Arigna: Mining History and the Miner's Way
Accommodation in Arigna
Arigna brings together the memory of mining with the Arigna Mining Experience and the Miner's Way and Historical Trail. This gives you two clear focuses to choose from: industrial history and a challenging walking route through the landscape.
Mining History in Arigna
A striking mural was unveiled in the heart of the village, commemorating Arigna's rich mining heritage. Its unveiling was connected with the 35th anniversary of the closure of the mines; it was completed as part of the Roscommon County Council Commemorative Funding Programme 2024.
The Derreenavoggy Mine reopened as a visitor attraction in 2003. The Arigna Mining Experience is located on Kilronan Mountain and overlooks Lough Allen. It presents 400 years of mining history and shows the cramped working conditions in which miners worked for many hours.
According to current operator information, the Arigna Mining Experience includes an on-site café and souvenir shop. Facilities may change, so please check the information before your visit.
Walking and Landscape
The Miner's Way and Historical Trail is a challenging figure-of-eight route that starts and ends in Arigna. Take the physical demands into account when planning. The figure-of-eight connects two loops, with Arigna as both the starting and finishing point. This distinguishes the route's layout from a linear trail, while keeping its physical demands in mind.
The route follows quiet paved roads, field paths, open bogland and forest tracks. It runs alongside Lough Allen, Lough Arrow and Lough Key, and crosses the rugged low ridges of Corry Mountain, the Curlew Mountains and the Bricklieve Mountains.
If you are choosing between learning about history and exploring the outdoors, the Arigna Mining Experience focuses on mining history and working conditions, while the Miner's Way and Historical Trail offers a challenging route through varied landscapes.
More Ways to Explore County Roscommon
In County Roscommon, the Arigna Scenic Drive is one of four recommended touring routes. Information may change, so please check it before setting out.
In County Roscommon, Boyle Abbey is one of the historic landmarks: the well-preserved Cistercian monastery dates from the 12th century, and its restored gatehouse houses an interpretive centre. The South Roscommon Heritage Route includes 20 historic sites in South Roscommon. In addition, Roscommon County Council offers a map tour of 20 historic or cultural attractions across the county. The offerings differ in scope: the Heritage Route covers South Roscommon, while the map tour covers destinations across County Roscommon as a whole.
Discover more destinations: Ballyfarnon, Ballintober, Ballaghaderreen, Roscommon, Elphin, Lisacul, Knockvicar, BĂ©al Na MbuillĂ.
For the wider travel overview: County Roscommon.
