Mitchelstown Cave

Service Description

Mitchelstown Cave is one of the largest and most complex cave systems in Ireland. On the guided tour you will follow ancient passageways and visit massive caverns in which you are surrounded by indescribable dripstone formations, stalactites, stalagmites and huge calcite pillars and one of Europe’s finest columns the inspiring “Tower of Babel” which stands some 9 meters in height. You may think that the cave entrance is insignificant, in fact it has changed little since Michael Condon made his first cautious steps underground, but don’t be fooled, the subterranean world in the heart of these hills will simply take your breath away by its sheer scale and depth. On the guided tour you will visit caverns in which you are surrounded by indescribable and awe inspiring cave formations. Guides will explain about the history and geology of the cave. Tours are conducted through one kilometer of well lit passageways. The temperature may surprise you as it is constant at 12 degrees Celsius making it seem warm in winter and cooler in the summer months. “Upon entering, the world outside seems to become unreal and with every corner turned another indescribable beauty waits to be savoured.” Visitors enter the cave through the original entrance that Michael Condon discovered and descend four flights of steps, from that point on the cave is level and you are now following the route of an old stream passage that formed there thousands of years ago. On the guided tour you’ll visit three massive caverns, the largest measuring 51 x 31 metres, with the roof tapering up to 20m height. It is in this cavern that many concerts have been performed. Your guide will tell you about various events down through the years that have been held in this awe inspiring cavern. The superb acoustics and the vast natural auditorium of the Mitchelstown Cave make for a unique and unforgettable experience. Words themselves could never do full justice to the Mitchelstown Caves. It has to be seen at leisure, so that its timeless masterpieces become vividly imprinted on one’s memory. Planning your visit There are 88 steep steps into the cave and these have to be climbed again to exit. The visit consists of a walking tour of approximately 1 kilometer. Sensible footwear is recommended. Baby back harnesses cannot be worn in the cave. Due to the number of steps. The cave is not accessible to strollers, prams and wheelchairs. Dogs are not allowed. With the exception of guide dogs /assistance dogs.