Writer and storyteller Michael Harding is walking from the historic town of Boyle in Roscommon to his home in Arigna. Michael is following the Miner’s Way and Historical Trail, part of which is based on the routes miners walked over the mountains to Arigna, the site of the last underground coal mine in Ireland.

Presenter
Michael Harding

About
Michael and his guide, Philip James’ first stop is Boyle Abbey, a 12th century monastery which was converted into a military garrison by the British Army in 17th Century. After exploring the architecture and history of the Abbey they set off again on the Miner’s Way which covers a distance of 128km. Michael and Philip are doing 30km. The road leads them to Rockingham House, home to the King Family in the 18th Century, who were Tudor adventurers and were gifted the land that once belonged to the abbey. Their estate stretched from Boyle to Lough Key. Built in the footprint of the house is the 70’s, Moylurg Tower is a focal point of the 350 hectares of the landscaped wonderland of bog and woodland trails of Lough Key Forest and Amenity Park. The summit is an excellent vantage point for Park Manager Louise Fitzpatrick to give Michael and Philip a different perspective on their walk so far.

Grade
Moderate, national waymarked trail

Distance
MIners Way in total 118KM, this hike 30km

Estimated Time
Full day

Terrain underfoot
Country roads, forest trail, mountain trail

Total Height Climbed
Varied

Suitable for
Walkers with reasonable fitness

Notes
At Start - large parking area near pub at start of Way in Arigna At End - on street in Drumshanbo or at Sliabh an Iarainn Visitor Centre