Site Details

Location

Malahide-Portmarnock coast

Grid reference

53.44052, -6.122116

Fossil Name

Brachiopods, corals, bryozoans, crinoids and gastropods

Fossil Type

Various marine animals (shells and other invertebrate animals – without backbones)

Fossil Age

Carboniferous (approx. 350 million years old)

Rock Type

Limestone

Access Info

WARNING! This is a shoreface location so please check weather conditions and tides before you visit. Full access to the rocks containing the fossils at this location is only possible at low tide. Take care as rocks can become slippery when wet. Park at the car park at 53.439988, -6.122830. You can access the beach from the north or south side of the car park. On the north side there is a ramp to the beach; on the south side there are steps down to the beach. From the either access point walk south along the beach.

Fossil Info

The most abundant fossils in the rocks at the north side of the beach are brachiopods, as you walk south along the beach you will see colonial corals and gastropods in the rocks. The fossils along this beach are white and stand out from the dark grey limestone.