A new project, which will record the stories of miners who worked in the coal mines of Arigna, is set to provide tourists who visit the Miners’ Way & Historical Trail with the opportunity to re-live the experiences of past miners through audio and visual experiences.
The project is being funded by The Department of Rural & Community Development under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme 2023 (ORIS) and is being implemented by Roscommon LEADER Partnership.
The aim of the project is to enhance visitors’ experience of the popular walking trail by having QR codes dotted along the route which will redirect the walkers to a webpage where they can hear stories from people who worked in the mines.
The initiative will help promote the trail and preserve the heritage of Arigna and surrounding areas. When complete the project will provide visitors to the area with a better understanding of the area, the employment, history and local stories of the area.
The interviews will be carried out by broadcaster John Lynch.
“It’s vital that we record the stories from the people in the community who worked in the mines or had family members involved in mining.
“We would love to hear from former miners and their families. You can contact us by emailing arignaminingmemories@gmail.com, please provide us with your contact details and we will contact you in relation to the recording of interviews,” said a spokesperson for the project organisers.
