User:Twilson r/sandbox/MaamValley

The Maam Valley is a glacial valley in County Galway, Ireland. It lies within Joyce Country in Connemara and is part of an aspirant geopark. Much of the valley is in a Gaeltacht.

Location and topography
The valley runs north-northwest from An Mám (also known, unofficially, in English, as Maum or Maam) and the north-western end of Lough Corrib to just south of Leenaun (also known in English as Leenane) on Kilary Harbour.

Starting near its northern end, the valley holds the main course of the Joyce River, coming down from the western flanks to pick up small tributaries. In turn this river is subsumed into the Bealnabrack River, also coming from the vallety's western side, near An Mám, and then the combined river absorbs the Failmore River and some small streams before merging into Lough Corrib.

Access
The valley is bisected by the R336, which splits off from the R59 at Maam Cross and rejoins it at Leenaun.

Population centres
At the southern end is the small settlement of An Mám, and at the northern, though some argue that strictly speaking outside the valley, is Leenaun. An Mám has an active pub, and Leenaun has a pub, cafe, outdoor leisure centre and community centre.

Popular culture
The Maam Valley features in famous film The Quiet Man, with the Quiet Man Cottage located near An Mám.

Science
The valley, formed around a fault, and modified by heavy glaciation, is considered of geological interest. In January 2018 a fossil found in the valley in the 1990s was declared to be a distinct species and named for its finder Dr Eamon N. Doyle. This find attracted international attention, and a well-known Irish nature writer, Michael Viney suggested that it advanced the case for a Maam Valley and Joyce Country Geopark, on the line of the successful Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark. Dublin, Ireland: The Irish Times: Viney, Michael, ''Ireland's rocks remarkablly rich in evidence of ancient sea life": "Crepidosoma doylei, soon for display in the National Museum, may justify a fourth geopark in Maam Valley and the hills of Joyce Country."