Ramore Head and The Skerries ASSI is located at the north of Portrush.
An intrusion of Tertiary dolerite has pushed into shales of Jurassic (Lower Lias) age, producing a fine grained, dark rock known as hornfels, which contains abundant fossils, particularly ammonities. This is the site of an historic geological argument about the origin of basaltic rocks. Evidence from this site supported the theory that basalt is formed from cooled volcanic lava.
In addition, Portrush sill is an unusually complex layered intrusion. Locally important breeding populations of kittiwake, black guillemot and eider.
Related articles
- ASSI Guidance for Public Bodies/Competent Authorities
- Coastal Areas of Special Scientific Interest
- Conservation Management Plans (CMPs)
- European Marine Sites - Marine Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas
- Introduction to Conservation Management Plans (CMPs) for Northern Ireland’s Special Areas of Conservation
- Marine Conservation Zones
- Marine Protected Areas
- Marine Ramsar sites
- Special Areas of Conservation
- Special Areas of Conservation for Harbour porpoise
- Special Protection Areas