Close to Carrick on Shannon is the Arigna Mining Experience, which preserves the energy heritage of the Arigna Valley in County Roscommon. It is Ireland’s first Coal Mining Museum and as a visitor you will experience what working life was like underground in the mines.
Mining was carried out here for 400 years until 1990 when the mines finally closed. The work of a miner was exhausting and often hazardous, with working conditions that were very harsh and cramped.
This unique visitor experience offers you the chance to take a guided underground walk by retired miners, through what was the last working mine in Arigna to learn how important the coal mining industry was to the history of the region.