Mines of Ireland

Photographs of the remains of the Irish Mining industry.

Knockmahon Mines, County Waterford - May 25, 1998
The Tankardstown Cornish Engine Houses part of the Knockmahon group of mines in County Waterford on May 25, 1998, before the commencement of conservation work and landscaping as part of the Copper Coast Geopark. The Knockmahon group of mines was established by the Mining Company of Ireland in 1824 and by 1840 was considered to be one of the richest copper mines. Tankardstown was established in 1850 and the engine houses seen here were built around 1860. From 1865 a decline in the mine’s fortunes set in. The mines closed in 1879 and the Cornish Engines were sold for scrap leaving the engine houses to decay gradually until the establishment of the Geopark in the early years of the 21st Century.
Knockmahon Mines, County Waterford - May 25, 1998
The Tankardstown Cornish Engine Houses part of the Knockmahon group of mines in County Waterford on May 25, 1998, before the commencement of conservation work and landscaping as part of the Copper Coast Geopark. The Knockmahon group of mines was established by the Mining Company of Ireland in 1824 and by 1840 was considered to be one of the richest copper mines. Tankardstown was established in 1850 and the engine houses seen here were built around 1860. From 1865 a decline in the mine’s fortunes set in. The mines closed in 1879 and the Cornish Engines were sold for scrap leaving the engine houses to decay gradually until the establishment of the Geopark in the early years of the 21st Century.
The Cornish Miners' Chapel, Allihies - May 26, 1998
The Cornish Miners' Chapel in Allihies Village prior to restoration as the Allihies Mining Museum. The building was restored and reopened as a museum in 2008 by President Mary McAleese.