Dunmore Cave

Dunmore Cave is a show cave and national monument featuring limestone formations that extend through multiple chambers and passages. The natural cave offers a network of underground rooms with impressive geological structures.

Historical records mention an event in 928 AD when a major raid caused heavy casualties. This episode shaped the site's importance in medieval Irish annals.

The name Dunmore comes from the Irish 'Dún Mór', meaning great fort, and appears in ancient texts as one of Ireland's three darkest places. Visitors sense this connection to early Irish culture as they descend into the dark chambers.

The cave requires sturdy footwear and care on wet and uneven surfaces during your visit. The interior stays cool year-round, so bring appropriate clothing.

During excavations in 1999, a rare collection of 43 silver and bronze objects from around 970 was discovered in the deeper reaches of the cave. This find provides insight into earlier human activity at this mysterious location.

Location: Castlecomer

GPS coordinates: 52.73393,-7.24690

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:41