Arigna Mining Experience

Arigna Mining Experience center  was developed to preserve the energy heritage of the Arigna valley and to ensure that Arigna maintains its link with Energy themes: Past, Present & Future.
This Energy Centre provides visitors with a unique insight into what coal mining life was like in the Arigna Valley, since its beginning in the 1700’s until closure in 1990.
During the underground tour, visitors will experience what it was like to work in some of the narrowest coal seams in the western world. The tour which will last 45 minutes brings visitors to the  coal face of the mine,  where the methods used to extract  coal are demonstrated.  Lighting and sound effects in the mine, add to the authenticity of the underground experience.
Local geology and the formation of coal deposits are explained in our exhibition area, as is the history of energy production.
The exhibition also explains the concepts and operation of different renewable energy systems. Some of these systems can then be viewed in operation in the Energy Centre Building and on the nearby wind farms.
A history tour presents the origins and history of the Arigna coal mines. It explores its impact on the local community, through a photo gallery & displays. The Renewable Energy Demonstrations can be viewed on site in the Centre, while the wind farms can be seen on the nearby Kilronan Mountains