An old leadmine and smelter in the Dublin hills has one of the longest flue chimneys in Europe.
If you are out for a walk in the south Dublin countryside, you will most likely encounter a stone tower on an exposed hillside not far from Kilternan. At first glance its origins are puzzling. 'Youngline' presenter Conor McAnally observes it has,
No windows, no roof and steps built on the outside.
A nearby flue tunnel once connected this chimney with a lead mine and smelting plant in the valley below at Ballycorus. Stretching for almost two and a half kilometres up the hill, its inspection hatches and doorways although bricked up are still visible,
A tribute to the men who built it.
Lead mining took place here since the early years of the 19th century up until 1863. When that industry was no longer viable the Mining Company of Ireland focused instead on smelting iron ore which came from mines in County Wicklow and later the Isle of Man.
Smoke and fumes from the smelting plant were directed away from the valley to the chimney on top of the hill. The mining company closed down its operation here in 1913, and the buildings have since fallen into disuse.
This episode of ‘Youngline’ was broadcast on 15 February 1979. The reporter is Conor McAnally.
'Youngline' was a once weekly, half-hour magazine show for younger viewers. The first programme was broadcast on Tuesday, 23 November 1976 from 5.30 to 6.00pm. 'Youngline' continued until May 1984.
