Overview
The Slieveardagh Hills are a low, gently undulating range that straddles the border between County Tipperary and County Kilkenny. Rising to a modest 349 m at Clomantagh Hill, the hills dominate the surrounding farmland with sweeping views of the River Goul to the north and the Kings River flowing southwards. Their quiet, rural character makes them a perfect destination for travellers who want to experience “real Ireland” away from the tourist crowds.
History
The landscape of the Slieveardagh Hills is a palimpsest of centuries‑old human activity. Coal mining can be traced back to the early 15th century, and the industry reached its peak in the 19th century when a network of shafts, engine houses and tall chimneys dotted the hillsides. The legacy of that era is still visible in the remnants of old trackways and the occasional stone‑built engine house. After the decline of mining in the late 20th century, the area underwent a quiet renaissance, with former peat‑extraction sites being reclaimed for nature and recreation.
Detailed mining timeline
- 11th century – Early Danish settlers are believed to have extracted coal in the area.
- 1554 – The Civil Survey records coal being mined at Coolquill.
- Early 1800s – Approximately 35 collieries employ around 1,000 men across the hills.
- 1824 – An Act of Parliament creates the Mining Company of Ireland, which later leases much of the Slieveardagh coalfield, including sites such as Coolquill, Mardyke, The Commons and Knockalonga.
- Mid‑19th century – The Mining Company builds Mardyke Village, recognised as Ireland’s first purpose‑built mining village.
- 1919‑1930s – Small family‑run “basset” pits continue to produce coal locally.
- 1941 – State‑owned Mianraí Teoranta takes over mining at Ballynunty, Lickfinn, Copper and Clashduff.
- 1950s‑1970s – Tommy O’Brien’s Ballingarry Collieries becomes the largest employer, operating mines at Gurteen, Clashduff and ‘The Spa’.
- 1978‑1982 – Kealy Mines reopens Lickfinn before closing due to flooding and poor quality coal.
- 1985‑1989 – Final commercial attempts by Flaire Resources and Emerald Resources end, marking the end of coal extraction in the Slieveardagh Coalfield.
These successive phases left a landscape dotted with engine houses, shaft caps and the ruins of the once‑bustling mining community, many of which can be explored on the Mining Remembered trail.
One of the most striking cultural landmarks is the Slieveardagh Heritage Centre in Killenaule. Housed in a former church built between 1838 and 1840 on the site of an even older medieval building, the centre now tells the story of the region’s mining past, the Young Irelanders of the 1840s, and the everyday lives of the local community. It also hosts a small library and a Derrynaflan exhibition, providing a hub for both locals and visitors.
What to See & Do
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Highest point | Clomantagh Hill – 349 m |
| Prominent peak | Knocknamuck – 340 m (prominence 268 m) |
| Coordinates | 52°43’26”N, 7°28’2”W |
| Nearest town | Killenaule |
| Access | Public roads, car parks at Derryvella Lake |
Walking and Wildlife
The hills are criss‑crossed by a network of gentle tracks that suit walkers of all abilities. The Ecological Loop Walk around Derryvella Lake (Loch Dhoire Mheile) is a favourite. The artificial lake, created in 1999, is surrounded by a short lakeside stroll and a longer loop that weaves through former peat workings, offering glimpses of the area’s industrial past. The bogs host a surprising diversity of flora – bog cotton, orchids, furze and a carpet of grasses – and attract butterflies such as the Common Blue, Painted Lady and the rare Marsh Fritillary. Dragonflies, green tiger beetles, and a chorus of birdlife (buzzard, linnet, curlew, and even the elusive corncrake) add to the natural spectacle.
Heritage and History
Beyond the natural attractions, the hills are dotted with historic sites. Nearby you can explore St. Lachtain’s Church, the medieval Kilcooly Abbey, and the ruins of Ballylarkin Church. The Mining Remembered trail, highlighted on the Slieveardagh website, guides visitors past old shafts, the 19th‑century briquette factory (now a plastics‑recycling plant), and the remnants of the Littleton Works peat‑bog complex.
Heritage Centre
A visit to the Slieveardagh Heritage Centre (Killenaule) offers a deeper understanding of the area. The centre’s exhibitions cover the coal‑mining era, the Young Irelanders, and the local ecclesiastical heritage. Admission is free, and the building’s architecture – a three‑bay nave with a pitched porch – is itself a piece of history. The centre also provides internet access and a quiet reading space for those who wish to linger.
Practical Information
The Slieveardagh Hills are most easily reached by car via the R689 from Kilkenny or the N76 from Tipperary town. The main visitor parking area is located at Derryvella Lake, with clear signage from the R689. The lake’s car park includes wheelchair‑accessible fishing bays and picnic tables, making it suitable for families and visitors with reduced mobility.
The hills are open year‑round and there is no admission charge for the landscape or the heritage centre. While there are no formal opening hours for the hills themselves, the heritage centre operates Monday‑Friday 09:00‑17:00; it is advisable to check the centre’s website before a weekend visit.
For those who prefer public transport, the nearest railway stations are in Kilkenny and Thurles, with bus services connecting to Killenaule on request. Detailed maps and itineraries are available on the official Slieveardagh website and the Tipperary tourism portal.
Getting There
- By car: From Kilkenny, take the R689 north‑west for 20 km to Renaghmore. From Tipperary town, follow the N76 east to the R689 turn‑off.
- By public transport: Bus routes from Kilkenny to Killenaule run several times daily; the nearest train stations are Kilkenny (approximately 30 km) and Thurles (approximately 45 km).
Nearby Amenities
Killenaule offers a selection of cafés, B&Bs and a small supermarket. For a longer stay, the villages of Gortnahoe‑Glengoole, Ballingarry, and Mullinahone provide additional accommodation options ranging from guesthouses to self‑catering cottages. The nearby village of Coalbrook lies within the Slieveardagh Hills and is a convenient base for walkers exploring the higher peaks.
Visitor Tips
- The Derryvella Lake car park is level and includes wheelchair‑accessible fishing bays; the same area is suitable for strollers and families with young children.
- Dogs are welcome on the walking trails but should be kept under control, especially during the breeding season for ground‑nesting birds such as the corncrake.
- Weather can change quickly on the hills; bring a waterproof jacket and sturdy walking shoes.
Virtual tour & further resources
The Tipperary Coalmines website hosts a virtual tour of the Slieveardagh Coalfield, featuring short histories of individual colliery sites and video commentary by guide Michael ‘King’ Cleere. This resource is useful for planning a self‑guided walk or for those who cannot visit in person.
- Virtual tour of the Slieveardagh Coalfield: https://www.tipperarycoalmines.ie/mine-location/a-short-history-of-coal-mining-in-the-slieveardagh-hills