Ross Island and the Mining Heritage of Killarney by William O’Brian May
2000  30 pp 33 figs, SB published by the National University of Ireland,
Galway.  £4.00  I got my copy from Mike Moore.  email:
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Killarney!  the horse drawn carriages and the placid lakes are an
unlikely mining scenario and a hundred years of tourism has all but
eradicated any signs of a 4000 year old industry.  Copper mining dates
back to the Bronze age and the finds on Ross Island show all stages of
this ancient industry.  Fire-setting, the use of stone mauls, smelting
sites and an adjacent work camp have all been uncovered by archaeological
excavations during recent years.  The site has been radiocarbon dated to
2400-1800 BC and provides a fascinating insight into the oldest copper
mining operation in Ireland or Britain.

The early 1700’s saw a revival of mining, encouraged by local landowners,
these activities attracted people like Rudolf Raspe, better known as the
author of The Fabulous Adventures of Baron Munchausen.  Raspe is credited
with the discovery of cobalt at Muckross, a mineral discarded as worthless
but which was later found to be useful for giving the bright blue colour to
glassware.

The 1800’s saw the arrival of Colonel Robert Hall whose regiment included
Cornish miners.  Further mining expertise was provided with miners from
Wales and Wicklow assisted by labour recruited locally.  At one point around
500 people were employed and 5000 tons of copper ore was sold to the
smelters at Swansea, making an important contribution to the local economy.

The mines tended to be shallow, up to 16 metres deep with tunnels leading
off.  Water was a problem due to the close proximity of the lakes.  Today
the area is in a National Park and is open to visitors.  There are
designated paths and information plaques, but the main shaft, The Blue Hole
is flooded to the surface.  The woodlands, once decimated as fuel for
smelting, have regenerated and have become a delightful habitat for plants
and animals.  This book is timely guide to the area and is highly
recommended.

TO

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