Miners Way

Overview

The Miners Way & Historical Trail is a long‑distance, way‑marked network that forms a figure‑of‑eight loop across the western heartland of Ireland. Official sources list the core route at 118 km; many walkers add the adjoining road sections, bringing the total to 144.6 km. The trail can be started at Arigna, Boyle or Dowra, and is typically completed in five to six days. It is divided into 13 staged walks (often grouped into six longer stages) so you can tailor the walk to your fitness and time‑constraints.

The trail skirts three major loughs – Lough Allen, Lough Arrow and Lough Key – and climbs the low ranges of Corry Mountain, the Curlew Mountains and the Bricklieve Mountains. Walkers experience a constantly changing backdrop of open moorland, quiet tarmac roads, forest tracks and lakeside paths.

History / Background

The name derives from the Arigna coal mines, which operated from the mid‑1700s until their closure in 1990 after more than four centuries of extracting coal and iron. When the mines shut, the community feared a loss of identity and tourism. Father Sean Tynan, a local priest, envisioned a walking corridor that would celebrate the mining legacy while showcasing the surrounding countryside.

Funding from the European Regional Development Fund enabled the trail’s development, and it was officially opened by broadcaster Donncha Ó Dúlaing in July 2000. The trail is designated a National Waymarked Trail and is jointly managed by the Roscommon Integrated Development Company, Roscommon County Council, Leitrim County Council and Sligo County Council.

Alongside the industrial narrative, the route passes a remarkable concentration of Neolithic passage tombs – notably the Carrowkeel complex on the Bricklieve Mountains, as well as Heapstown Cairn and Labby Rock – adding a deep‑time dimension to the walk. The path also follows the historic Red Earls road, the site of the 1599 Battle of the Curlews, and skirts modern wind‑farm installations on Carrane Hill.

What to See & Do

Mining heritage

• Arigna Mining Experience – Visitor centre (opened 2003) offering a 45‑minute underground tour, exhibits, recorded interviews and a café with views of Kilronan Mountain. Open daily 10:00‑17:00, adult admission €15, free parking and wheelchair‑accessible facilities. Tours are led by former miners.
• Old miner pathways – Much of the trail follows the original footpaths miners used daily, giving a tangible sense of their lives.

Ancient monuments

Natural highlights

• Lough Key Forest & Activity Park – A 350‑hectare estate of 19th‑century parkland featuring redwood (Sequoia) groves, a viewing tower, zip‑line canopy walk and several short trails that intersect the historic route. Parking (small charge €4), toilets, café and visitor information desk are available.
• Scardan Waterfall – A picturesque cascade on the River Boyle, reachable via a short forest trail.
• Devil’s Bite – A dramatic U‑shaped valley on the Bricklieve Mountains, offering striking views of the surrounding peaks.
• Knockvicar Organic Garden – An award‑winning community garden with polytunnels, fruit trees and a small café; a good spot for a break.
• Fairy Bridge (1826) – A whimsical stone bridge in Lough Key Forest Park, often photographed by walkers.

Cultural stops

Events & Guided Walks

• Community walk – Lough Key Forest Park (held regularly, e.g., 16 Mar 2014): an easy 11 km loop starting at the Knockvicar Organic Garden, passing Errionagh bog, Cloontykilla Castle and the Lough Key shoreline. Suitable for families; walkers are advised to wear boots and bring rain gear.
• Seasonal events at Arigna Mining Experience – The site hosts a Santa’s Underground Grotto each winter (2025 edition announced) and occasional heritage festivals. Check the official site for dates.
• Guided heritage walks – Local volunteer groups occasionally run themed walks focusing on the Neolithic tombs, mining history or the Battle of the Curlews. Information is posted on the trail’s Facebook page.

Practical Information

Getting there & transport

• Start points – The loop can be begun at Arigna (central to the mining heritage), Boyle (good bus links) or Dowra (Leitrim Way junction). All are reachable by car via the N4.
• Parking – Free car parks are available at the Arigna Mining Experience and at the Lough Key visitor centre (small €4 charge). Most villages along the route have limited roadside parking.
• Public transport – Bus services are sparse; the nearest regular service is Bus Éireann to Boyle. For the other start/end points you will likely need a private vehicle or arrange a taxi drop‑off.

Accommodation & facilities

• B&Bs & guesthouses – Each of the 13 stages ends near a village with a range of B&Bs, inns and self‑catering options (e.g., Arigna, Keadue, Drumshanbo, Boyle, Castlebaldwin, Ballyfarnon).
• Camping – Wild‑camping is permitted on open land with landowner permission; a small caravan park exists within Lough Key Forest Park for those who prefer facilities.
• Refreshments – Shops, cafés and pubs are found in the larger settlements. Carry sufficient water and snacks for the more remote sections, especially the boggy stretches of the Bricklieve and Curlew Mountains.
• Toilets – Available at the Lough Key visitor centre, Arigna Mining Experience and most villages.

Waymarking & navigation

• Follow the distinctive yellow arrow on a black background. Signage is generally good, but a few sections near Arigna can be confusing; keep a paper map or the official PDF guides (available from the trail website) as a backup.
• The trail is mapped on OSI Discovery Series sheets 25, 26 and 33; a dedicated EastWest Mapping guide can be purchased for detailed route notes.

Dog policy

• Dogs are generally not permitted on farmland and heritage sections. An exception is the Coillte‑managed stretch from Knockvicar through the bog and the Organic Garden loop, where dogs are allowed if kept under effective control.

Seasonal tips & wildlife

• The trail is usable year‑round, but be prepared for changeable weather and boggy ground in winter.
• Midges can be heavy in June and July; insect repellent is advisable.
• Spring brings a burst of wildflowers on the mountain slopes, while autumn offers colourful foliage around the loughs.

Suggested Walking Itinerary (example)

Adjust the stages to suit your pace; many walkers split the longer stages into shorter day‑hikes.

Further Resources

• Official website: https://minerswayandhistoricaltrail.ie/ (maps, GPX files, latest waymark updates)
• Trail maps (PDF) – Miners Way & Historical Trail – Overview Map, Stage Maps 1‑10 (available on the website)
• Sport Ireland page: https://www.sportireland.ie/outdoors/walking/trails/miners-way-historical-trail-sli-an-mhianadora-conair-stairiuil

Whether tackling the full five‑day loop or sampling a single stage, the Miners Way offers a compelling blend of Ireland’s industrial past, ancient archaeology and striking natural scenery.