Location: 7 mi (11 km) North of Kilkenny City
Tel. +353 56 776
7726
Open: mid- March- mid- June: 10am- 5pm
mid- June- mid-
Sept: 9:30am- 6:30pm
mid- Sept- Oct: 10am- 5pm
Nov- Feb, Sat, Sun:
10am- 4:30pm
Last admission 45 min before closing
Admission:
Adult: €2.90
Senior: €2.10
Students/ Children: €1.30
Family:
€7.40
Visit length: 1hr 30 min
Email: dunmorecaves@opw.ie
Dunmore Cave (Irish: Dún Mór, meaning "great fort") is a limestone solutional cave located in County Kilkenny, Ireland, approximately 11 kilometers north of Kilkenny City and 6 kilometers from Castlecomer, near the N78 road. Renowned for its geological significance, archaeological treasures, and historical associations, the cave is one of Ireland’s most intriguing natural and cultural sites. Managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) as a National Monument, Dunmore Cave offers visitors a glimpse into Ireland’s geological past, Viking history, and mythological lore.
Dunmore Cave is a solutional limestone cave formed over millions of
years through the chemical weathering of Carboniferous limestone by
mildly acidic groundwater. The cave lies within the Castlecomer Plateau,
a region of low hills and valleys north of Kilkenny City, where
geological processes have sculpted a karst landscape. Key geological
features include:
Formation Process: Approximately 350 million
years ago, during the Carboniferous period, the area was a tropical sea
teeming with marine life. Shells and skeletons of sea creatures
accumulated on the seafloor, forming limestone beds. Over time, tectonic
uplift raised the limestone above sea level, and rainwater, slightly
acidic from dissolved carbon dioxide, began dissolving the rock,
creating cavities and passages. Dunmore Cave is one of many such caves
in the region, though it is among the most accessible and
well-preserved.
Structure and Chambers: The cave extends over 800
meters, though only about 400 meters are accessible to visitors via
guided tours. It features a series of interconnected chambers, passages,
and galleries, with the main entrance at an elevation of approximately
90 meters above sea level. The cave’s interior is characterized by
smooth, water-sculpted walls and a variety of calcite formations,
including stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, and columns.
Notable
Formations: The most famous formation is the Market Cross, a large
calcite column over 5 meters tall and 1.5 meters wide, resembling a
Celtic high cross. Other notable features include the Needle, a delicate
stalactite, and the Fairy Floor, a smooth flowstone area. These
formations, illuminated during tours, highlight the cave’s natural
beauty and geological complexity.
Microclimate: The cave maintains a
constant temperature of around 10°C (50°F) and high humidity, fostering
the slow growth of calcite deposits. The presence of the River Dinan,
which flows nearby and contributes to the karst system, underscores the
cave’s active geological environment, though no significant water flow
exists within the accessible areas today.
Dunmore Cave’s historical importance stems from its use as a
refuge, storage site, and place of tragedy, particularly during the
Viking Age. Archaeological discoveries have shed light on its role
in medieval Ireland.
Viking Massacre of 928 AD
The cave is
most famously associated with a tragic event recorded in the Annals
of the Four Masters, which states that in 928 AD, Viking raiders
from Dublin, led by Godfrey (Gofraid ua Ímair), attacked Dunmore
Cave, then known as “Dearc Fearna” (Cave of the Alders). The annals
report that 1,000 people, likely local Gaelic inhabitants seeking
refuge, were massacred inside. While the figure of 1,000 may be
exaggerated, archaeological evidence supports the occurrence of a
violent event:
Human Remains: Excavations in the 19th and
20th centuries uncovered the bones of at least 46 individuals,
including 17 adult females, 9 adult males, and 20 children, many
showing signs of trauma consistent with a massacre. The remains,
found in a single chamber, suggest a desperate attempt to hide from
attackers. Carbon dating confirms the bones date to the 9th–10th
centuries, aligning with the Viking raid.
Viking Hoard: In 1999,
a significant find—a hoard of silver coins, ingots, and jewelry—was
discovered in the cave, dating to around 970 AD. The hoard, likely
hidden by Viking raiders or their victims, included items from as
far afield as the Middle East, indicating extensive trade networks.
This “Dunmore Cave Hoard” is now displayed at the National Museum of
Ireland in Dublin, though replicas are shown at the cave’s visitor
center.
Interpretation: The massacre likely occurred when
Vikings, aware of the cave’s use as a refuge, trapped and killed
those hiding inside, possibly by suffocation (using smoke) or direct
violence. The presence of women and children among the remains
suggests entire families sought safety there, highlighting the
brutality of Viking raids on civilian populations.
Prehistoric and Medieval Use
Archaeological evidence indicates
human activity in Dunmore Cave predates the Viking period:
Neolithic and Bronze Age: Flint tools and pottery fragments suggest
occasional use as early as 4000–2000 BC, likely for shelter or
ritual purposes.
