Ireland | Salt giants | Offer coming soon...

Limestone pavement, Burren Geopark, Ireland.

Hello,

Let's talk about Ireland.

When I think about Ireland, a place that holds a dear place in my heart, I think about stories – and few people tell them better than our new tour guide, Professor John Walsh. 

I'm thrilled that John – one of Ireland’s most distinguished geologists – will personally lead our 2026 western Ireland tour. His ability to connect top-notch research with engaging storytelling offers you a truly unique experience; as both a world-class geologist and a stand-up comic, John has a rare gift for turning cliffs, caves and ancient landscapes into living, laughing lessons.

We’ve just published a new piece all about him, and I’d love you to read it.

Meet the tour guide: John Walsh, the geologist with a rock-solid punchline.

If you’re curious about Ireland’s deeper stories – geological and human – this is the perfect place to start. And if it inspires you to join John on tour, even better! You’ll find the details just below.

Yours,

Rob

Rob Knipe
Chairman, Emeritus Professor and Tour Guide

PS - Look out for a bonus newsletter in October, with a discount code for many of our 2026 tours...

Featured tours

Stories to inspire your next journey

7 awe-inspiring geological sites to explore in Ireland

What comes to mind when you think of Ireland? The country might be best known for Guinness, folk music and storytelling, but did you know it also contains more than its fair share of ancient landscapes – and legends to go with them.

Here are 7 of the top sites in Ireland with the most incredible geology, guaranteed to spark your sense of awe.

3 curious things for inquisitive travellers

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland shakes

A series of earthquakes shook some of Scotland's most scenic areas this summer. Peaking at 3.1 magnitude and impacting an area spanning 24km, the quakes aren't huge by any stretch of the imagination, but they are unusual for this typically stable area. With over 100 quakes this year so far, scientists are wondering what's behind this increase in seismic activity.

🦕 Dinosaurs in Oxfordshire

Earlier this year, a worker at a quarry in Oxfordshire unearthed what turned out to be the UK's biggest ever dinosaur trackway site. Gary Johnson was driving a digger when he hit a series of humps around 3m apart. Scientists have since uncovered five different trackways, made by sauropods and a Megalosaurus.

🧂 Dead Sea salt giants

Scientists have spotted colossal “salt giants” actively forming beneath the Dead Sea. This extraordinary phenomenon mirrors how massive salt layers were built beneath the Mediterranean millions of years ago – so now we can watch this geological mystery unfold in real time.

A warm welcome to our new Ireland tour guide

"I appreciated the small group size and the tour...was a good balance of activities and free time. And thanks to Julie in the office who coordinated everything so well."

– Alison J, Isles of Scilly tour, April 2024

Why travel with GeoCultura?

We take you beyond the landscape. Uncover the stories behind the view on our expert-led, small-group tours. We do private and bespoke tours, too.

💬 Ready to chat? Get in touch.