Editor: M. Franklin
IGA Newsletter 2020
February 2021
Field Trip to Kiltorcan Quarry, Co. Kilkenny Report & photos by M. Franklin
Following a successful excursion to this quarry in 2018, the IGA returned there in September 2020, but this time with the number of participants limited to 15, due to the Covid-19 restrictions. It was greatly appreciated by those lucky enough to be able to take part. The trip was led by Maria Cullen, who explained that this low sandstone ridge dates from the Devonian period. The quarry is owned by the O’Neill family of Ballyhale, Co. Kilkenny. The stone is rather brittle, but comes in different colours and is mainly used as ornamental dressing for parks and gardens. It contains some interesting plant fossils, as well as beautiful manganese dentrites, created by bacterial action.
Above: Part of the quarry at Kiltorcan
The quarry is in a very scenic location, offering panoramic views of the
Left: Maria Cullen, explaining the origin of the sandstone at Kiltorcan Right: An example of manganese dendrites, found in the quarry
Below, members of the group searching for fossils, while enjoying the beautiful views.
Page 10
