Key notes by John Morris (Geological Survey of Ireland) about progress and future in Geopark affairs, Gary Breen (Failte Ireland) about developments in national and local tourism, and Sophie Préteseille (Geopark geologist and education officer) about her role, what's happening and what's available at the Geopark centre.

Anybody with an interest in the Geopark activities and the tourism developments along the Copper Coast are welcome to attend.

Copper Coast Tourism Group

Copper Coast Tourism is the voluntary group that was set up by the five local independent communities (Stradbally, Bunmahon, Annestown-Dunhill and Fenor) to see how to develop tourism in this rural area of Co. Waterford.

Each community is developing its own resources. Fenor has its bog-walk and mini-farm. Annestown-Dunhill a medieval castle and church owned by the community plus various commercial and ecological enterprises. Boatstrand to Bunmahon, as well as having harbour and beaches, has a geological garden and heritage centre with emphasis on mining. Stradbally, with its antiquities was also European Entente Florale winner in 2003.

It was through the work of Copper Coast Tourism in partnership with the Geological Survey of Ireland and the Mining Heritage Trust of Ireland that the area was awarded the designation "European Geopark" in 2001.