Dunmore Cave
Contact Details
Address: Ballyfoyle, Co. Kilkenny
Telephone No: +353 56 776 7726
Fax No: +353 56 776 7262
Email: dunmorecaves@opw.ie
Opening Hours
March - Mid June: Daily 9.30 - 17.00
Mid June - Mid September: Daily 9.30 - 18.00
Mid September - End October: Daily 9.30 - 17.00
November to March: Sat, Sun and Bank Holidays 10.00 - 17.00
Last admission: March - October: 1 hour before closing
November - February: 15:00
Average Length of Visit: 1 hour
(All visitirs must have exited the Cave before dark)
Admission Fees
E
Adult: €2.90
Sen/Group: €2.10
Child/Student: €1.30
Family: €7.40
Facilities
Toilets with disabled access, car / coach park.
Restaurant/Tearooms: Yes, Easter to October only
History and geology blend at Dunmore Cave to give an interesting and unique situation. Consisting of a series of chambers formed over millions of years, the cave contains some of the finest calcite formations found in any Irish cave. The cave has been known to man for many centuries and is first mentioned in the 9th century Irish Triads. The most interesting reference however, comes from the Annals which tells of a Viking massacre at the cave in the year 928 A.D. Archaeological finds within the cave confirm Viking activity. Exhibitions and displays in the Visitor Centre. The cave is inaccessible for wheelchair users.
Location: 10km from Kilkenny, 1km off N78 Castlecomer (road is well signposted)
Bus Route(s): Bus Eireann do not provide a direct service to the Cave. Contact site for details of local operators
Guided Tours: Access by guided tour only
Maximum number: 40 - 50
Duration: 1 hour
Leaflet/Guide book: English, Irish, German, French, Italian, Spanish.
Seasonal Events: Please check in advance using contact details listed above.
Photography / Video allowed: No
Additional Information:
Audio visual covering 4 main topics aimed at all ages and interests. Geology and Evolution over 350 million years; Animated Formation of Dunmore Cave; Ecology of Cave and its surrounds, Myth and History of the cave.
Interactive Virtual Museum consisting of the several treasures found in the Cave including one of the most significant Viking finds in the county.
