Clarehill ASSI

Clarehill is a special place because of its earth science interest. The area provides access to a sequence of limestones exposed in the disused quarry.

Clarehill exposes all Members of the Ulster White Limestone from the Garron Chalk Member (the oldest rocks at this site) to the Tanderagee Chalk Member so includes (from bottom to top) the Garron, Portrush, Ballymagarry and Tanderagee units.

The Ballymagarry Chalk Member is of particular importance here. Some thirteen metres thick it is characterised by a large increase in the amount of flint present in the chalk. These often take the form of numerous large barrel shaped flints known as paramoudras.