Llanfair Slate Mines

Llanfair Slate Mines

The entry to this old but important slate mine is through the main tunnel, under the twin arches of the crypt, and into the lofty cathedral cavern. Remember that the tunnels and caverns you are about to see are all man made over a 100 years ago with only a candle for lighting.The slate in this mine, which is found in veins between layers of ancient Pre-Cambrian rocks, is among the oldest in the world. Many industrial towns in Britain and Ireland have the original roofs made of Llanfair slate.Descend Jacobs ladder and wonder through the tunnels and chambers, and look for the old drilling holes, and the likeness of a human face in the mighty no 6 cavern. As you emerge from the caverns, you face the breathtaking view of Cardigan Bay, from the Preseli mountains in the south to the Lleyn peninsular. Look down at Shell Island and the Artro estuary, and at low tide trace the fourteen mile long natural causeway of St Patrick.

Review

In this book are silver/lead mines, copper mines and even slate and coal mines but the slate caverns here near Harlech are something equally as special. These caverns were man made over a hundred years ago and would even give Dan Yr Ogof Show Caves a run for their money. Like many slate quarries in this area, thousands of homes throughout Britain and Ireland have been roofed by Llanfair slate. But as if that wasn't enough prestige for the owners to be proud of, the caverns have been featured in massive feature films such as First Knight starring Sean Connery & Framed with Trevor Eve just to name a few. Llanfair Slate Caverns has got a great café serving all types of food so an ideal location for lunch. All though there is a separate charge, the caverns are also part of the Llanfair children's farm park so there is more than enough on this site to satisfy all ages.