The Copper Mines
Ireland
Dating back to 2400bc Copper was mined here and operated up until the 1800's when it had to be abandoned due to constant flooding.
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Welcome to the world beneath our feet—the copper mines. Whether we are exploring the ancient Bronze Age pits of Ross Island in Killarney or the 16th-century galleries of the Vosges in France, we are entering a realm of immense…
Listen in the app2The Entrance and the Stollen
As we enter the first mine gallery, we are following the exact paths carved by miners centuries ago. The tunnels, or stollen, were often narrow and low, requiring the workers to spend long hours in cramped conditions. …
Listen in the app3The Copper Vein and Excavation Techniques
In this section, we examine the target of all this effort: the copper vein. Copper typically appears as green or blue sediments on the walls, a result of the mineral oxidizing over time. …
Listen in the app4Evolution of Drilling and Black Powder
As we move into the galleries dug in the 18th century, we see a significant change in the rock face: the marks of drilling for black powder. This was a revolutionary shift in mining technology, allowing for much faster progress…
Listen in the app5Pumping Equipment and Hydraulic Facilities
One of the greatest challenges in deep mining is water. As miners go deeper, they inevitably hit the water table, and the mine will flood unless it is constantly pumped out. …
Listen in the app6The Ore Processing Workshop
Once the ore was brought to the surface, the work was far from over. Here we see the remains of an 'ore processing workshop'. …
Listen in the app7The Subterranean Ecosystem: Bats and Minerals
As the mines were abandoned by humans, they were reclaimed by nature. In the quiet, dark corners of these tunnels, you can often see 'little bats' hibernating or roosting. …
Listen in the app8Closing
As we emerge from the darkness of the copper mines back into the light of the modern world, take a moment to reflect on the immense effort we have just witnessed. We have traveled through centuries of technological change, from…
Listen in the app
What is The Copper Mines?
The Copper Mines is a place in Ireland with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Ireland |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 52.0395, -9.5348 |
| Last updated |
