- 18th July 2026
- Lead: Karen Parks BGS
- Meet: Ballintoy Harbour Car Park 10-am - 4.30 pm
Ballintoy harbour and the surrounding area offers a very accessible way to investigate the geology and how this has impacted on the landscape. We will be looking at the impressive Bendoo volcanic plug and tell the story of the Palaeogene intrusive and extrusive rocks and the Cretaceous chalk. A landscape sketch of the Bendoo plug and the Cretaceous chalk wavecut platform and stack is a good way to set the scene. Fossils can be observed on the wave-cut platform and the geo, blowhole and incipient blowhole are all part of the trip. We will be starting on the east side of the harbour and then after lunch we will be moving towards the west of the harbour to the east corner of Whitepark Bay beach. The geoheritage of the area will be discussed and there are many geological highlights in a very small area. The Game of Thrones will also get a mention as their battle site is also where there is a of very interesting tuffs and volcanic deposits. Ballintoy Harbour was used in the second series.
We are going to look at the rock and coastal features and complete a few field sketches and a simple Geological map (these are optional) I will provide the maps, pens and pencils, and clipboards for those that want to take part in the mapping and sketching activities.
Bring a packed lunch and wear appropriate clothing based on the weather. There are toilets and a café at the harbour.
Please sign in the link below:
https://forms.gle/WzidcTE3q4j6SNrV8
The sign in Google Forms will help us with the numbers but also allow the leader to get in touch prior to the trip.
If you have any questions prior to the trip, please contact us using info@belfastgeologists.org
