Southgate madness the family walk about in the hills of Allihies looking at the old copper mines. Seeing the explosives building looking at the engine houses etc. A lovely summer day with a bit of a breeze to keep them cool as they were walking up and down the hills. The copper mines in Allihies Started in 1812 and finished after multiple tries in the late nineteen fifties.
Goula Beara Cork, a walk to take some photos and generally enjoy the “360” degree view from the top. Not a bad day in January for a walk. I did not want to drive to Hungry hill so I could save on the petrol, sorry to Paul O’Shea about that. Goula has a great view from the top overlooking Dursey Island. You can also see, Bere Island, Calf Rock, Cow Rock, Bull Rock, the Skelligs, Scariff and Deenish Islands from the top and the town of Castletownbere the biggest white fish port of Ireland. Today was not perfect but for this time of year a nice couple of hours if a bit cold on top, especially when you stop to take photos and make a short film. There is a link at the bottom of this page to the video on youtube….
Goula Beara Cork
Looking towards Garnish and Dursey Island
Twisting track up to the Boosters on top of Goula
Bere Island
Balydonegan Bay
Bull Rock, Cow Rock (just about) and the Calf Rock
Black Ball Head
Castletownbere
Allihies
Skellig
Allihies Copper Mine “Man Engine”
Scariff and Deenish Islands
Boosters on top of Goula Beara Cork
Another view of Allihies
Urhan valley
Bere Island in full
Evidence of Turf Cutting
Allihies was a major copper producer in the 1800’s and for a short while was the worlds largest producer of copper ore. There are many remains of Cornish mine engine buildings, and hundreds of meters of mine adits and shafts. There is also a very good museum. check out the link Allihies copper mine museum
Went out to sort out the ACMM pilot walk for next weekend.
The track is in good condition apart from the pig street which we might have to avoid. There are at least 15 fences to cross with the styles O.K. for most but quite hard for the elderly. I think I will have a talk at, Balydonegan, Dooneen and the mine. With bits and pieces thrown in on the way.