Arigna Mining Experience

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Arigna Mining Experience is a museum in Arigna, County Roscommon, Ireland. It highlights about 400 years of coal mining in the area, the local geology, and new forms of renewable energy. The centre opened in 2003 and is Ireland’s first coal mining museum. Since opening, it has welcomed around 350,000 visitors. The exhibits reflect the history of the mines, the surrounding geology, and the evolving energy landscape. The site is guided by curator Valerie Stenson. You can learn more at arignaminingexperience.ie.

History
Mining in Arigna goes back to the 1700s, using one of the narrowest coal seams. The mine was opened in the 1600s by Charles Coote and later changed hands many times, including to the United Irishmen, the O’Reilly brothers, and local families. The Noone family is said to have owned the mines from around 1940 to 1970. Coal from Arigna was used to help iron production in the area; the nearby Sliabh an Iarainn ore and the Arigna River supported iron works. The mine also powered a local ESB electricity station, which closed in 1992 when the coal ran out.

Exhibitions and tour
After the mine closed in the 1990s, the site was redeveloped as a cultural destination. The visitor tour goes into the mines, often led by former miners. The main tunnel, which was very low when in operation, is now accessible to the public. The tours tell the social history of mining—how miners worked, their rituals, and the mine’s role as the area’s main employer. The site also shows spoil heaps that illustrate how large the mining operation was. Exhibits cover mining tools and the area’s geology, including sandstone, siltstone, mudstone, and coal measures.

External links
Official website: arignaminingexperience.ie
Discover Ireland listing: discoverireland.ie/Arts-Culture-Heritage/arigna-mining-experience/12578