Early Medieval Period: The cave was used by
local Gaelic tribes, possibly the Osraige (Ossory) people, for
storage, refuge, or as a stronghold. Its natural defensibility, with
a single main entrance, made it a strategic site.
19th–20th
Century Excavations
Systematic exploration began in the 19th
century, with significant work by the Royal Society of Antiquaries
of Ireland. Excavations in the 1960s and 1990s, led by
archaeologists like Ellen Prendergast, uncovered the human remains
and Viking hoard, cementing the cave’s historical importance. The
cave’s designation as a National Monument in the 20th century
ensured its protection and development as a heritage site.
Dunmore Cave is steeped in Irish mythology, particularly through its
association with the supernatural and the Otherworld. Key legends
include:
Lachtna’s Cat: The most enduring tale involves Lachtna,
a mythical figure who entered the cave seeking treasure guarded by a
magical cat with fiery eyes. The cat, a guardian of the Otherworld,
killed Lachtna’s companions and pursued him to the River Barrow, where
he escaped. This story, rooted in Gaelic folklore, portrays the cave as
a portal to a mystical realm, a common motif in Irish cave lore.
Aobh, the Warrior Queen: Another legend links the cave to Aobh (or
Áine), a warrior queen and mother of the Earl of Desmond. After her son
was killed, Aobh retreated to Dunmore Cave, where she was betrayed and
murdered. Her ghost is said to haunt the cave, particularly near the
Market Cross, where visitors report feeling a spectral presence or
hearing faint wails.
Otherworldly Portal: In Irish mythology, caves
often serve as entrances to the Sídhe (fairy realm). Dunmore Cave’s
depth and darkness fueled beliefs that it was a gateway to the
Otherworld, home to fairies or malevolent spirits. These tales, while
unverified, add a layer of mystique to the visitor experience.
Dunmore Cave is a popular tourist attraction, offering guided tours
that blend geology, history, and folklore. Managed by the OPW, the site
includes a visitor center and well-maintained facilities. Key aspects of
the visitor experience include:
Guided Tours: Tours, lasting
approximately 45 minutes, are available year-round (with seasonal
variations; check www.heritageireland.ie for hours). Visitors descend
150 steps into the cave, navigating a series of metal walkways and
platforms. The tour covers the main chambers, highlighting geological
formations like the Market Cross and historical events like the Viking
massacre. Guides are knowledgeable, often weaving in folklore about
Lachtna’s cat or Aobh’s ghost.
Visitor Center: The center features
exhibits on the cave’s geology, archaeology, and history, including
replicas of the Viking hoard and displays of human remains (originals
are in the National Museum). A short film introduces the cave’s story,
and interactive panels engage younger visitors. The center also has a
small shop selling souvenirs and books on Irish heritage.
Accessibility and Facilities: The cave is not wheelchair-accessible due
to its steep stairs and uneven surfaces. Visitors with mobility issues
can explore the visitor center, which is fully accessible. The site
offers parking, toilets, and a picnic area. Warm clothing is
recommended, as the cave is cold and damp. Photography is permitted
without flash.
Pricing: As of 2025, admission is approximately €5 for
adults, €4 for seniors/students, €3 for children, and €13 for a family
ticket (2 adults + up to 3 children). Prices may vary, so check the OPW
website.
Visitor Feedback: Tripadvisor reviews praise the cave’s
“otherworldly” atmosphere and the guides’ storytelling, with ratings
averaging 4.5/5. Visitors appreciate the compact tour length, ideal for
families or those short on time, though some note the stairs can be
challenging for older guests. The combination of science, history, and
myth makes it a unique experience, often described as a “hidden gem”
compared to more famous sites like Newgrange.
Location and Access:
Dunmore Cave is easily reached by car via the N78, with clear signage
from Kilkenny City or Castlecomer. Public transport is limited, but
buses to Castlecomer (e.g., Bus Éireann Route 717) stop within a
10-minute drive. The nearby town of Ballyfoyle offers dining options,
and the cave pairs well with visits to Kilkenny Castle or the Rock of
Cashel.
Dunmore Cave holds a unique place in Ireland’s heritage, bridging
natural history, archaeology, and cultural narratives:
Geological
Importance: As one of Ireland’s few show caves (alongside Aillwee and
Crag Caves), Dunmore offers insights into karst landscapes and limestone
formation. Its calcite formations are studied by geologists, and the
cave contributes to understanding Ireland’s Carboniferous geology.
Archaeological Value: The Viking hoard and massacre remains are among
Ireland’s most significant medieval finds, illuminating the violent
interactions between Vikings and Gaelic communities. The hoard’s
international artifacts highlight Ireland’s role in early medieval trade
networks.
Cultural Role: The cave’s myths connect it to Ireland’s
oral storytelling tradition, while its historical associations make it a
tangible link to the Viking Age. Its designation as a National Monument
underscores its importance to national heritage.
Educational Impact:
The visitor center and tours educate thousands annually about geology,
archaeology, and Irish history. School groups frequently visit, and the
OPW collaborates with researchers to study the cave’s ecosystem and
artifacts.