Glengowla Mines: A Journey into Connemara's Mining Past

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Explore a 19th-century silver mine and experience traditional Irish farm life in the heart of Connemara, near Oughterard, County Galway.

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Glengowla Mines

Descend into the depths of Glengowla Mines, Ireland's only 'show mine', and explore the fascinating history of 19th-century silver and lead mining. Located near Oughterard, Co. Galway, this unique attraction offers guided tours through marble caverns, along with demonstrations of traditional farm life.

A brief summary to Glengowla Mines

Glengowla, Oughterard, Glengowla East, Co. Galway, IE
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Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
Thursday 10 am-5 pm
Friday 10 am-5 pm
Saturday 10 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Glengowla Mines.

Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces in the underground mine.
Book your tour in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability.
Bring a light jacket, as the mine can be cool even on warm days.
Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly, as some activities are outdoors.
Allow ample time to enjoy all the activities, including the mine tour, farm demonstrations, and scenic walks.

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Getting There

Driving

Glengowla Mines is located approximately 3 km west of Oughterard, just off the N59 Galway to Clifden road. From Oughterard, follow the N59 towards Clifden. After about 3 km, you'll see signs for Glengowla Mines on your left. Turn left and follow the road for 300 meters to the mine entrance. Parking is free.
Public Transport

Bus Éireann route 419 operates from Galway to Glengowla. The bus departs from Lower Newcastle in Galway and arrives at Glengowla. The journey takes approximately 38 minutes. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the mine entrance. A single fare costs approximately €5-€8.

Discover more about Glengowla Mines

Glengowla Mines, nestled in the heart of Connemara, offers a unique glimpse into Ireland's industrial past and rural traditions. This 19th-century silver and lead mine, located just 3 km west of Oughterard, Co. Galway, was established in 1851 after a local farmer discovered galena while planting potatoes. Mining operations continued for fourteen years, extracting 390 tonnes of lead and 28 kilograms of silver, along with dolomite, quartz, and marble.Visitors can embark on a guided underground tour through the mine's depths, exploring marble chambers and caverns adorned with lead and silver pyrite. The tour showcases the challenging working conditions faced by miners in the 1800s and the remarkable engineering feats of the time. Above ground, the site features a heritage and visitor center, a blacksmith's shop, and a circular powder house. Glengowla Mines is also part of the Irish National Seismic Network, with a working seismograph on display.In addition to the mine tour, visitors can experience aspects of traditional Irish farm life. Sheep herding demonstrations, led by the farm owner, showcase the skills of trained sheepdogs. Guests can also try their hand at turf cutting, learning about the traditional methods of harvesting peat. The farm offers leisurely strolls along the historic Galway-Clifden railway line, allowing visitors to discover local flora and fauna.