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Mitchelstown Cave
Cahir, Co. Tipperary
Family friendly
Rainy days
Free car parking
Mitchelstown Cave, located midway between Cahir and Mitchelstown in County Tipperary, is one of the most spectacular caves in Europe. The cave's unusual formations, shapes, colour and history make for an enthralling visit.

One of Europe's major show caves, Mitchelstown Cave, is situated on the border of counties Tipperary and Cork. Mitchelstown Cave is a world without sun, without time, a world where man almost feels an intruder, stumbling on a past age, and an era where nature reigns supreme.

Tours by informative guides will take you though three massive caverns in which you are surrounded by indescribable dripstone formations, stalactites and stalagmites. Graceful calcite curtains hang from the sloping roofs, calcite crystals glisten like diamonds in the distance and one of Europe’s finest calcite columns, the huge Tower of Babel, stands tall.

Groups should telephone ahead of time for an appointment, and are catered for winter and summer. Parking for cars and coaches is provided and toilet facilities are available on site.

Mitchelstown Cave was discovered on the 3rd of May 1833 when a labourer named Michael Condon, who was quarrying limestone, accidentally dropped his crowbar into a crevice. He stooped down to pull out a few boulders to retrieve the bar, next minute he found himself looking down to a vast series of underground chambers, passages and caverns.

Words themselves could never do full justice to the Mitchelstown Cave, the subterranean world in the heart of these hills will simply take your breath away by its sheer scale and depth.

Why we like it
  • Take a guided tour through one of Ireland's most complex cave systems.
  • See incredible calcite formations over 1km of well lit passageways, including the 9m high Tower of Babel.
Tips from locals

Bring a picnic along and avail of the beautiful panoramic views of the Galtee Mountains before your descent underground.

Tips from locals

Try and catch one of the concerts held in the cave. The acoustics are amazing. Check their website for details.

Contact details
Killavenoge, Co. Tipperary, E21 H920, Ireland
Visit duration

We recommend planning to spend up to 1 hour here.

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