After leaving Lough Key Forest and Activity Park, we made our way to the Arigna Mining Experience, tucked into the hills at the Roscommon–Leitrim border. This one turned out to be a genuine highlight — a proper underground tour led by someone who actually worked in the mines himself.

Where It Is and What It Costs

The Arigna Mining Experience sits at coordinates 54.077874645916346, -8.120574242260814, and you can find full details on the official website. As a family — two adults and one child — we paid €35 for the underground tour. Current pricing at the time of our visit was €15 per adult, €13 for seniors/OAPs and students (18+), and €8 per child (5–18 years), with family tickets available from €35 (2 adults + 1 child) up to €60 (2 adults + 5–6 children). Prices are subject to change, so it’s worth checking the official site or calling ahead before you go.

A Short History of Arigna’s Coal Mines

Coal has been mined in the hills around Arigna for centuries, largely out of necessity — the surrounding land was too poor for farming, so mining became the backbone of employment for generations of local families, even through the famine years. The industry got a major boost in 1958, when the ESB built a power station nearby specifically to burn locally mined coal, at one point consuming around 55,000 tonnes of coal a year and becoming the mines’ biggest customer. As the more accessible, high-quality coal reserves ran out, mining finally ceased in 1990, with the last of the stockpiled coal used to keep the power station running until it was decommissioned in 1993. Rather than let that history disappear, the local community turned the site into a visitor attraction, opening the Arigna Mining Experience in April 2003 and later expanding it in 2019 with a café, gift shop, and audio-visual facilities.

What’s in the Main Building

Before heading underground, there’s a small exhibition in the main building that’s free to visit regardless of whether you book the tour. It’s a good way to get some context on the mine’s history while you wait for your tour time. The main building also has a small café and a souvenir shop, so it’s worth arriving a little early to have a coffee and look around before you go underground.

Our Arigna Mining Experience on video

Narrow tunnels, dripping ceilings and a guide who actually worked down there. Here’s what the tour is really like.

Arigna Mining Experience: 🎥 See what it’s like to go underground with a former miner – watch from 1:55.

Or watch the full video of our second day in Ireland, from Lough Key to the wild Gleniff Horseshoe.

Opening Times and Booking

The Arigna Mining Experience is open daily from 10am. Online pre-booking is available through the official website and is a good idea, especially if you’re visiting during busier periods, since underground tours run in groups at set times.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Arigna Mining Experience tour? The underground tour takes about one hour.

How much does it cost to visit? At the time of our visit, adult tickets were €15, with discounted rates for seniors, students, and children, and family tickets starting at €35. Check the official website for current prices.

Is the exhibition free? Yes, the exhibition in the main building can be visited free of charge, even if you’re not booking the underground tour.

Is the tour suitable for people who don’t like tight spaces? Not really recommended. Some sections of the tunnels are narrow, so anyone uncomfortable in confined spaces should think twice before booking.

What should I bring or wear? A rain jacket is a good idea, since water drips from the ceiling in several spots underground. Comfortable, sturdy footwear is also worth wearing.

What time does it open? The Arigna Mining Experience opens daily at 10am. Online booking in advance is recommended.

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Planning your own Ireland road trip? Check our Lough Key Forest and Activity Park post, our Rindoon Castle post, and our Ireland facts before you go.