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Sligo’s Landscapes, Rocks and Fossils Celebrated at County Hall

‘Few people are aware that Sligo’s extraordinary landscape is the product of colliding continents, tropical seas, volcanic explosions and crushing sheets of ice. The silent stones of Sligo contain an ancient and dynamic story’.  These were the words of Councillor Seamus Kilgannon who was deputizing for the Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Councillor Jude Devins at the launch of ‘Landscapes, Rocks and Fossils - The Geological Heritage of County Sligo’ a new publication celebrating Sligo’s stunning landscapes and geology.

The ground work for the project began in 2003, when Sligo County Council with the Heritage Forum and The Heritage Council, commissioned the Geological Survey of Ireland to undertake an audit of geological heritage sites in County Sligo.  ‘Landscapes, Rocks and Fossils – The Geological Heritage of Sligo’ brings the main findings of that report to a wider audience. The initial audit was undertaken by Dr. Matthew Parkes and Claire McAteer.  Their expertise and enthusiasm have revealed for the people of Sligo the secrets of a lesser known aspect of our beautiful county – its landscape and geology.  Councillor Kilgannon also welcomed the family and friends of the late Conor Mac Dermot a geologist with a deep passion for Sligo’s landscapes and to whom the booklet is dedicated. 

Councillor Kilgannon went on to say that he was very proud that ‘in 2005, Sligo County Council was the first Local Authority in Ireland to list County Geological Heritage Sites for protection in its County Development Plan.  The publication highlights the geological heritage sites of Sligo, with each site telling a part of the geological story of the county.  For the reader, this publication provides some answers to the question – ‘Where has Sligo come from?’

Councillor Kilgannon praised the role of the Sligo Heritage Forum, the Heritage Council and the Geological Survey of Ireland in promoting and supporting the project and publication.   Adding that Sligo County Council was delighted to work in partnership with them.  On behalf of Sligo County Council, Councillor Kilgannon said that he took great pride in launching ‘Landscapes, Rocks and Fossils, The Geological Heritage of County Sligo’.  A significant contribution towards valuing and understanding Sligo’s landscapes and geological heritage.

Councillor Gerry Murray, Chairman of the Sligo Heritage Forum outlined that he ‘had the privilege of working with people who have done enormous good work in protecting and promoting Sligo’s heritage.’  Councillor, Murray added that the publication showcases the work of the
Sligo Heritage Forum and thanked each of the Forum members for their dedication and commitment to the important work of safeguarding our heritage for future generations.

Councillor Murray also extended thanks to Dr. McArdle and his staff in guiding the work which laid the groundwork for the booklet.  The collaboration between the Geological Survey of Ireland, the Sligo Heritage Forum, The Heritage Council and Sligo County Council has shown that, through partnership, we can make great progress for our county’s heritage. 

At the launch of the booklet, special guest, Dr. Peadar McArdle, Director of the Geological Survey of Ireland, described how Sligo’s landscape evolved and why the geology and landscapes of Sligo are so unique.  Dr. McArdle went on to say that the Geological Survey of Ireland were extremely proud to be associated with the publication and he hoped that the template developed in Sligo would be adopted by other counties across Ireland.  Dr. McArdle also paid tribute to the late Conor McDermot, who had worked with the Geological Survey and who had influenced many geologists.  Dr. McArdle also noted Conor’s unique way of communicating geology and his deep interest in the geology of Sligo.

‘Landscapes, Rocks and Fossils, The Geological Heritage of County Sligo’ is an action of the County Sligo Heritage Plan 2007-2011 and is available from the Heritage Office, Sligo County Council.  To get a copy please contact Siobhán Ryan, Heritage Officer, Sligo County Council at Telephone: 071 9111 226 or Email: heritage@sligococo.ie