This old disused Copper Mine at Tankardstown near the village of Bunmahon was once a hive of activity when copper was mined here between 1827 and 1877. At its peak the industry employing around 1100 people.
During that time population of Bunmahon swelled to over 2,000. A temperance hall was built where men were employed to try to keep the workers out of the pubs. They were successful and the miners spent their free time in the Temperance Hall involved in social activities and practicing their music for the Temperance Band.
At this time, the village was home to a pawn shop, a creamery and a bacon factory, as well as remarkable 21 public houses.
Copper mining in this area goes back to around 1730. The first ore was sent to Swansea in Wales in 1826 and the last consignment in 1878. Several shafts were dug on different veins of ore but Knockmahon, and later Tankardstown (above) were the main copper producers.
Power for the mines was originally provided by a 40 ft waterwheel, but in 1841 two steam engines were built. Eventually there were four or five engines in the area pumping water and winding up ore. The deepest shaft was over 1,000 feet with the mine extending inland and also out under the Celtic sea.
The mines remained productive and profitable for many years, with high copper content, so that the Bunmahon ore fetched good prices in Swansea. Eventually the veins were mined out, the cost of production rose and income fell, until the mines went into deficit and were finally closed down.