Mitchelstown Cave
Mitchelstown Cave
4.5
10:00 - 16:00
Monday
10:00 - 16:00
Tuesday
10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday
10:00 - 16:00
Thursday
10:00 - 16:00
Friday
10:00 - 16:00
Saturday
10:00 - 16:00
Sunday
10:00 - 16:00
About
One of europes major showcaves, discovered in 1833 by michael condon who was quarrying limestone when his crowbar slipped into a crevasse. He removed a few boulders to retrieve the bar, next minute he found himself looking down into a vast network of passages and caverns. In order to protect the caves natural state guided tours were quickly organised. Tours were conducted through the cave by candlelight untill 1972 when it was the first cave in Ireland to be electrified. Today on the guided tour you visit three massive caverns in which you are surrounded by indescribable dripstone formations and one of europes finest columns the inspiring Tower of Babel which stands some 9m in height. Mitchelstown Cave is situated midway between Cahir and Mitchelstown. Take exits 11 or 12 on the M8. Sat Nav. DMS 52,18'20.7" 8, 06' 31.4"W Minimum 2 adults for a tour.
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- Ирина ЛDublin, Ireland96 contributionsLike decorations for Hollywood movieWow! Magnificent! Amazing! Fascinating! Just 88 steps down and you are in a different world! Of cause, photos and videos don't do the justice, you have to see it! Just 45 minutes from Cork and less than 2 hours from Dublin. The cave is so big that you wouldn't even feel claustrophobic. Temperature all year around +12. In some spots it felt more like decorations for Hollywood movie than reality.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 October 2023
- Sandra B4 contributionsBeautiful Cave ExperienceWe loved this cave tour! Our guide was fa tasting, very friendly, very knowledgeable. We had a great time and the kids (6 and 8) loved it. The climb back up the 88 steps left us puffing a bit, so this might not be for those with knee problems or mobility issues, but it was all around a great time. And we were so glad we did it.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 21 March 2024
- Edna SBenidorm, Spain9 contributionsA hidden (literally) gem!Better than we were expecting! Our guide Chloe was brilliant, very knowledgeable about the history of the caves and the stones within. I wouldn't recommend the steps down into the cave for people who are claustrophobic or unsteady on their feet as they're quite steep and wet and the passage downward is quite cramped. However once you're into the chambers below it's brilliant. Chloe told us all about how the caves were discovered and how the rock formations are formed. Honestly a bargain at €11 a head. Tour lasted about an hour. Toilets on site.Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten 19 April 2024
- Andrea O16 contributionsBeautiful and educationalBrought our 3 children 17 9 & 8 to Mitchellstown caves and all ages enjoyed it as well as myself and partner. Our tour guide was lovely and bubbly and kept the kids attention for the whole tour. It was beautiful and educational. Would definitely recommend. If you do go please respect what the tour guides ask of you. There is a reason you are asked not to touch things. The tour guide made it perfectly clear that was one of the rules. Our tour guide had the patience of a saint.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 25 June 2024
- Joe B5 contributionsCave tour…really worth the visit. SpectacularSpectacular visit into the cave. Beautiful Really outstanding and highly recommended to visit. Tour guide was good. Heads up…Lot of steps at the entrance…about 83 or so…going down into the cave…then up going out. Note. No coffee shops or cafe at the cave…clean toilets. Also you need to ring up to get on a tour…not hard at all. Well priced alsoVisited September 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 September 2024
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4.5
326 reviews
Excellent
234
Very good
68
Average
15
Poor
5
Terrible
4
Kavo85
Dublin, Ireland1,010 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
First visited the caves over 20 years but returned with my own kids last week.
The cave doesnt have any fancy booking system or website; you simply have to pick up the phone and ask if they can fit you in. I was ao glad to get a spot for us on the last tour of the day.
There is ample parking across the road from the driveway/walkway up to the caves from the road. If youre driving here, be ready for some small & windy roads by the way.
We waited a few mins before our tour commenced and we made our way into the caves. The tour guide was excellent and struck the right balance in terms of her storytelling which kept everyone engaged; especially the kids.
There are 3 main caverns to explore as part of the tour with various features in each. We were lucky to visit following a dry spell and get to see the crystallised features in the stalagmites and stalactites.
The tour lasted the best part of the hour and was a great way to round off an afternoon of adventure. Cost €24 for a family of 4 though am pretty sure the kids (U12) were both free in. So its not bad value either all things considered.
The cave doesnt have any fancy booking system or website; you simply have to pick up the phone and ask if they can fit you in. I was ao glad to get a spot for us on the last tour of the day.
There is ample parking across the road from the driveway/walkway up to the caves from the road. If youre driving here, be ready for some small & windy roads by the way.
