Doolin Cave, County Clare
Doolin Cave is one of Europe's most compelling cave attractions. It is a truly authentic experience and your only opportunity to see one of the largest free hanging stalactites in the world.
From the moment you descend over 80ft into the first tunnel, with your guide, you will enter a world carved by water. Donning your hardhat, you will follow the rough-hewn route of the early explorers who first discovered the cave. When you enter the stunning, cathedral-like dome that houses the huge stalactite, you will be briefly plunged into a world of primitive darkness. Then, in a flash, you will be awed as the subtly-lit stalactite appears before you. And, far below, a magical stream carries to the hills outside, the water that carved the primeval world around you. The cave tour takes approximately one hour. Environmental protection measures require that the visitor numbers per tour are limited to twenty people.
Discovered in 1952, the Great Stalactite at Doolin Cave, County Clare, is becoming one of the most important eco-tourist attractions in Ireland. Measuring 7.3 meters (23 feet) in length, it is recognized as being the longest stalactite in the Northern hemisphere. Doolin cave was discovered by English pot-holers exploring the honeycomb of caves tunneled by the rivers that run underground through the soft limestone of Ireland's famed Burren country. The Great Stalactite has been opened up to the eyes of the world.
A new state of the art Visitor Center has just opened at the cave, so visitors can now drive directly to the cave and park there. There is also an exhibition area which gives more information on the cave and the area. The center includes spacious tea rooms serving, home-made soups, light meals, cakes and desserts, as well as a wide selection of hot and cold drinks.
**Please note that visitors have to walk down 10 flights of stairs to view the stalactite. However, after every 10 steps there is a landing with seating. **
Location
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