Direction Ireland

Arigna Mining Experience

Midlands Ireland | County Roscommon

The Arigna Mining Experience Centre is located on the west side of Lough Allen in County Roscommon, 11 km northwest of Drumshanbo. The 45 minutes long guided tour, led by ex-miners, takes you not only to the journey through the mine but also through the miners' lives. This area has a rich mining history dating back to the beginning of the 17th century when the ironworks were established at Creevela and Arigna by Charles Coote. The area was plentiful of "ironstones" from which iron ore was obtained. Timber from surrounding forests was used to produce the charcoal needed to the smelting process. In 1690, ironworks were closed due to depletion of the forests. The real story of Arigna Mines starts 100 years later when coal deposit was discovered here. In 1788 the ironworks were re-opened by the O'Reilly brothers and it was the first time in Ireland that coal was used in the smelting process of iron. The ironworks was closed 1838 but coal mining continued in Arigna until 1990 providing heating fuel for local houses, schools and hospitals.

• OPENING HOURS :
  • Daily: 10am - 6pm
    • Last tour at 5pm
    • Open all year except
      time between Christmas
      and New Year
• TICKET PRICES :
  • Adult: €€10
  • Senior/Student: €8
  • FAMILY TICKETS
    • Adult & Child: €16
    • Adult & 2 Children: €20
    • Adult & 3 Children: €25
    • Adult & 4 Children: €30
    • Adult & 5/6 Children: €35
    • 2 Adults & Child: €22
    • 2 Adults & 2 Children: €28
    • 2 Adults & 3 Children: €33
    • 2 Adults & 4 Children: €38
    • 2 Adults & 5/6 Children: €44
• CONTACT :
  • Phone: +353 (0) 71 96 46466
  • Email: tours@arignaminingexperience.ie
  • Website: www.arignaminingexperience.ie
• COORDINATES :
  • 54.07764, -8.12076
• CAR PARK :
  • Yes