We waited a few mins before our tour commenced and we made our way into the caves. The tour guide was excellent and struck the right balance in terms of her storytelling which kept everyone engaged; especially the kids.
There are 3 main caverns to explore as part of the tour with various features in each. We were lucky to visit following a dry spell and get to see the crystallised features in the stalagmites and stalactites.
The tour lasted the best part of the hour and was a great way to round off an afternoon of adventure. Cost €24 for a family of 4 though am pretty sure the kids (U12) were both free in. So its not bad value either all things considered.
Written 16 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cormicz
Dublin, Ireland33 contributions
Jun 2021
With two secondary school aged kids who are both doing Geography we found our visit to the caves to be very informative and entertaining. We were a group of four and with three other visitors we made a small party and got plenty of time with our guide, we think her name was Amy, to ask questions. Due to the small numbers we were very comfortable and did not feel crowded at all and all the precautions were followed by everyone.
Written 22 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
greengirlGalway
Galway, Ireland26 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
We booked our tour and really enjoyed our experience. We have 2 small kids and despite the steps they managed ok. The younger one had to be carried as she slowed up the rest of the tour but the tour guide from the start said there was no rush on anyone! She was very informative and pleasant. Amazing facts and mindblowing stuff! Highly recommended, especially when they turn off the lights 60 metre underground!!!
Written 30 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andre H
Cape Town, South Africa548 contributions
Apr 2022
I liaised with John a few weeks before our trip from South Africa & each time the response was quick & helpful. The day before our visit I checked in with John again & he booked our visit. When we arrived the lady at the ticket office was aware of our booked & promptly assisted us.
We had visited the Doolin caves a few days earlier & must say we preferred the Mitchelstown caves , it was bigger , more chambers & had wonderful stalactites & stalagmites. They even host concerts in some of the chambers.
There are a few stairs down into the cave which get wet from the water that runs into the cave but nothing to hectic. It is fairly wide open so no fear of narrow tunnels & certainly not strenuous at all.
Our guide , can't remember the ladies name , except that it was Jack's mom (who assisted us in the ticket office) , she was well informed & made the whole experience fun & interesting .
There are plenty of photo opportunities & our safety was taken care of . The surroundings outside are also very beautiful & many photo opportunities of mountains & flowers.
Cost was 10 euros per person , tour lasts about an hour & worth it
We had visited the Doolin caves a few days earlier & must say we preferred the Mitchelstown caves , it was bigger , more chambers & had wonderful stalactites & stalagmites. They even host concerts in some of the chambers.
There are a few stairs down into the cave which get wet from the water that runs into the cave but nothing to hectic. It is fairly wide open so no fear of narrow tunnels & certainly not strenuous at all.
Our guide , can't remember the ladies name , except that it was Jack's mom (who assisted us in the ticket office) , she was well informed & made the whole experience fun & interesting .
There are plenty of photo opportunities & our safety was taken care of . The surroundings outside are also very beautiful & many photo opportunities of mountains & flowers.
Cost was 10 euros per person , tour lasts about an hour & worth it
Written 1 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan M
35 contributions
Jul 2021
We had the foresight to call and see if we needed to book, so we were lucky in that regard!
I understand that the steps and access was built by two gentlemen over a period of seven years and that the family want to keep the caves as non-commercialised as they can - but it is time to upgrade the access steps. They are very steep steps which I feel should have figured in a warning for patrons with any kind of cardiac/respiratory issues. If you have any health issues, just take your time and you will be ok.
I had been to the cave a long time ago on a school tour and remembered the lovely formations I had seen - and was delighted that my children appreciated it likewise.
Our guide Jenna was most attentive and informative and was very accommodating when I asked her to give me fair warning if she was going to turn the lights off as one of our children is quite anxious. She answered all questions from children and adults and allowed us to take as many photos as we wanted.
We really enjoyed the visit which was an almost spur of the moment thing, and my family all agreed afterwards that it was a 'good call'. Worth a visit!
I understand that the steps and access was built by two gentlemen over a period of seven years and that the family want to keep the caves as non-commercialised as they can - but it is time to upgrade the access steps. They are very steep steps which I feel should have figured in a warning for patrons with any kind of cardiac/respiratory issues. If you have any health issues, just take your time and you will be ok.
I had been to the cave a long time ago on a school tour and remembered the lovely formations I had seen - and was delighted that my children appreciated it likewise.
Our guide Jenna was most attentive and informative and was very accommodating when I asked her to give me fair warning if she was going to turn the lights off as one of our children is quite anxious. She answered all questions from children and adults and allowed us to take as many photos as we wanted.
