UNESCO approves extension of Copper Coast Global Geopark
At a recent meeting at UNESCO head-quarters in Paris, approval was unanimously given to the Waterford’s Copper Coast Global Geopark for a small extension, to include prehistoric and medieval sites in Waterford including the village of Kill.
Speaking at the recent community information meeting held in Kill village Mossie Cheasty, Chairman of Kill Community Centre said “we welcome the extension and look forward to working closer with all the communities in Geopark and hope this will improve the lives of everyone living and working in the area as well as improving the experiences of visitors.”
Commenting on the extension Keith Kirwan, of Kirwan’s bar and off licence and Jenny O’Brien, owner of Pisces Restaurant said “we think its great news that Kill is now included in the Geopark. This something we can use to promote and develop our businesses and hopefully it will increase visitor numbers coming to and enjoying Kill village.”
Mike Sweeney, Chairman of Copper Coast Geopark welcomed Kill to the Global Geopark family and said he looked forward to working with them and was sure that the addition of the historically important village could only strengthen the Geopark and enhance its attractiveness to visitors. The timing couldn’t be better, the inclusion of important prehistoric and medieval archaeological sites will add value to our educational programmes as well as giving people more reasons to explore the Geopark. In terms of tourism offering, we are perfectly positioned to benefit from Fáilte Ireland’s new tourism proposition ‘Ireland’s Ancient East’.”
Find out more information about these and other things to see and do in the Geopark at the Copper Coast Geopark Visitor Centre 
in Bunmahon, which also has a café and gift shop selling local products and a recently opened art exhibition space with the aim of supporting local artists and bringing their art to wider audiences.
Copper Coast Geopark Ltd.
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The Copper Coast is a 25 kilometre stretch of coastline situated between the towns of Tramore and Dungarvan
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Characterised by rugged cliff-edged shorelines and unique geological formations
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Visitor Centre with geological and mining heritage exhibition, gift shop & café in Bunmahon
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Awarded European Geopark status in 2001
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Registered as Company Limited by Guarantee with charitable status in 2004
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Global Geopark status under the auspices of UNESCO in 2004
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Smallest Geopark in the world
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Supported by: Waterford City and Council; Geological Survey of Ireland; University College Cork and; Mining Heritage Trust of Ireland.
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Copper Coast Geopark is a member of the Public Participation Network and represents the Environmental Pillar on the Planning & Corporate Strategic Policy Committee
Copper Coast Geopark is one of the participating community organisations on the Comeragh’s Wild Festival
Read more about the Copper Coast from Waterford In Your Pocket here!
