Ross Island Copper Mine

Ross Island Copper Mine

Highlight • Historical Site

Ross Island Copper Mine

Hiking

4.8

(114)

Running

5.0

(8)

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Killarney National Park

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Location: Kerry, Munster, Ireland

Tips

September 22, 2023

Hiking

The path leads past the mine, where copper was first mined in Ireland. This was in the Bronze Age from 2400 to 1800 BC.
A detour along a trail near the information board about the 19th century copper mine takes you to one of the vertical shafts.
To the east you can still see the dam that was built into the lake to create the shafts that led to the copper deposits.
Three information boards tell the history of the places.

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June 7, 2023

Running

Perhaps the best loved and most direct of the trails from Ross Castle across Ross peninsula is the Copper Mines trail – a peaceful 2km looped trail on paved paths on the south western shores of the island. In the shadow of Ross Castle, are the woodland trails around the old Copper Mines of Ross Island. Mining activity in the area dates back over 4,500 years with activities ceasing in the mid 19th Century. Today, rather than copper ore, the trails offer peace and solitude along the shores of Lough Leane.
killarneyguide.ie/copper-mines

Natalie

February 27, 2023

Running

Copper mining took place on Ross Island for around 4500 years up until the middle of the 19th century. This is the oldest mine is western Europe. The peace and tranquility of the area is far removed from the industry of its past.