Going Underground: discover Northern Ireland’s mining heritage

Northern Ireland contains over 2,400 known abandoned mine workings and shafts associated with underground mineral workings. The minerals worked include coal, iron ore, bauxite, salt, lead, copper and feldspar.

The Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI) conducts a mine monitoring programme where field visits are carried out all year round to assess safety and collect stability data from mine sites. Where areas of concern are identified, programmes of work are implemented to minimise the risk to the public, buildings, infrastructure, environment and livestock.

One of the other roles that GSNI has in this area is to educate the public on Northern Ireland’s significant mining heritage and also on the dangers associated with abandoned mines. As part of this, GSNI developed a virtual mine tour to allow the public to travel (virtually) underground to explore one of Co. Antrim’s many iron mines.

The manufacture of iron on the island of Ireland dates back to prehistoric times but wasn’t extensive in the province of Ulster until the 16th century. Commercial iron mining in Co. Antrim began in the mid-19th century when it was discovered there was a rich resource within the rocks. Mining operations initially began in the areas around Glenravel and Cargan, inland from Cushendall and Carnlough and the industry rapidly grew to take in other parts of Co. Antrim.

Lyle Hill mine, just outside Templepatrick, was first worked for iron ore in the 1880’s and although it wasn’t one of the better-known iron mines at the time and relatively small in comparison to others in the area, it is the best preserved. Inside contains hints of how the mine operated, and of the conditions under which the miners would have worked so it is a perfect place to lead a virtual tour.