Dunmore Cave

About the museum

Dunmore Cave is a series of limestone chambers near Ballyfoyle, a short drive from Kilkenny. The chambers formed over millions of years and contain some of the finest calcite formations in any Irish cave, including stalactites and stalagmites.

The cave has been known for centuries. A ninth-century text, the Triads of Ireland, names it among the darkest places in Ireland. The Annals of the Four Masters tell that the Viking leader Guthfrith massacred a thousand people here in AD 928. Archaeologists have not been able to confirm this massacre, but objects and human remains found in the cave point to Viking activity.

Today the cave is a show cave run by the Office of Public Works. Visitors reach it by guided tour only, and the tour leads deep underground, passing the main formations. The site also has a visitor centre with an exhibition.

Highlights

• Guided tour through the cave’s limestone chambers
• Calcite formations including stalactites and stalagmites
• Link to the Viking massacre recorded in AD 928
• Visitor centre exhibition

Permanent exhibition

• Visitor centre exhibition – A visitor centre exhibition accompanies the cave tour and presents background on the cave.

Operated by

Office of Public Works (OPW), Heritage Ireland

Admission & discounts

Tours are limited in number each day and take up to 50 people. Walk-ins are welcome and places are given on a first come, first served basis; advance planning is possible by email.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The cave is not accessible to wheelchair users. The visit involves about 700 steps, uneven ground and handrails, and the cave is cold and wet, so suitable footwear and clothing are needed.

Kids & families

Only partly suitable for kids

The site may not suit very young children, who must be strictly supervised. For safety there may be no more than three children for each adult.

Getting there & parking

The cave is 10 km from Kilkenny and 1 km off the N78 Castlecomer road, and it is well signposted.

Amenities & dining

There are toilets, a car park and bicycle parking. Cards are accepted.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit