IONTOABH OIDHREACHT NA MIANADÓIREACHTA

Gortavallig Mine, Co. Cork (OS 081041)

To find this site proved quite difficult, although it is easy to see as a deep-cut inlet with the only access by some steep overgrown steps. These have been washed away at the bottom and it requires a careful traverse along a small rock face. At the top of the steps, there is a overgrown gulley and at the top of the hillside there are the remains of a winding house, which presumably hauled materials out of the bay.

Actually in the bay there is a small adit entrance and, after another 10ft climb, access can be gained into some small passages where there is a small stope and flooded shaft.

On the opposite side of the bay there is a large walled adit entrance, access to which proved difficult. Once inside, the adit was waist-deep in water and was not investigated, although it obviously continued for some way.

This mine was worked in conjunction with Carravilleen, Killeen and Glanallin Mines. They produced a small tonnage of copper and 2dwt of gold per ton. It was worked between 1840-90.

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Last modified: 05/02/07