Mianaigh Ghleann Gabhla | |
 | |
  Location within Ireland | |
| Established | 1999 |
|---|---|
| Location | Glengowla East, near Oughterard, County Galway, Ireland |
| Coordinates | 53°25′05″N9°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]
The site was opened as a heritage site by the owners of the land, Patrick and Keith Geoghegan. [4] 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. [5]
Glengowla is part of Ireland's National Seismic Network, logging real-time information with a seismograph, contributing to information of earthquakes worldwide. [6]
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