Allihies Copper Mines Museum

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Allihies Copper Mines Museum Allihies Copper Mine Museum is a unique public attraction, for anyone with an interest in Geology

Located on the South-Westerly limits of the Beara Peninsula, the small and charming village of Allihies, is renowned worldwide for its breathtaking views and complex geological formations. As you enter the locality, you see the landscape speckled with the remnants of large engine houses, remaining from the great mining activities of the 1800's. These haunting landmarks, illuminate not only a booming copper industry, but also a perilous age, which took the lives of many a brave miner. Our museum takes you through the villages rich and vibrant history, from the Bronze Age right through to the mid 1960's, when mining activities ceased. You will discover the story of the Puxley Family, in particular "Copper John", and how they led they the charge in extracting the precious copper ore beneath them. Interestingly, we also outline the social impacts which developed as a result of the mines. Following the museum, take to the Copper Mine Trail, where you can get up close and personal with the mines themselves. Here, its easy to envision the harsh terrains endured by the miners, especially when you arrive at the deep Mountain Mines, which go to depths of almost half a kilometer. Don't forget to keep your eye out for evidence of copper in the area, within the local host rock! Afterwards, return to our Copper Cafe, where we serve caramel lattes, to locally sourced crab in our open sandwich range. Please contact us with any queries, and feel free to book groups in advance. Follow us on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/allihiescoppermines/

Add us to your circle on Google+:
https://plus.google.com/118320025148693401843/about

How was your visit? Let us know on TripAdvisor:
https://www.tripadvisor.ie/Attraction_Review-g1510744-d565179-Reviews-Allihies_Copper_Mine_Museum-Allihies_County_Cork.html

Find us along the Wild Atlantic Way:
http://www.wildatlanticway.com/home

10/10/2026
A huge thank you to Aubrey Jaap and Lindsay Mulcahy from the Butte-Silver Bow Archives for visiting Cahermore NS on Frid...
10/10/2026

A huge thank you to Aubrey Jaap and Lindsay Mulcahy from the Butte-Silver Bow Archives for visiting Cahermore NS on Friday! 🇮🇪🇺🇸

The pupils really enjoyed the Q&A session, learning new things and hearing fascinating insights into the shared history and heritage of Allihies and Butte.

It was wonderful to see this special connection continue to thrive, while complementing the Virtual Cultural Education Exchange Programme that has been running between our schools for the past five years.

Thank you to Aubrey and Lindsay for sharing their knowledge and helping to keep the strong ties between Allihies and Butte alive for the next generation! 💚

A special thank you to Kathleen Fitzsimmons, Luke Finken, and Cleo Finken for visiting the senior classes in Scoil an Ch...
10/10/2026

A special thank you to Kathleen Fitzsimmons, Luke Finken, and Cleo Finken for visiting the senior classes in Scoil an Chroí Ró-Naofa, Castletownbere, on Thursday! 🇮🇪🇺🇸

The pupils enjoyed the informative powerpoint and opportunity to ask questions and learn about the fascinating mining connections between the Beara Peninsula and Leadville, Colorado. ⛏️

The history of mining links these two communities across the Atlantic, reflecting the journeys of people who travelled in search of work and opportunity and the lasting legacy they left behind. Visits like this bring those stories to life, helping our pupils appreciate the rich heritage of our local area and its connections to the wider world.

Many thanks to Kathleen, Luke and Cleo for sharing their knowledge and helping us explore this important part of our shared history. Keeping the mining heritage of Beara and Leadville alive for future generations! 🇮🇪🇺🇸💚
Photo : Luke Finken, Kathleen Fitzsimmons and Cleo Finken, Leadville, with Niall O'Sullivan Scoil an Chroí Ró-Naofa

A lovely evening of heritage, conversation and discovery at Allihies Coastal Education Hub!🌄Last night, we welcomed Aoib...
09/10/2026

A lovely evening of heritage, conversation and discovery at Allihies Coastal Education Hub!
🌄Last night, we welcomed Aoibheann Lambe for her talk on Rock Art and Copper Mining of Beara and Iveragh, part of the Kenmare Bay Project Autumn Talk Series.📊📋
Through striking photographs and close-up views of carved rock surfaces, we had a chance to look more closely at the remarkable patterns found in our landscape.
💚A warm thank you to Aoibheann for sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm, and to everyone who joined us for the evening. It was lovely to see people coming together over a cuppa to explore our local heritage.☕️

📆Our next talk is Marine Mammals of the Southwest with Christina Winkler on Thursday, 29 October at 7pm, here at Allihies Copper Mine Museum. All welcome - no ticket needed!

ScullionBand play Allihies Copper Mine Museum next Saturday.
05/10/2026

ScullionBand play Allihies Copper Mine Museum next Saturday.

05/10/2026
28/09/2026

This Sunday marks National Walking Day 2026, part of National Walking Week and European Week of Sport!🚶

Walking is one of the simplest ways to get outdoors, connect with nature and explore the heritage, landscapes and communities around us.

Why not take some time this weekend to step outside and discover somewhere new on foot?

Get Ireland Walking

🌍✨ A fantastic day at Allihies Copper Mine Museum last Saturday, as we welcomed a wonderful multinational tour group for...
28/09/2026

🌍✨ A fantastic day at Allihies Copper Mine Museum last Saturday, as we welcomed a wonderful multinational tour group for a special guided tour led by Klaudia Drozdzik, our Coastal Education Hub Coordinator and Museum’s Curator.
From the Bronze Age beginnings of copper mining on Beara to the dramatic 19th‑century industrial landscape, Klaudia brought the story of Allihies to life for visitors from across the globe. The tour finished in the old Cornish Miners’ Methodist Church, now home to the museum, where the group explored exhibits on mining technology, community life, and the lasting impact of the industry on this corner of West Cork.
It was brilliant to see so many different languages and perspectives coming together around our local heritage - exactly the kind of exchange we love to host here in Allihies. Thanks to everyone who joined us 💗
If you’re planning a visit or a group trip, get in touch in advance so we can arrange guided tours and make the most of your day on the Beara Peninsula.

Address

Allihies Village
Cork
BEARA,

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