Tankardstown Copper Mine Engine House Ruins (Built 1824)

"Historic copper mine ruins nestled along Ireland’s dramatic Copper Coast, rich in geology and 19th-century mining heritage."

Tankardstown Copper Mine Engine House, located within the Copper Coast Geopark near Bunmahon, County Waterford, is a significant remnant of 19th-century copper mining in Ireland. What remains today are the ruins of the winding engine house, including the boiler house and the winding drum pit, once housing steam-powered machinery essential to the mining operation.

This site, part of the former British Empire’s mining heritage, still shows foundational walls above the main shaft, the engine house chimney stack, and parts of the building where steam engines once operated. The ruins sit beside a coastal road overlooking steep cliffs and rocky shores on the opposite side, presenting a dramatic landscape backdrop.

Mining activity ceased here in 1877, leaving behind only these atmospheric ruins—no roofs remain, only fragments of stone walls and window openings survive in incomplete forms.

Geologically, Tankardstown lies on Ordovician volcanic rock with primary ores of Devonian age, formed through volcanic activity and later secondary mineral deposits created by oxidation and weathering of primary minerals. The site is noted for its rich mineral diversity, with over 36 mineral species recorded in the Waterford Copper Coast region, including arsenopyrite, azurite, barite, bornite, brochantite, chalcopyrite, chrysocolla, cobalt minerals, connellite, copper, cuprite, dolomite, galena, langite, malachite, pyrite, siderite, sphalerite, tennantite, and tetrahedrite—many found specifically at Tankardstown.

Currently, the site is not fully developed for tourism due to the need for significant investment—running into millions of euros—to ensure public access and safety regulations. Visitors should exercise caution when exploring as the ruins remain fragile.

• Accessible by car from Waterford or Cork in approximately 1-2 hours.

• Public transport options are limited; car hire is recommended.

• Parking is available roadside near the ruins.

• Wear sturdy walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.

• Exercise caution near unstable ruins and avoid entering unsafe structures.

• Check weather conditions before visiting; coastal winds and rain can make the area slippery.

• Ideal for history buffs, geology enthusiasts, and adventurous travelers interested in industrial heritage.

• No entrance fee as the site is currently unmanaged for tourism.

• No official opening hours; site access is unrestricted but at visitors' own risk.

• Follow all posted safety guidelines and respect the fragile ruins.

If you love exploring history and geology, Tankardstown Copper Mine offers a glimpse into Ireland’s rich mining past amid stunning coastal scenery. Discover the fascinating ruins of this 19th-century industrial site and the rare minerals hidden within ancient volcanic rock. An off-the-beaten-path destination waiting for curious adventurers like you.