Silvermines Village and Mountains

Overview

Silvermines (Irish: Béal Átha Gabhann) lies just north of the Silvermine Mountains in north‑west County Tipperary. The settlement takes its name from the extensive lead, zinc, copper, baryte and silver mines that dominated the landscape from the 13th century until the early 1990s. Today the village is a tranquil base for walkers and heritage tourists, linked to Nenagh by the R499 and serving as the trail‑head for the 43 km Slieve Felim Way National Waymarked Trail.

History / Background

• Early activity – Italian prospectors from Genoa and Florence are recorded extracting silver as early as 1289. Ringforts, castles and bawns across the townlands of Ballygown South, Gortshaneroe and Cloonanagh attest to long‑standing settlement.
• 19th century – Three engine houses operated mid‑century, processing ore from surface workings.
• Mid‑20th century boom – In 1948 the Silvermines Lead and Zinc Company was incorporated. A pioneering Waelz rotating kiln (1950) treated zinc‑bearing calamine ore – the first use of electricity in local mining. Subsequent developments included:
  • The underground Shallee lead mine (1955‑1958).
  • The large open‑cast Magcobar baryte mine (1963‑1993).
• Mogul of Ireland – Officially opened on 11 September 1968 by Taoiseach Jack Lynch, it became the largest base‑metal mine in Europe, processing up to 3 000 tonnes of ore per day and employing over 500 people. The operation closed in July 1982 (some sources note final cessation in 1984).
• Legacy – Ruined industrial buildings, spoil heaps and the protected Old Smelting House remain as stark reminders of the mining era, now forming part of the region’s cultural tourism.

What to See & Do

Keeper Hill (Sliabh Cimeálta)

• Summit experience – At 695 m (2,277 ft) Keeper Hill is the highest point in the Shannon region. The 14 km linear Keeper Hill Walk starts from the Doonane Forest car‑park (south‑west side) and climbs 550 m through mixed woodland, heath and blanket bog. An optional 2 km loop via Ballyhourigan Woods adds variety.
• Highlights – 360° panoramic views over the Glenculoo valley, Arra hills, Lough Derg and the broader Tipperary countryside; a stone circle at Bauraglanna townland; historic Lughnasadh gathering site.

Knockanroe Woods – Silvermines‑Knockanroe Loop

• A 4.10 km moderate loop beginning at a small car‑park within the woods. The trail follows red way‑marks, briefly joins the Slieve Felim Way, then climbs a sandy ridge and wooden steps to afford sweeping views of Keeper Hill and the mining landscape.

Slieve Felim Way – long‑distance trekking

• The 43 km National Waymarked Trail threads through the Silvermine and Slieve Felim ranges. Its southern trail‑head is in Silvermines village, making the area an ideal gateway for multi‑day walkers. Managed by Coillte and Shannon Development, the route is well‑signposted with red arrows.

Mining Heritage Sites

• Old Smelting House (protected by Tipperary County Council) – a ruin of the 1880s industrial complex.
• Spoil heaps and tailings ponds – visible across the landscape, offering photographic interest and insight into the scale of former operations.

Getting There & Parking

• By car – The village sits on the R499, 12 km north of Nenagh. From the N52, follow signs for Silvermines; the route is well‑signed and offers scenic views of the surrounding hills.
• Public transport – Bus services to Nenagh are limited; the most reliable option is to travel to Nenagh by bus or train and then hire a car or arrange a local taxi for the final 12 km stretch.
• Parking – Free car‑parks are available at the Doonane Forest trail‑head, Knockanroe Woods loop, and a small lay‑by near the village centre. All are un‑attended, so arrive early in peak summer months.

Nearby Attractions

• Arra Hills – A short drive north‑east, offering additional hillwalking routes and sweeping views over Lough Derg.
• Devil’s Bit Mountain – Located to the south‑west, this iconic peak features the famous “Devil’s Bit” gap and a network of marked trails.
• Cahir Castle – One of Ireland’s largest and best‑preserved castles, situated about 30 km south‑west of Silvermines; a great option for a half‑day cultural excursion.

Quick Checklist

• Trailheads: Doonane Forest (Keeper Hill), Knockanroe Woods loop, Silvermines village (Slieve Felim Way).
• Key attractions: Keeper Hill summit, Knockanroe Woods, Old Smelting House, mining spoil heaps.
• Duration: Day hikes (2–5 h) or multi‑day trek on the Slieve Felim Way.
• What to bring: Sturdy boots, water, layered clothing, map/GPX, camera.

Enjoy the blend of industrial heritage and wild mountain scenery that makes Silvermines a unique slice of Irish countryside.