Dunmore Cave in Kilkenny officially reopened!

The heritage and tourism gem that is Dunmore Cave has officially reopened to the public after a prolonged programme of rock stabilisation works.

Patrick O’Donovan TD, Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, was at hand in Mothel today to welcome the news.

Lots of visitors enjoying phase one of the South-East Greenway in Kilkenny

"I am delighted to be here to reopen Dunmore Cave to the public," he said. 

"I know that it has been greatly missed by locals and visitors alike, but it was of the upmost importance to both myself and the Office of Public Works to ensure safe access for staff and visitors for the foreseeable future.  

"It is to the credit of all involved that the goal of the works has been achieved and that the important flora and fauna here at this most unique of OPW-managed sites have not been detrimentally affected by the works.

"From Kilkenny Castle to Jerpoint Abbey and the hidden gem of St Mary’s in Gowran, I hope that the re-opening of Dunmore Cave will further enhance the tourism offering here in County Kilkenny where the Office of Public Works-managed heritage sites continue to contribute greatly to the local economy of the area."

The reopening was also welcomed by local councillor Pat Fitzpatrick.

"It's great to see this fantastic amenity reopen to the public, both locals and visitors alike," he said.

"There's such great history and heritage here and the investment will safeguard Dunmore Cave for future generations."

ABOUT DUNMORE CAVE

Dunmore Cave is a series of limestone chambers formed over millions of years.

It contains some of the most impressive calcite formations found in any Irish underground structure.

The cave has been known for many centuries and is first mentioned in the ninth-century Triads of Ireland, where it is referred to as one of the ‘darkest places in Ireland’.

The most gruesome reference, however, comes from the Annals of the Four Masters, which tells how the Viking leader Guthfrith of Ivar massacred a thousand people there in AD 928.

Archaeological investigation has not reliably confirmed that such a massacre took place, but finds within the cave – including human remains – do indicate Viking activity.

Dunmore is now a show cave, with guided tours that will take you deep into the earth – and even deeper into the past.

Dunmore Cave will open Wednesday to Sunday inclusive from 9.30am to 5.30pm. Last tour will be at 4pm.