Timescales of magmatism and metamorphism in the Connemara Caledonides: insights from the thermal aureole of the Dawros–Currywongaun–Doughruagh Complex, western Ireland

Abstract Zircon separates from the contact aureole of syn-tectonic Dawros–Currywongaun–Doughruagh Complex, western Ireland, are studied to constrain nature and timing magmatism associated with early stages Grampian Orogeny. The samples analysed come uppermost part Dalradian Supergroup in northern Connemara (the Ben Levy Grit Formation), where a laterally extensive (>10 km) package metamorphosed siliciclastic sedimentary rocks containing heavy mineral seams crops out. mainly comprise magnetite, but zircon is also present greater than accessory quantities. have been locally reworked at granulite-facies metamorphic conditions during intrusion Complex magmas. Here we combine situ chemical U–Pb geochronological analyses zircons these collected different locations thermal aureole. An important finding that magmatic trace-element compositions, interpreted here as function their growth metamorphic-induced partial melting. yield range spot ages whose uncertainties suggest maximum duration ˜11 Ma, between 477.1 466.1 though it likely occurred much more quickly this. age constraints revealed match well 475 463 Ma previously proposed for Orogeny overall lend useful support models argue high-intensity, relatively short-lived orogenesis Caledonides.