Deerpark Mines facts for kids
| Location | |
|---|---|
 Deerpark Mines
|
|
| Location | Castlecomer |
| County Kilkenny | |
| Country | Republic of Ireland |
| Coordinates | 52°49′26″N 7°12′28″W / 52.823849°N 7.207728°W |
| Production | |
| Products | anthracite |
| Type | opencast coalmine |
| Greatest depth | 700 feet (210 m) |
| History | |
| Opened | 1924 |
| Closed | 1969 |
| Owner | |
| Company | Wandesforde family |
The Deerpark Mines (which means "Deer Park Coal Mine" in Irish) were once the biggest coal mines in Ireland. They were located near Castlecomer in County Kilkenny. These mines were very important because they provided many jobs for people living nearby.
The mines produced a special type of coal called anthracite. This coal is known as a "smokeless fuel" because it burns very cleanly. Unlike other kinds of coal, anthracite doesn't cause as much air pollution. The Deerpark Mines operated from 1924 until 1969.
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Who Worked at the Mines?
The Wandesforde family owned the Deerpark coal mines. Many people from the area worked there. These coal miners lived in nearby towns and villages like Castlecomer, Moneenroe, Clogh, and other places such as Skehana, Mayhora, Firoda, Aughamucky, Glenmullen, Upperhills, and Ardra.
The Wandesforde family even built special houses for the miners. They created a charming row of houses on Kilkenny Street in Castlecomer and cottages at Deerpark. They also built other individual cottages around the area.
How Coal Left the Mines
The Deerpark Mines were connected to Ireland's railway system in 1919. This connection made it much easier to transport the coal. The railway line was used until 1962.
In the 1950s, when the mines were producing the most coal, trains carried huge amounts every day. About 300 tons of coal were sent daily to a storage area at Kilkenny railway station. Each train could carry around 100 tons, usually in 10 to 15 carriages.
Learning About the Mines Today
To help people learn about the history of the Deerpark Mines, a museum was opened in Castlecomer town in 2007. It tells the story of the mines and the people who worked there.
A Special Saying About Kilkenny Coal
The clean-burning anthracite coal from Castlecomer led to a famous saying about County Kilkenny: "Fire without smoke." This phrase highlights the special quality of the coal found in the area.
