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The Geology of Northern Ireland-Our Natural Foundation

The Geological Survey of Northern Ireland is pleased to announce the publication of the new Regional Guide to the geology of Northern Ireland entitled "The Geology of Northern Ireland-Our Natural Foundation". The book, which is priced at £10, consists of 328 pages and is packed with colourful maps, tables and photographs, all assembled in a new and revolutionary design. The book describes the geology of Northern Ireland as depicted on the 1:250,000 Geological Map (1997) of the northern part of Ireland.

The first 18 chapters describe the geology of Northern Ireland from the oldest Precambrian rocks to the youngest Holocene deposits. The final 5 chapters are a statement of the mineral and hydrocarbon prospectivity of Northern Ireland and are linked to the hydrogeology and deep geology of the area, with a final cautionary note on the existence of geohazards of many different kinds.

The Geological Survey of Northern Ireland is pleased to announce the publication of a new geological map of the Ballycastle area. It is published with a colourful and innovative design illustrating aspects of the geology and landscapes with photographs, colourful diagrams and dioramas.

The Ballycastle map also includes a 'Landscapes from Stone' section that explains the geological history in terms that are understandable to the non-specialist. It is a companion map to the popular Causeway Coast map published in 1998.

The Ballycastle map, together with the recently published Ballymena and Coleraine maps, were officially launched in Ballycastle on Thursday, 6th June 2002.

The 12 Counties Project: 'Landscapes from Stone'
A joint GSNI and Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) project aiming to promote geological tourism in the twelve northern counties of Ireland (i.e. Antrim, Armagh, Cavan, Derry, Donegal, Down, Fermanagh, Leitrim, Louth, Monaghan, Sligo and Tyrone). It was primarily funded by the EU Peace and Reconciliation and INTERREG programmes supported by contributions from local authorities throughout the region.

1. Cuilcagh
2. Upper Erne
3. The Sperrins
4. West Breifne
5. West Sligo
6. Lough Neagh
7. South Antrim
8. Donegal
9. Oriel
10. Mourne, Gullion and Cooley
11. The Bann and Roe Valleys

The 'Explore' guide series features tours, suitable for cars, ranging in length from 80 to 180km. The routes are designed to take the reader through areas of scenic interest.

Price: £1.00 each

The guides contain descriptions of each area's geological history, landscape and items of cultural interest including history and folklore. The text is accompanied by colour plates and a simplified route map.

Each walking guide package consists of a series of laminated cards in a clear plastic wallet. These give an introduction to the landscape, rocks, archaeology, folklore, flora and fauna of the area plus one card each to describe ten individual walks. The route of each walk is outlined on extracts from 1:50 000 scale Ordnance Survey maps, with letters and numbers referring to route and feature information within the text.

1. Cuilcagh
2. Sligo-Leitrim
3. Sperrins
4. Donegal
5. Mourne, Gullion and Cooley
6. The Bann and Roe Valleys
7. South Ulster (July 2002)
8. South Antrim (July 2002)

Price: £4.95 each

The 'Walk' and 'Explore' series are produced under the 'Landscapes from Stone' brand by the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland and the Geological Survey of Ireland, with support from the EU Peace and Reconciliation and INTERREG programmes and local authorities throughout the region.