We really enjoyed the visit which was an almost spur of the moment thing, and my family all agreed afterwards that it was a 'good call'. Worth a visit!
Written 12 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Taziana
Galway, Ireland22 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
This is a beautiful cave network with such an interesting variety of caverns, stalactites/stalagmites and columns including the ‘Tower of Babel’, one of the most impressive columns you will see at 9m tall.
The entry consists of an 88 step descent which is quite steep, narrow and with a low ceiling in parts. Footwear with a good grip is highly recommended! There are hand railings to assist you but bear in mind it is a cave that is seeping water so they may be wet.
Our tour guide was Amy who was so informative I couldn’t think of a question to ask her at the end. The tour lasted a little under an hour, visiting 2 caverns, getting the history of the cave and some time for photos, which you will definitely want to take. Part of the tour is supposed to be an experience in complete darkness where the lights are switched off but we missed out on that due to technical issues unfortunately.
100% value for money!
*(Note masks are to be worn when visiting the cave)
The entry consists of an 88 step descent which is quite steep, narrow and with a low ceiling in parts. Footwear with a good grip is highly recommended! There are hand railings to assist you but bear in mind it is a cave that is seeping water so they may be wet.
Our tour guide was Amy who was so informative I couldn’t think of a question to ask her at the end. The tour lasted a little under an hour, visiting 2 caverns, getting the history of the cave and some time for photos, which you will definitely want to take. Part of the tour is supposed to be an experience in complete darkness where the lights are switched off but we missed out on that due to technical issues unfortunately.
100% value for money!
*(Note masks are to be worn when visiting the cave)
Written 30 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tadhg O
27 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
My two sisters & I visited the caves on Tuesday last. A lovely, sound, girl that worked there let us in as the last tour of the day. She was really great. She gave us loads of time, told us interesting stories, and made the tour very enjoyable. We didn't get her name but she's the girl who thinks the rock feature at the "stage" looks like a dragon. The caves themselves are very impressive- and you only see a part of what is actually down there!
They were following COVID guidelines- masks/visors worn & it was easy to social distance.
They were following COVID guidelines- masks/visors worn & it was easy to social distance.
Written 4 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jacintha C
Dundalk, Ireland26 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
Myself and my husband have just visited this attraction. We pre booked which is recommended in these times. We were very impressed with the swift registration and admission. There was antibacterial gel provided (covid-19) provided at admission desk. After a short walk up a small incline we were met by Kate our guide at the entrance to the cave. Small steep steps took us down into 3 seperate caverns where Kate explained how it was created. We really enjoy the visit and Kate answered questions clearly and in a way that was easily understood by all ages.
Well worth a visit!
Well worth a visit!
Written 5 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aaron B
Portarlington, Ireland8 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
The cave itself have a very interesting history and was really cool to explore. The tour guide was really friendly and was able to answer any questions and have the laugh. I would recommend bringing drinks and snacks with you as there is only an old vending machine that was empty at the time at this review. Overall a great experience!
Written 10 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edna S
Benidorm, Spain9 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
Better than we were expecting! Our guide Chloe was brilliant, very knowledgeable about the history of the caves and the stones within. I wouldn't recommend the steps down into the cave for people who are claustrophobic or unsteady on their feet as they're quite steep and wet and the passage downward is quite cramped. However once you're into the chambers below it's brilliant. Chloe told us all about how the caves were discovered and how the rock formations are formed. Honestly a bargain at €11 a head. Tour lasted about an hour. Toilets on site.
Written 19 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Does anyone know how long the tour takes
Written 20 August 2021
You will be down in the cave for about 45 mins so allow a few mins to get to the cave and an hour once the tour starts
Written 23 August 2021
Hi. Has anyone ever been to White Scar Caves in England and if so how does this compare?
Written 12 August 2018
Every time I have tried to get on the website it has been down, and the email address listed doesnt work. I would like to stop by over the Christmas holidays (December 23rd or 24th) and was wondering about the hours. If anyone could please let me know I would greatly appreciate it.
Written 22 July 2016
Hi Jordyn. It is my understanding that the Mitchelstown Caves may not be open on the days you mention. They operate on reduced hours from November to February, though it seems that they open on the weekends during this time as well as during school holidays. I think it is highly unlikely that they will be open on the days leading up to Christmas Day, though they may be open the weekend before that & the weekend after New Years Day.
The Mitchelstown Caves has a Facebook page & you may find an answer by sending them a direct message.
Written 22 July 2016
Is there a minimum age for a child that you would recommend bringing to this? Is a four year-old too young for the terrain? An 8 year old? Thanks!
Written 11 July 2015
HI
There's no minimum age for a visit. A four year old should manage just fine.
Written 12 July 2015
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