world's largest civilian marine-mapping programme