Treasure trove provides insight into life in West Cork copper mine

The 'cost books' and ledgers from the mine in Allihies and an original bible have been restored and are on display at the Copper Mine Museum

Jer Looney, John Joseph O'Sullivan, Ann McNally, Niall O'Sullivan, and Tagdh O'Sullivan, chairman of the Allihies Copper Mine Museum Committee, with the restored books at the museum. Picture: Anne Marie Cronin Photography

A priceless treasure trove of books and documents providing a unique window of what life was like at a West Cork copper mine from the 18th to 19th centuries have been restored.

The 'cost books' and ledgers from the mine in Allihies and an original bible from a former Methodist Church have been restored thanks to a grant from The Heritage Council.