Mitchelstown Cave, Limestone show cave near Burncourt, Ireland
Mitchelstown Cave is a limestone cave system near Burncourt featuring three large chambers filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and crystalline deposits extending for over one kilometer underground. The cave is now developed as a tourist attraction with lit pathways and guided access through its main chambers.
The cave was discovered in 1833 when Michael Condon's crowbar fell through a crevice while he was quarrying limestone, revealing the underground chambers below. This chance discovery during quarrying work eventually led to the cave being developed and opened for visitors.
The cave serves as a filming location for television productions, including scenes from the History Channel series Vikings and Apple TV's Foundation series.
Visitors must book guided tours in advance by phone, and these tours last about one hour following the lit pathways through the main chambers. It is wise to reserve ahead to avoid waiting and to secure a spot on a tour at your preferred time.
Ireland's first underground seismic station was installed here in June 2022 to monitor and study geological activity in the region. This scientific facility continues to contribute valuable data for understanding the ground beneath the island.
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