Trip Planner: Europe / Ireland / Western Ireland / Province of Connacht / County Galway / Oughterard / Glengowla Mines & Family Farm Experience

Glengowla Mines & Family Farm Experience, Oughterard

4.8

#1 of 11 in Things to do in Oughterard

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Glengowla Mines is a "show mine" dedicated to the lead and silver mining history of Glengowla and the Oughterard area.
Mining at Glengowla began in 1851, after a farmer discovered galena just under the soil surface. 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, dolerite, quartz, and rare green and blue octahedral fluorite.
The site was opened as a heritage site by the owners of the land, Patrick and Keith Geoghegan. Glengowla Mines' site includes the remains of a 19th-century silver and lead mine, which has been restored to allow visitor access. There is also a heritage and visitor centre, a blacksmith's shop, and a circular powder house.
Glengowla is part of Ireland’s National Seismic Network, logging real-time information with a seismograph, contributing to information of earthquakes worldwide.

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Glengowla Mines & Family Farm Experience reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

463 reviews

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4.8

By Patsy G

The best part of our week long trip to Ireland! Was a real treat watching the sheep being brought down from the hills by one incredible dog. The mines and bog cutting experience is not to be missed...

The best part of our week long trip to Ireland! Was a real treat watching the sheep being brought down from the hills by one incredible dog. The mines and bog cutting experience is not to be missed... more »
By Thislatinatravels

We absolutely loved learning about sheep herding and seeing it in action. We had no idea how much training goes into sheep herding. We loved the opportunity to take many sheep selfies too! This was...

We absolutely loved learning about sheep herding and seeing it in action. We had no idea how much training goes into sheep herding. We loved the opportunity to take many sheep selfies too! This was... more »
By nanners88

My family (all ages, 5-74), some from the States and some from Ireland, had the absolute best day with Keith and one of his dogs, Floss. We did the sheep herding and turf experiences. Keith tied in...

My family (all ages, 5-74), some from the States and some from Ireland, had the absolute best day with Keith and one of his dogs, Floss. We did the sheep herding and turf experiences. Keith tied in... more »

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By Laurent Vaucher

Very nice experience. Both the sheepdog demonstration (Floss is lovely and full of energy) and the visit of the mine were interesting, each in its own way.

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By nel fel

Loved seeing the mine and even finding little pieces of gold! I would recommend bringing a jumper or a coat since it does get cold down there!

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By Wendy Vahey

Great tour. Our guide was great. He was very knowledgeable and great with the kids. This mine is very well structured compared to other mine tours I have been on. There are steps and railings the whole way. We got plenty of time to look around at each level. Touching of the rock walls was encouraged and part of the tour. The owner was very friendly and took the time to talk with us. He answered our many questions about raising sheep and general Irish thing we as Americans didn't know. If you are going to be in the area you should stop. The grounds are beautiful as well.

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By Laura Graham

We weren't sure whether to book ahead but we got tickets as walk ins and were brought straight onto the mining tour by a very friendly guide ! Very informative tour and they have big plans to extend the tour by excavating deeper into the lead mine ! Beautiful peaceful location , plenty of picnic tables on site.

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By Pat Dunne

What an opportunity to revisit the difficult past for miners back in 1850's & 1860's. Great work done by Keith Geoghan & his family to bring the past alive and remember how hard & difficult life was back then. Lessons to be learnt in getting through our present troubles. Best wishes

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