I have secured a visit to Carrickfergus Salt Mines later this year and was wondering if any one has any thoughts /ideas of other mining / industrial sites worth visiting as i would like to make make a few days of it

I also need accommodation for 7 people again anyone with local knowledge would be appreciated

mike

Thought someone might have come back on this?

Mike :zzz:

It's been a bit quiet on here of late.

Hopefully somebody will come up with something for you Mike :flowers:

Do Irish Salt Mining offer trips or is this a one off? I did enquire last year but was told to ask again at a later date - but then didn't get a reply.

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Hi Simon

They do offer trips - i had a similar reply to your first one and then nohing I have a feeling staff changed around.

I would try again - bear in mind their busy season
Mike

if u GO back 2 N I GET BACK 2 ME

Cheers for that, I'm more likely to visit South of the border next time

Mike

ISME are brilliant guys, the mine is amazing. We were given a tour in the 90's.. They have a salt lagoon with a small boat.
We stayed at a B and B in Carrickfergus, I can't say for sure if its still around. If you want to pm me I will try dig a few suggestions up for you!!!
There are old Iron Mines around Glenariff some of which are still open, and locals drove a series of short levels into the steep cliffs at Kinbane Head, they were digging out a crystallised zeolite called Natrolite, they sold it as 'needlestone' to 19th century tourists.
There are very few other open workings in the North, the Geology is slanted towards the non metalliferous (eg quarrying), obvious exceptions, Cavanacaw Gold prospect etc.
As I said, please pm me soon as poss if you need info, ironically I am off through Northern Ireland on Thursday, however on my way to the Irish Republic. Got a trip down The Lisheen Mine on friday. I will see if I can get some pictures for upload on the site, liven things up a little!!!! 😉

I had better shout now this is an old thread and dates back to our visit in Octber 2010. We had an interesting although very restricted trip into the mine as they are very concerned about H&S because of all the publicity it had received due to the bad winter and several showings of the BBC Coast series, plus at least one other documentary. They had been inundated by requests from Joe Public they had to restrict things.

We stayed at an independant Hostel in Ballycastle which had a self catering cottage, it worked out brilliantly. There was a great Pub about 5 doors down too which we felt was the best in the town by a long way.

Moorland - I have sent you a PM

cheers

Mike