Follow this road until you come to a pub on your left hand side called McRanns.
Drive straight to next left turn where you will see big tourist sign indicating Arigna Mining Experience.
The Mining Experience Centre was developed to preserve the energy heritage of the Arigna Valley and to ensure that Arigna maintains its link with Energy themes: Past, Present & Future.
This Energy Centre provides visitors with a unique insight into what coal mining life was like in the Arigna Valley, since its beginning in the 1700's until closure in 1990. We offer a chance to experience the life of an Arigna miner underground, whilst also taking the opportunity to interpret and preserve the social and mining traditions of the area.
Underground Experience
During our underground tour, visitors will experience what it was like to work in some of the narrowest coal seams in the western world. The tour which will last 45 minutes brings visitors to the mines coalface where the methods used to extract the coal are demonstrated. Lighting and sound effects throughout the mine, add to the reality to the experience.
Exhibition Space
Local geology and the formation of coal deposits are explained in our exhibition area, as is the history of energy production.
The exhibition also explains the concepts and operation of different renewable energy systems. Some of these systems can then be viewed in operation in the Energy Centre Building, in the energy playground, and on the nearby wind farms.
A history tour presents the origins and history of the Arigna coal mines. It explores its impact on the local community, through a photo gallery &, displays. The Renewable Energy Demonstrations can be viewed on site in the Centre, while the wind farms can be seen on the nearby Kilronan Mountains.
NATIONAL WINNER OF THE RURAL TOURISM AWARD
Open:
10am to 5pm (last tour 4pm)
January-17 March: open Mondays to Fridays
17 March-December: open 7 days per week
