| |
 |
 |
 |
| 
|
|
Dunmore
Cave
 Dunmore
Cave is eleven kilometres north of Kilkenny
city and, like other caves across the country, is formed
by limestone which was laid down over 300 million years
ago. It contains almost a quarter of a mile of passages
and at its deepest point is 150 foot below the surface.
Although this is smaller than many of the caves around
the country, the beauty and magic of its calcite formations
as well as its scientific and historical interest make
it one of Ireland's most fascinating caves. Its presence
has been known for years but it is only recently that
attempts have been made to unravel its history. In AD
928, the Dunmore Cave was the site of a Viking massacre.
Mention of the cave was made in the ninth century Irish
Triads.
Since 1940, when the cave became the property of the State,
it has been a National Monument because of its historic
interest. Today, stairs, walkways and an extensive lighting
system have been installed to aid access and viewing.
There is restricted plant and animal life in and around
the cave primarily due to the lack of sunlight. The cave
did at one time support a bat colony and bat skeletons
can be seen encrusted in the calcite limestone.
| |
© 1
2 Travel
Fahouragh, Castletownshend, Co. Cork
Tel +353 28 36008 |
|
| |
 |
| | |
| |
