Mountain Mine, Allihies

There is evidence that copper has been gained from the Malachite bearing rocks on the Beara peninsula since the Bronze Age but it was only in the early 19th-century that the extent of the copper ore was realised and extraction began. At first, it was open cast then drift were dug but soon deeper mining techniques were employed. There are several mines hereabouts each with their surface buildings in various states of ruin but the tall Mountain Mine engine house is the best preserved and dominates the small sleepy village of Allihies. Built in 1862 the steam engines provided power to pump water from the deep mines. Swansea in Wales was a major importer of the copper. Mining ceased in the 1880s

Link to map.