The Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark is expected to receive its UNESCO global status tomorrow, Thursday 23rd April.
This high-profile accolade recognises the Geopark’s outstanding natural beauty, rich heritage, Irish Language-Gaeltacht region, and strong community spirit.
It'll be the first geopark in Connacht and the fifth in Ireland to receive the status, with the area including 20 communities across north County Galway and south-west County Mayo.
Celebrations will be held over the coming days - in Oughterard, Headford, Connemara and parts of Mayo, with full details available at joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie
Advertisement
Geopark geologist, Benjamin Thébaudeau, has been speaking to our reporter Sarah Slevin
