An event stratigraphy of dune stability/instability phases has been reconstructed, using 22 radiocarbon and 13 luminescence dates, for six dunefields along the north coast of Northern Ireland. There is no evidence for dune development prior to ċ. 7000 cal. years BP, during the early-Holocene rapid rise in RSL, and only limited evidence for sand accumulation in association with the RSL maximum. Dunefield dates correspond to either the subsequent regressive phase or, later, the gradual transgressive phase of RSL history in the mid-and late Holocene. At these times accommodation space for dune development and sediment supply were maximized. Episodes of climatic deterioration, particularly at 3100–2400 cal. years BP and 650–50 cal. years BP (the‘Little Ice Age’) were marked by widespread dune instability. A similar coincidence in timing has been recorded for dune systems elsewhere in northwestern Europe and is generally attributed to an increased frequency of storms and storm surges associated with the climatic downturns. However, between-site inconsistencies in the event stratigraphy suggest that site-specific factors (e.g., sediment availability) had a modulating influence on dune regional controls.

NORTH COAST OF NORTHERN IRELAND The paper reports preliminary findings of groundpenetrating radar investigations into the internal structure of Holocene coastal dunes and the association of subsurface sediment properties, determined from borehole samples, to reflected images. The area of investigation is on the north coast of Northern Ireland and the coastal dunes are confined systems of mid-to-late Holocene age (<6000 years BP).The major influence on subsurface reflections is moisture and organic content; compaction of sediment is another important factor, albeit difficult to quantify. Dipping reflectors and deflated sections are attributed to former dune ridges.The study highlights the need for other investigative techniques to be used in conjunction with groundpenetrating radar for a more coherent picture of dune internal structure.