Annual IAH (Irish Group) Field Trip – 14th & 15th October 2023

This year the Annual IAH (Irish group) field trip has a central theme: CatchmentCare!

We will be headed towards the border to learn about some interesting places and works that have been going on as part of the major cross-border CatchmentCare project. The project was launched in order to restore water quality in three important cross-border river catchments: The Arney, the Blackwater and the Finn Catchments. Over the course of the two days, we will getting an insight into a variety of CatchmentCare projects within the beautiful Arney and the Blackwater Catchments. Make sure to check out the CatchmentCare project website and resource library, which houses an abundance of information, videos, storyboards and lots more in relation to the project.

Saturday 14th
On the Saturday morning, we will be heading from Dublin City Centre (bus pick up location TBC) to focus our attention on the Arney Catchment in County Fermanagh. The Arney Catchment contains lot of karst limestone and we will be walked through the intricate story of the catchment and the successful field investigation, community engagement and remediation efforts which have had a hugely positive impact on the Arney River. We will then have lunch at the Marble Arch Caves before being treated to a bespoke tour of the Caves themselves and the surrounding karst area.

We will be basing ourselves in the Belmore Court Hotel in Enniskillen, where we have been offered an IAH fieldtrip room rate of £110.00 for a Single Room or £125.00 for a Twin Room, including B&B. We will also be having a group meal that night of Saturday 14th in the WV Bar (just across the road from the hotel), costing £24.95 or £34.95 for a two or three course meal, respectively.

Contact the front desk at the Belmore Court Hotel, +44 28 6632 6633, to reserve rooms. Please mention “IAH Fieldtrip” in your booking to avail of the tour discount.
**Please note that you are responsible for booking of your own accommodation. Book early to avoid disappointment. The hotel is holding rooms for us.**

Other accommodation (including bed and breakfasts and hostels) is available nearby.

Sunday 15th
The current plan on the Sunday morning is to head towards the Blackwater Catchment in County Armagh. The Blackwater Catchment is the most heavily farmed catchment in Northern Ireland and the Blackwater River flows directly into Lough Neagh, which supplies some 40% of Northern Irelands public water. Get your hydro-heads on as we explore the story of the catchment, artesian wells and the land use management innovations which have helped to mitigate against nutrient loading of the river.

We will be heading back towards Dublin in the afternoon, stopping for lunch along the way.

Additional info
The finalised itinerary with stops, speakers and logistics will be circulated in the coming weeks.

The estimated charge to attendees will be €65 for those taking the bus from Dublin and availing of lunch on the Saturday and Sunday. The charge for those joining us in Fermanagh and availing of lunch on the Saturday and Sunday will be €30. As well as the €65 / €30 charge for the bus, lunch and field guide, participants must pay their own accommodation and dinner costs themselves.
For unwaged members, there will be no charge for bus or lunch on Saturday or Sunday. Please contact the fieldtrip secretary via return email for more information.

If you are considering attending this year’s fieldtrip can you please notify the fieldtrip secretary as soon as possible. Indicating if you:

(1)     Are attending?
(2)     Wish to travel on bus from Dublin or join us in Fermanagh?
(3)     Wish to stay in the group hotel ?
(4)     Wish to attend the group evening meal ?

Please send responses to the Fieldtrip Secretary: Joe Greene (fieldtrip@iah-ireland.org)