So the concept of a community tourism group, a federation of villages and not-even-villages, was initiated. There were other such voluntary groups, but not with the diversity of place and people. Some committee members have no direct commercial interest in tourism and the tourism operators have community responsibilities. With help from Fas, we held a series of meetings to identify our objectives over the next five years. We then published our first brochure, erected information boards and point-of-interest plaques and conducted a tourism audit.         

By 1998 it was decided to develop an identity for the area. To that end, we held a competition amongst local schools. From this we got our logo and the name "Copper Coast Tourism". We felt this not only symbolised the years of copper mining which so shaped the appearance of the area, but gave a feeling of the warmth and colour of the area.

Aware that the coastline presents much that is geologically unique, interesting and accessible, in 2001 the Copper Coast committee decided to apply for the status of European Geopark under the auspices of UNESCO. Amongst those who provided advice and practical help in compiling the application dossier was the Geological Survey of Ireland. At a ceremony in Lesvos, Greece, that prestigious status was awarded to this stretch of coast in September 2001.

In order to fully utilise the opportunities presented by membership of the European Geopark Network, professional advice was sought and three feasibility studies carried out. This will result in a series of planned presentations of, not only the geology, but the wider ecology of the Copper Coast. At the moment the geological wing of the Copper Coast group are very actively engaged in sourcing funds in co-operation with other Geoparks. The Copper Coast side of this effort is being run principally by The Mining Heritage Trust of Ireland.

In 1999, with help from Waterford County Council and in association with the Bonmahon Heritage Society, the Geological Park was built in Bonmahon. This represented the geological range and richness of the coast. Later that year, the Mining Heritage Centre was opened in Bonmahon. This told the story of mining in Bonmahon and the surrounding areas, including the "mining experience".

For more about the Copper Coast Geopark visit their website at http://www.coppercoastgeopark.com