See the calcite formations
The cave holds stalactites and stalagmites described as some of the most impressive calcite formations in any Irish underground structure, formed over millions of years by dripping mineral-rich water.
Dunmore Cave
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About
Dunmore Cave is a series of limestone chambers beneath County Kilkenny, holding some of the finest calcite formations in any Irish cave — and a Viking-age story that has haunted it for a thousand years.
Things to Do
Descend on a guided tour
Access is by guided tour only, with tours limited in number each day and capped at 50 people. The walk in entails 700 steps over uneven, cold and wet terrain, so wear sturdy shoes and warm layers.
Trace the Viking story
First mentioned in the ninth-century Triads of Ireland as one of the 'darkest places in Ireland', the cave is also linked to an AD 928 massacre recorded in the Annals of the Four Masters. Finds here, including human remains, indicate genuine Viking activity.
Visit the exhibition
The visitor centre includes an exhibition with an audio-visual presentation on the cave, a useful introduction before or after your tour.
Plan Your Visit
- Hours: Open daily (7 days a week) 9:30 – 17:00. Last admission to the cave at 16:00.
- Admission: Adults €5.00, child/student €3.00, senior/group €4.00, family €13.00
- Parking: On-site car park, with wheelchair-accessible parking. Note the cave itself is not accessible to wheelchair users.
- Food: No café or food outlet on site; nearest cafés and restaurants are in Kilkenny city (about 10 km away).
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