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The Ballycorus Leadmine Tunnel is a fascinating historical landmark located near Kilternan in County Dublin, Ireland. This site is part of the extensive former Ballycorus Leadmines complex, an industrial marvel that operated for over a century. What appears as a tunnel is primarily a long, engineered flue designed to transport poisonous fumes from the lead smelting works to a distinctive chimney perched near the summit of Carrickgollogan Hill, offering expansive views over Dublin Bay and the surrounding Wicklow Mountains.
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July 22, 2017
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Distance 195 m
Uphill 30 m
Downhill 40 m
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The Ballycorus Leadmine Tunnel is not a traditional mining tunnel for ore extraction, but rather a long, engineered flue. Its primary purpose was to transport highly toxic fumes from the lead smelting works in the valley to a tall chimney located at the summit of Carrickgollogan Hill. This design allowed lead dust to precipitate along its interior, which was then collected, while dispersing the remaining noxious gases away from the workers and local population.
The entire flue system was quite extensive, with sources mentioning lengths up to 2 kilometers. However, the 'tunnel' section that is accessible today is only a small portion, described as a 'very fine underground tunnel' or an 'above-ground granite and brick arched flue'. While you can explore parts of the remaining structure, the full length is not traversable, and access points can be overgrown with brambles, requiring care.
Yes, the area around the Ballycorus Leadmine Tunnel and Carrickgollogan Hill is generally suitable for families. The trails are considered light hiking, and exploring the historical remnants can be an interesting educational experience for children. However, some sections, particularly near the tunnel access points, can be overgrown with brambles, so supervision and appropriate clothing are recommended.
Yes, the trails around Ballycorus Leadmine Tunnel are generally dog-friendly. Many hikers enjoy bringing their dogs along to explore the historical site and enjoy the scenic views. Please ensure your dog is kept under control, especially around other visitors and wildlife, and always clean up after your pet.
Parking is available in the vicinity, often in small, informal car parks or along the roadside near trailheads leading to the leadmine complex and Carrickgollogan Hill. Hikers often note that parking can fill up quickly, especially during peak times or good weather. Arriving earlier in the day is advisable to secure a spot.
While there isn't a direct public transport stop right at the leadmine, you can reach the general area via bus services that operate to nearby Kilternan or Stepaside. From these points, it would typically involve a walk of several kilometers to reach the main historical sites and trailheads. Planning your route with a local transport app is recommended.
The terrain around Ballycorus Leadmine Tunnel is varied, ranging from relatively flat paths in the lower sections to more moderate inclines as you ascend Carrickgollogan Hill. The trails are generally suitable for light hiking, but you may encounter uneven ground, rocky sections, and potentially muddy or overgrown paths, especially near the tunnel access points. Suitable footwear is highly recommended.
The Ballycorus Leadmine Tunnel is situated in a more rural area, so immediate amenities are limited. However, the nearby villages of Kilternan and Stepaside offer a selection of cafes and pubs. For accommodation, you would typically look towards these villages or the wider South Dublin area. It's best to plan for refreshments before or after your visit.
The Ballycorus Leadmine complex was a crucial industrial site in Ireland, operating from around 1807 until 1913. It was initially a lead mine and later became a significant smelting facility, processing ore from other mines across Ireland. The innovative flue and chimney system, built in the 1830s, was designed to capture lead from furnace fumes, a process that, while technologically advanced, unfortunately led to severe lead poisoning among workers, earning the area the nickname 'Death Valley'. The lead produced was vital for Dublin's expanding building trade.
Given the varied terrain and potential for overgrown paths, we recommend wearing comfortable, sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots. Layered clothing is advisable to adapt to changing weather conditions, as the elevated location can be exposed. A waterproof jacket is always a good idea in Ireland. Long trousers might be beneficial to protect against brambles, especially if you plan to explore closer to the tunnel sections.
Yes, several popular circular walking routes incorporate the Ballycorus Leadmine Tunnel and the ascent to the chimney on Carrickgollogan Hill. These routes often start from local parking areas and guide you through the historical remnants, up to the panoramic viewpoints, and back. You can find detailed route suggestions and maps on various hiking platforms to help plan your circular walk.