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.
Courtesy of the Arigna Mining Experience.
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.History
Arigna is a village situated in the Arigna Mountains in the north of Co. Roscommon.
The village lies close to the shores of Lough Allen, the first lake on the Shannon.
The village has a long association with the mining industry, which is part of a larger heritage of providing energy to the Connacht region.
Mining was carried out in Arigna for over 400 years until the mines were shut in 1990.
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.
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.Mining in the Arigna Valley goes back to the 1600s, when iron ore was found in the area and an iron smelter was established by Charles Coote. Smelting is the process by which steel is produced from iron ore. An important part of the process is the use of a fuel, which is a source of carbon.
In the early days of iron smelting in Roscommon, charcoal was the fuel of choice, as timber from surrounding forests was very plentiful. By 1690, however, the forests were used up and the iron works were closed down.
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.
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.Iron smelting began again in 1788, as coal deposits found in Arigna provided an alternative to charcoal. The iron works closed permanently in 1833 but coal continued to be mined. It was used locally to heat schools, hospitals and homes.
The mines provided regular employment, which was unusual in rural Ireland. As a result, compared to other communities, Arigna was fairly prosperous and survived even the worst years of the Famine better than most.
The Arigna Mining Experience Building
The building that houses the Arigna Mining Experience is designed to mirror the slag heap remaining from coal mining operations.
Courtesy of the Arigna Mining Experience.The Arigna Mining Experience Building
Courtesy of the Arigna Mining Experience.
Courtesy of the Arigna Mining Experience.
The Arigna Mining Experience Building
The building that houses the Arigna Mining Experience is designed to mirror the slag heap remaining from coal mining operations.
Courtesy of the Arigna Mining Experience.The Arigna Power Station was opened in 1958 and was the first major electricity generating station in Connaught. The primary reason for opening the power station in Arigna was to secure hundreds of jobs in the local mining industry.
In the 1980s, the supply of top-grade coal from the Arigna mines was used up and in 1990 the power station was closed down. The closure of the power station was a huge blow to the local area, as many families depended on the mine and the power station for employment.