Miners' Village

At the far western end of Glendalough's Upper Lake, where the Glenealo Valley narrows into open mountain ground, sit the ruins of a lead mining and processing works. It is the payoff at the end of one of the easiest and most scenic walks in the valley: broken stone buildings, low foundations and spoil heaps set against steep slopes, with the stream running down through the site. The ruins are widely known as the Miners' Village, though the name is misleading. This was a processing site rather than a settlement, and it is unlikely anyone lived here permanently apart from a caretaker or temporary workers.

• Roofless stone buildings and wall lines from the old mining and processing works
• Low foundations and platforms spread across the valley floor
• Spoil heaps of pale crushed rock beside the stream
• Long views back down over the Upper Lake, and up into the bare upper valley

Mining in the Glendalough and neighbouring Glendasan valleys began in the 1790s, and lead, zinc and silver were worked across the wider area for well over 150 years, continuing into the mid twentieth century. At peak production the broader operation employed a very large workforce, though the numbers usually quoted belong to the whole mining landscape, not this one site. Heritage research suggests the Glendalough works itself was only a viable operation for roughly a quarter of a century. This site is separate from Hero Mine and the other mining remains over in Glendasan, which are reached from their own valley. The 19 km waymarked Miners' Way links old lead mining sites across Glendasan, Glendalough and Glenmalure, with interpretive panels at mine sites.

Feral goats are common along this walk, often on the slopes above the track or right beside it. Peregrine falcons are sometimes seen over the crags. Neither is guaranteed, so bring patience and keep your eyes up as well as ahead.

• Shoes with grip, and boots plus rain gear if you continue past the ruins
• Water and a waterproof layer
• A camera and, if you want the goats or falcons, binoculars

• Nothing at the ruins themselves: no facilities on site. Public toilets are at the Upper Lake Car Park and the OPW Visitor Centre.
• Access is on foot only, so factor in the round trip before you set out.
• The Miners' Road is generally suitable for buggies but may be too rough for wheelchairs.
• It is an open archaeological site, so stay on the marked paths and keep out of the ruined structures.
• On peak days the lakeside section can feel crowded, even though the ruins themselves are quieter than the lower valley.