There were three main ore bodies on this site - East Avoca, West Avoca and Cronebane. These were worked on both sides of the valley, making this site the second largest copper mine in Ireland. There is evidence to suggest that Avoca was worked for copper as long ago as the Bronze Age and possibly through medieval times. Its subsequent development shows how a mine can survive by turning to other minerals when the main deposits become exhausted. From the 12th century, the site was mainly producing iron but this had been exhausted by the end of the 17th century. Lead mining took over until about 1750, subsequently followed by copper mining until around 1812. Sulphur from the pyrites was produced between 1840-65, when the UK's major supply from Sicily was interrupted, and intermittently until 1949, especially during the two World Wars. A modern operation between 1958-62 produced over 3 million tons of 0.6% copper ore (chalcopyrite) and another between 1970-82 produced 8 million tons. Over the years, small amounts of gold, silver and zinc have also been extracted but these were never significant. Some efforts were made in recent years to extract gold from the tips but not very successfully. Today, there are plans to turn the site into a mining heritage centre and I hope this succeeds.
The modern day remains of the tips and buildings are clearly visible from the road on both sides of the valley. All dangerous shafts and stopes have been fenced for safety. A track can be followed from the road all the way to the top of the hill and this is the suggested route if you want to go exploring. The track passes under a railway bridge and there are massive ore storage bins and timber frameworks on the left from the more modern workings. Just beyond this is a low, narrow tunnel at track level which may have been for flat rods. Beyond this, take the track that turns off up to the left. A little further up the hill on the right is the engine house and chimney of Williams Shaft. This is in good condition but you may have to fight your way through undergrowth to get close to it. The track continues to wind its way up the hill and, at the top, there is a wide area of dressing floors. Another engine house (Baronets) and chimney on the left may have been for operating crushing machinery, since the open Farmer's Shaft is some distance away on the right side of the road.
