Overview
Silvermines (Irish: Béal Átha Gabhann, meaning “approach to the ford of the smith”) sits just north of the Silvermine mountain range in north-west County Tipperary. With a population of around 300, the village feels like a quiet pause in the landscape, but its history runs deep beneath the surface. The area takes its name from centuries of lead, zinc, copper, baryte and silver extraction, which shaped both the topography and the lives of the people who worked here. Today, it serves as a practical base for walkers, heritage enthusiasts and photographers, positioned directly on the R499 and acting as the official trailhead for the 43 km Slieve Felim Way.
Mining Heritage
The industrial legacy of Silvermines is impossible to miss. Records trace prospecting activity back to the 13th century, when Italian miners from Genoa and Florence arrived searching for silver to mint coinage. Intermittent working continued until the late 19th century, leaving behind a scattering of ringforts, bawns and ruined engine houses. The modern era began in 1948 with the formation of the Silvermines Lead and Zinc Company, which introduced a pioneering Waelz rotating kiln – marking the first use of electricity in the district’s mining operations.
The real boom arrived in the 1960s. Magcobar (Ireland) Ltd began open-cast baryte mining in 1963, while the Mogul of Ireland mine opened underground operations in 1968. Officially launched by Taoiseach Jack Lynch, Mogul quickly became Europe’s largest base-metal mine, processing up to 3,000 tonnes of ore daily and employing over 500 locals. When Mogul closed in 1982 and Magcobar followed in 1992, they left behind extensive spoil heaps and tailings ponds that still dominate the skyline. Visitors can walk past the protected ruins of the Old Smelting House and a dedicated monument commemorating the miners who worked the shafts. The landscape itself tells the story: heavy metal concentrations in the soil have given rise to rare Calaminarian grasslands, now protected under Special Area of Conservation status.
Walking & Trails
The Silvermine Mountains offer a range of routes, from gentle forest loops to demanding summit hikes.
Keeper Hill (Sliabh Cimeálta)
At 695 metres, Keeper Hill is the highest point in the Shannon region. The 14 km linear walk begins at the Doonane Forest car-park on the south-west flank of the range. The route climbs steadily through mixed woodland, open heath and blanket bog before reaching the stone cairn at the summit. On clear days, the views stretch across the Glenculoo valley, the Arra Hills and Lough Derg. Allow roughly three hours for the ascent and a similar time for the descent, or extend the route with a 2 km loop through Ballyhourigan Woods.
Knockanroe Woods Loop
For a more manageable outing, the Silvermines-Knockanroe Loop offers a well-surfaced 4.1 km circuit through mature forestry. Waymarked with purple arrows on a yellow background, the trail briefly overlaps with the Slieve Felim Way before climbing a sandy ridge and a short flight of wooden steps. The route is dog-friendly and provides excellent vantage points over the mining landscape and Keeper Hill. Most walkers complete it in under two hours.
Slieve Felim Way
Silvermines village marks the southern trailhead of the 43 km National Waymarked Trail. Managed by Coillte and Shannon Development, the long-distance route follows red arrows through the Silvermine and Slieve Felim ranges, finishing in Murroe, County Limerick. It’s an ideal option for multi-day trekkers or anyone looking to break a long walk into manageable daily stages.
Getting There & Practical Info
- By car: Silvermines is located on the R499, approximately 12 km north of Nenagh. Follow the N52 towards Nenagh and take the R499 north; signs are clear and the road offers open, rural views.
- By bus: Public transport has improved recently. Since March 2025, Local Link route 854 runs several journeys daily (including Sundays and public holidays) between Silvermines, Nenagh and Roscrea. Bus Éireann route 323 also stops in the village on Fridays, connecting Newport and Nenagh.
- Parking: Free, unattended car-parks are available at the Doonane Forest trailhead, the Knockanroe Woods loop start, and a small lay-by near the village centre. Arrive early during summer weekends to secure a spot.
- What to bring: Weather in the Shannon region can shift quickly. Pack sturdy waterproof footwear, layered clothing, a reliable map or downloaded GPX file, and plenty of water. There are no refreshment stops on the mountain trails.
Nearby Attractions
- Arra Hills: A short drive north-east, this range features a network of marked walking trails and sweeping views over Lough Derg and the surrounding counties.
- Devil’s Bit Mountain: Located to the south-west, the iconic flat-topped peak is famous for the legend of the Devil’s bite and offers a well-signposted loop trail.
- Cahir Castle: One of Ireland’s largest and best-preserved medieval castles sits about 30 km south-west. It makes a straightforward half-day excursion for visitors interested in architecture and medieval history.
Plan your visit around the Local Link 854 schedule if travelling without a car, and check the weather forecast before attempting the Keeper Hill ascent, as the summit is exposed and trails can become boggy after rain.