How about a quick post to cheer you up? A post about a stunning cave to explore in Ireland, the Mitchelstown Caves in County Tipperary.
During my last visit to Ireland, a friend and I ran into another traveler from the US while we were at Cahir Castle. She was there solo and we ended up touring Cahir Castle together. When we finished touring the castle, she mentioned a place we hadn’t heard of, Mitchelstown Caves. Since it happened to be in the general direction of our travel (we were headed to the Jameson Distillery about 30 minutes away from Cork), we followed her to the caves.
WARNING: Some people do not do well in caves or small spaces. If you are claustrophobic, this might not be a good place for you to visit. I am almost the exact opposite. In fact, I have spent many days and nights underground (204 days and nights about 60 to 100 feet below ground in a small pill shaped capsule behind a large blast door that weighs several tons) or inside a mountain (as in Cheyenne Mountain, this time behind a much larger blast door.) I feel comfortable underground. Maybe I’m part Hobbit or part Dwarf. I don’t know.
Getting there
You will need to travel on a two-lane road, off a major highway to get there. (A general tip for Ireland: If you are from the US, remember you will be driving on the opposite side of the road. A good idea is to spend the extra money and get an automatic. We didn’t and it was challenging to shift with your off hand while trying to remember to stay on the correct side of the road. A fun way to remember to stay on the correct side of the road is to keep saying “hinny on the liney” as you drive.) There is a little parking lot across the road from the building where you get tickets. From there it’s a quick walk from the building up to the entrance for the caves. Tours are guided so you will have to wait for the guide to bring you in.
Discovery
As we waited, we looked over the information boards outside the entrance to learn something since I did not know anything about the caves. This is what I found out. Michael Condon discovered the caves in 1833. While working he dropped a crowbar in a crevice. In order to retrieve the crowbar, he pulled some rocks out of the crevice. After removing the rocks, he saw what appeared to be a cave and decided to explored it.
Exploration
Using the help of two local boys and candles, Condon discovered just how big of a cave system lurked below ground. Word grew of the discovery and people wanted to come visit and explore for themselves. One sticking point, in order to view the caves in the 19th century, you needed to use candles or a lantern. (I’m sure people’s candles went out, which might be terrifying. If I remember correctly, your guide will turn off the lights and you will most likely experience true darkness.) Several notable explorers studied the caves over the years and mapped the layout. Visitors continued to come to visit and explore. Finally, in the early 1970s, more than a hundred years after its discovery, caretakers installed electricity.
What you will see today
In order to get into the caves, you will take a set of stairs below ground and then you can go several thousand feet to the end of the caverns. The entrance is in the same area used by Mr. Condon. The caves are damp and usually dripping with water. That does have a fun side though. You can find a spot with a steady drip and stand under it, trying to catch the drip in your mouth. I was successful, after catching several drops on my forehead and eyes.
There are several chambers below ground. The formations are unique and beautiful. Some stretch from the floor to the ceiling, which, in places, reach almost 60 feet high. Additionally, the caves use some colored lights to give the rocks a cool visual effect. During your visit, you can explore some nooks and crannies, but remember do not touch the formations. You will leave oils on the formations and that does damage. Another thing you will notice while you are down there, the temperature stays a constant around 50 degrees, so if you get cold easily, bring a light jacket.
Current activities
Over the last several years the Mitchelstown Caves hosted a few interesting events. In 2017 the Caves hosted a pop-up sushi dinner. Then, in 2018 they hosted a series of concerts and a pop-up movie. If you are a fan of the TV show Vikings, an episode in season 5 was filmed in the cave.
If you have time during your trip to Ireland, I recommend a quick stop at the Mitchelstown Caves. The caves do not get too much attention so if you need some time away from the big crowds, this is a great place to go. The caves are also close to the Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castle so you will not be too far off the beaten path and close enough to get back on track. Take a chance and go explore the underground of Ireland. As always, I wish you good luck traveling.
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