Dunmore Cave — Attraction in The Municipal District of Castlecomer

My friend and I were very much looking forward to touring Dunmore Caves. We walked in and paid (FYI – no cards accepted, bring cash) and were told that a tour had just begun and to catch up with that group. We hurried after them as to not miss a lot of information. The group were mostly teenagers from another country (Spain perhaps?) and 2 or 3 of their adult chaperones. The students were probably all between the ages of 12-16. The first thing we heard when we descended the stairs was the guide, Elizabeth, yelling “Hush, hush, hush” several times. From there it continued in a horrible way. This guide I’m sure had a lot of great information to share but alas, I was so taken aback by the way she acted with these students I was hardly able to concentrate. Any word out of the mouths of these students was met with threats of kicking them out, “Hush it” comments, and rude comments. I mean, let’s face it… these were school students, likely on a class trip. They were mostly listening, though a few side conversations are bound to happen. Elizabeth appeared to be living by the motto “Children should be seen, not heard” and treated the kids in exactly that manner. My friend, myself, and one other couple that arrived after us were all appalled by the way she continued to badger and berate the students who we felt were not disruptive in the least. Several times she told them that she would be sending them back to the entrance if they couldn’t stay completely quiet. At one point she asked a question “Do any of you want to guess how long it takes for these formations to grow together?” and several students tried to take guesses, which she RUDELY interrupted saying “I wasn’t asking you to actually answer, stop talking.” There was one student who asked a question, which she answered, but immediately after told him that he should not ask any questions until the tour is over. A little while later this student asked another question and she said “The tour isn’t over yet and I told you I don’t want to hear any questions until the end.” I am by no means a teacher or tour guide, but I would think I would feel lucky if students would pay enough attention to actually want to ask questions. She did end up kicking three students and their chaperone out of the tour because she said that they weren’t listening anyway and didn’t care to hear the information. This was simply not true, the students were not especially disruptive or loud, they talked to each other every great once in a while, which apparently she took great offense to. At the end of the tour another guide (Jane?) rushed in to get everyone out saying “The tour is over, you need to leave NOW.” My friend, who had already gone back to the entrance overheard her saying that she needed to go help the tour guide (Elizabeth) because “she was called to assist the other guide as there were kids completely out of control”. My friend and I were discussing this and another male person who obviously worked there said something along the lines of “Oh, did you get to see the wrath of Jane?”. I told him that we were more appalled by Elizabeth’s behavior explaining what had happened and he said that she taught secondary school kids for 30+ years. I told him that I didn’t care, that her behavior was inappropriate and unacceptable. He told me that when you tell kids to be quiet, they need to learn to shut up. Don’t get me wrong, the caves are a beautiful place with a great story. That said, these staff members, especially the tour guide Elizabeth left THE WORST taste in our mouths. She obviously was so impatient, uncaring, and very much appeared to have lost all desire to be around teenagers, that I would never have believed that she has ever even been around children if the male guide hadn’t told me. Maybe it was just a bad day but the way she talked to the students was completely uncalled for. Giving this 3 stars because of the caves themselves. The tour guides...

Bewildering…and not in a good way. Not open on Monday and Tuesday, only from Wednesday to Sunday. However, if it’s a bank holiday Monday, then it IS open but then it ISN’T open that following Wednesday 🙄🤪🤦🏻‍♂️??? It’s the most diddlee-eye Ballybackwards arrangement I’ve ever encountered (and that’s saying something!) Furthermore, when you arrive at the reception area you will be met by a sign that says the card machine is broken and it’s cash only, followed by directions to an ATM a few kms away! What??? 😳😳 Also, please be aware you are unable to book tickets online in advance. Well, it is only the 21st century after all? Ballybackwards strikes again!

I’ve visited these caves a number of times over a couple of decades, sometimes with kids and sometimes with adults. Every time there it was enjoyable. Until my latest one that is. Hardly any illumination within the cave, overheard other patrons querying with each other as to when the rest of the lights were going to be switched on? It was incredible! I could hardly make out anything. My daughter switched on her phone torch, as did I, to help illuminate our paths. My daughter was glared at by the frosty tour guide. I then used my flash to see if my photo would come out better and was told off by the guide, in front of everyone. Real attitude on him. We returned to reception, received a refund and left. As I stated at the start…bewildering!! Caves are stunning (I know from previous visits) and well worth seeing, but the utter lack of proper illumination and the testy tour guide means that honestly, I couldn’t recommend this location...

Dunmore Cave – A Hidden Gem Near Kilkenny If you’re visiting Kilkenny, Dunmore Cave is absolutely worth a stop. Located just a short drive from the city, this fascinating site combines natural beauty with a touch of Irish history and legend. The cave itself is impressive, with dramatic limestone formations, underground chambers, and a cool, mysterious atmosphere. Guided tours are available, and the guides do a fantastic job of explaining both the geology and the folklore connected to the cave. One of the most interesting parts is the story of the Viking massacre that took place here centuries ago – a mix of history and myth that makes the visit even more memorable. Entry is very affordable: €5 for adults, €3 for teenagers, and children under 18 can enter for free. It’s a great value for such a unique experience. The visitor centre is small but informative, with displays that help you understand the cave’s significance. Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and bring a light jacket – it can be quite cool inside. Overall, Dunmore Cave is a perfect short excursion from Kilkenny, offering both education and adventure...