Glengowla Mines
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Established1999
LocationGlengowla East, near Oughterard, County Galway, Ireland
TypeLead and silver mining museum
Mianaigh Ghleann Gabhla | |
 | |
  Location within Ireland | |
| Established | 1999 |
|---|---|
| Location | Glengowla East, near Oughterard, County Galway, Ireland |
| Coordinates | 53°25′05″N 9°22′28″W / 53.418165°N 9.374353°W |
| Type | Lead and silver mining museum |
| Public transit access | Glengola Bridge (Bus Éireann route 421) |
| Website | glengowlamines |
Glengowla Mines is a "show mine" dedicated to the lead and silver mining history of Glengowla and the Oughterard area.[1][2]
Mining at Glengowla began in 1851, after a farmer discovered galena just under the soil surface.[3] The first mine shaft was named after a Captain Paul. The mine was in operation until 1865, eventually measuring 40 metres deep and 200 feet wide. The main mining centred on silver and lead, though Connemara marble, gold,[4] dolerite, quartz, and rare green and blue octahedral fluorite.[5]
