Ireland, a land of staggering beauty, stunning landscapes, and rich history, hides a precious treasure in its heart – the Gold Ireland. The land of the shamrock, Leprechauns, and legends of the past, is a land of mystery and fascination. But, what is the Gold Ireland? Let’s explore.
The Gold Ireland refers to the precious metal, gold, that lies beneath the stunning and raw nature of the country’s landscape. Ireland’s geology is rich in ores, and the country’s history with gold dates back to the Bronze Age. People have been mining and trading gold for over 4, 000 years in Ireland.
The Ireland, however, is not just a precious metal buried beneath the surface, but an essential part of Ireland’s intriguing history. During the early period of Christianity, monasteries were the main centres for goldsmithing. The Book of Kells, one of the greatest masterpieces of Western art, is an excellent example of how intricate and magnificent Irish craftsmanship was at the time.
But let’s talk numbers – how much gold does Ireland actually have? The answer is that nobody knows yet. The geological survey estimates that around €300m worth of gold could be sitting under the country’s green fields. However, only a tiny fraction of the landmass has been tested, and there is still much to discover. To put it in perspective, Ireland has a fraction of the gold reserves of neighboring Scotland or Wales, which have similar geology.
Despite this, there are still viable gold deposits in several locations, especially in Wicklow and Donegal. And if you’re looking to pan for gold, the rivers of Gleniff Horseshoe in County Sligo could be your destination. Waterfalls, forests, and mountains create a picturesque view, producing periodic gold deposits that can be collected.
If you’re interested in history and mythological lore, there are several sites associated with gold and the supernatural. The Táin Bó Cúailnge or the Cattle Raid of Cooley epic tells the story of Queen Maeve’s daring raid to steal a bull from Cooley. The story is closely connected to several locations in Ireland, including the Cooley Peninsula in County Louth, which is believed to have traces of gold.
The Gold is not just a precious metal, but an essential part of Irish identity, history, and culture. But, how is the Irish government doing its part in protecting its reserves for the generations to come? In 2017, a strategic review of the State Mining Company Ltd SMCL was conducted with the goal of maximising the country’s mining potential sustainably.
Since then, several new policies have been announced to improve Ireland’s mining industry sustainability, promote gender balance in the field, and implement social and environmental accountability standards. The objective is to transform Ireland into a global leader in mineral exploration and mining by balancing economic, social, and environmental factors.
If you’re looking to discover the treasures of Ireland, do not overlook the Ireland. Beyond the precious metal, lies a fascinating history, breathtaking landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage that is waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re interested in panning for gold, exploring mythological lore, or learning about the country’s mining industry, Ireland has something to offer for everyone.