Overview
The Slieveardagh Hills form a low, rolling range that marks the border between County Tipperary and County Kilkenny. Reaching a maximum height of 349 metres at Clomantagh Hill, the landscape is defined by gentle slopes, reclaimed wetlands and sweeping views across the surrounding farmland. To the north, the River Goul carves through the valley, while the Kings River flows southward. Despite their modest elevation, the hills have a strong local identity, shaped by centuries of industry and now valued for their quiet, rural atmosphere and accessible walking routes.
A Landscape Shaped by Coal
The hills’ history is inseparable from coal. Extraction in the area dates back to the early 15th century, with some evidence suggesting Danish settlers were mining the seams as early as the 11th century. By the early 1800s, around 35 collieries employed roughly 1,000 men across the hillsides. The industry transformed in 1824 when an Act of Parliament established the Mining Company of Ireland, which leased large portions of the coalfield. This period saw the construction of Mardyke Village, recognised as Ireland’s first purpose-built mining settlement.
Ownership and operations shifted through the 20th century. State-owned Mianraí Teoranta took over several pits in 1941, followed by Tommy O’Brien’s Ballingarry Collieries, which became the area’s largest employer in the 1950s and 60s. The final chapter closed between 1985 and 1989, when Flaire Resources and Emerald Resources made unsuccessful attempts to revive commercial extraction.
Today, the industrial past remains visible. Old trackways, stone engine houses, and shaft caps dot the countryside. The Mining Remembered trail connects these remnants, guiding visitors past former colliery sites, the 19th-century briquette factory (now a plastics-recycling plant), and the old Littleton Works peat-bog complex.
Walking & Wildlife
The Slieveardagh Hills are criss-crossed by a network of gentle tracks suitable for casual walkers, families and dog owners. The most popular route is the Ecological Loop Walk around Derryvella Lake (Loch Dhoire Mheile). Created in 1999 on former peat-working land, the lake is encircled by a short lakeside path and a longer loop that winds through regenerated bog habitat.
The reclaimed wetlands support a surprising variety of flora and fauna. Look out for bog cotton, wild orchids and furze, alongside grasses that provide cover for ground-nesting birds. The area is a haven for invertebrates, including the Common Blue and Painted Lady butterflies, the rare Marsh Fritillary, and green tiger beetles. Birdwatchers frequently spot buzzards, linnets and curlews, while the elusive corncrake can still be heard during spring and early summer.
Heritage & Local History
For a deeper look at the region’s past, the Slieveardagh Heritage Centre in Killenaule is an essential stop. Housed in a former church built between 1838 and 1840 on the site of a medieval building, the centre offers free entry and hosts permanent exhibitions on the coal-mining era, the Young Irelanders of the 1840s, and the Derrynaflan hoard. The building’s three-bay nave and pitched porch are preserved, and the centre also provides a small library and quiet reading space.
Historic sites are scattered throughout the wider area. Within a short drive, you can visit the medieval Kilcooly Abbey, the ruins of Ballylarkin Church, and St. Lachtain’s Church. The nearby village of Coalbrook sits within the hills and serves as a convenient base for exploring the higher ground and walking routes.
Practical Information
Getting there The hills are best accessed by car. From Kilkenny, follow the R689 north-west for approximately 20 km to Renaghmore. From Tipperary town, take the N76 east and turn onto the R689. The main visitor parking area is at Derryvella Lake, clearly signposted from the R689. Public transport options are limited; the nearest railway stations are in Kilkenny (around 30 km) and Thurles (around 45 km), with bus services connecting to Killenaule on request.
Accessibility & facilities The Derryvella Lake car park is level and includes wheelchair-accessible fishing bays and picnic tables. The lakeside path is flat and suitable for strollers and visitors with reduced mobility. The surrounding trails are mostly firm dirt or gravel, though some sections can become muddy after heavy rain.
Visitor tips
- The heritage centre operates Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 17:00. It is closed on weekends and public holidays, so plan your visit accordingly.
- Dogs are welcome on all trails but should be kept on a lead during the bird breeding season (March to July) to protect ground-nesting species like the corncrake.
- Weather on the hills can shift quickly. Bring a waterproof layer, sturdy footwear and plenty of water, as there are no refreshment points on the trails.
- For a self-guided tour of the mining sites, the Tipperary Coalmines website hosts a detailed virtual tour with video commentary and historical maps.
Arrive early in the morning to catch the best light over the lake and secure a parking spot before the main car park fills up on busy weekends.