Arigna Mountains

The Aringa Mountains lie in the north of Co. Roscommon, close to the first lake on the River Shannon, Lough Allen. These mountains have a long association with the mining industry that dates back to the 1600s when Charles Coote established an iron works in the area. These original iron works were closed in 1833, but coal continued to be mined to help supply fuel to the province of Connacht. The mines were closed down in 1990, and in April 2003 Ireland’s first Coal Mining Museum was opened at the site – The Arigna Mining Experience.

Arigna coal mine

The Arigna Mountains are comprised of two ancient mountain ranges known as Kilronan Mountain and Corrie/Lynch’s Mountain. Separating the two ranges is the Arigna River. Kilronan Mountain is also the location of the Kilronan Wind Farm.

The upland area of Kilronan Mountain is mainly comprised of blanket bog and was designated as a Natural Heritage Area in 2005 (excluding the area surrounding the wind farm). Typical blanket bog vegetation occurs on the site, including Purple Moor-grass, Ling Heather, cottongrass and Bog Asphodel. Of note is the occurrence of cranberry, which is a species that is generally associated with raised bogs. A small lake on the site also supports the Yellow Water-lily species.

Two Irish Red Data Book species have also been recorded at Kilronan Mountain Bog: Red Grouse and Irish Hare.

Gallery

An Arigna Miner

Mining was not for the faint of heart. It was back-breaking work, and often dangerous. Before they even began their day's work, miners could have to walk up to three miles underground until they reached the coalface.

Courtesy of the Arigna Mining Experience.

An Arigna Miner - Courtesy of the Arigna Mining Experience.

Filling Carts with Coal

Mined coal was transferred to the railway by horse and cart. This method was used until the 1930s.

Courtesy of the Arigna Mining Experience.

Filling Carts with Coal - Courtesy of the Arigna Mining Experience.

Inside the Mines

This photo gives us some idea as to what working in the mines was like. Conditions were cramped and dark. Timber props were used to keep the mountain from collapsing on the miners. When the coal from a particular section was completely removed, the props would no longer be able to support the great weight of the mountain and would often finally collapse.

Courtesy of the Arigna Mining Experience.

Inside the Mines - Courtesy of the Arigna Mining Experience.

Irish Hare

Hares live above ground in a patch of flattened vegetation called a form.They are widespread but numbers are in serious decline.

Copyright Mike Brown

Irish Hare - Copyright Mike Brown

Red Grouse

The population is declining, and the Red Grouse has made it onto the IUCN Red List. They are more affected - than other bird species - to changes in their landscapes. Other possible causes include; disease, fertilisers, predators, hunting and climate change.

Copyright Mike Brown

Red Grouse - Copyright Mike Brown

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