Irish UNESCO Global Geoparks Forum

Bruce Misstear is a Fellow Emeritus of Trinity College Dublin, where he has taught hydrogeology and environmental engineering for 30 years. He is the author or co-author of 200 publications, including his recent book “Wells and Wellbeing: The Hydrogeology of Irish Holy Wells” which was published by Geological Survey Ireland in 2023. Bruce is a former Secretary General of the International Association of Hydrogeologists.

Holy wells as part of our Geoheritage

Sacred wells and springs are important cultural features of landscapes across the world. They are especially numerous in Ireland, where holy wells are still visited regularly, especially on their saint’s or pattern day. Some of the pilgrims seek cures for a variety of ailments. This talk will consider holy wells as part of our Geoheritage. The distribution of holy wells according to their different hydrogeological settings will be examined, together with the chemical characteristics of their waters and the potential links to health. The talk will conclude with a discussion of how holy wells need to be protected for future generations.

Liam Ó hAisibéil is a Lecturer in Irish in the School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures at the University of Galway where he lectures on onomastics and medieval Irish literature on undergraduate and postgraduate programmes for the Discipline of Irish at the University of Galway. His research interests include place-names, surnames, and naming in medieval Irish literature, and has completed significant research on Irish surnames and their anglicisation. He is co-author of the Oxford Dictionary of Family Names of Ireland with Dr Kay Muhr, published by Oxford University Press.

If the stones could speak: Topographical elements in Irish place-names

This talk will discuss the variety of topographical elements found in Irish place-names that are associated with geological features and look at the structure and regional distribution of these names. It is based on ongoing research by the speaker in partnership with the Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark focusing on intangible cultural heritage of the Burren, as represented by place-names and their associated narratives.

Anne O’Donoughue was appointed CEO of the Irish Heritage Trust in 2018 and leads a team of over 100 colleagues and 300 volunteers across properties in the Trust’s care at Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens, Cork; The National Famine Museum, Strokestown Park, Roscommon; Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens, Wexford; and 11 Parnell Square, Dublin. She is Deputy Chair of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC) and Deputy Chair of AVEA, the Association of Visitor Experiences and Attractions, where she will take over as Chair in October 2024. Prior to her current role, Anne held many executive and non-executive directorship roles, spanning both the public sector and commercial enterprises, across financial services, media, and renewable energy sectors, as well as in non-profits and cultural institutions.