Lead Mine (Disused)

Nineteenth century mining complex on N-facing slope, S of Ringabella Bay.Three shafts placed close together cut into rock; revetting walls built at top to hold back soil. At depth of 10m entry can be gained to upper galleries; there are two lower levels of workings, one which ends as an adit on shore of Ringabella creek (pers. comm. Dr. D.D.C. Pochin Mould). Shaft surrounded by extensive spoil; area heavily overgrown. According to Lewis (vol. 2, 1837, 639) 'at Ringabella are very extensive works, conducted by an English company of miners, and employing upwards of 400 persons'. Ore is an argentiferous galena lead sulphide (pers. comm. Dr. D.D.C. Pochin Mould). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 2: East and South Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1994). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009