In 1969, the Castlecomer Coal Mines in County Kilkenny closed, ending over 300 years of coal mining in the area. 

This is Martin Bridgeman and in my 5 part documentary series 'Three Miles Over, Three Miles Down' we explore the rich heritage of the mining culture and social history. It's a five part series originally broadcast on KCLR with  support by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland through the license fee. 

In the first programme we hear about the history and indeed the pre-history. We hear about the unique geology of the are in the Leinster coalfield the story of mining from the Iron age to the closure of the mines in the late 1960s.

Presented by Martin Bridgeman. Supported by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland through the television license fee.