Guidet Doolin Cave Tour: Oplev Europas største drypsten
Beskrivelse
Selve hulen blev opdaget i 1952 og ligger 70 m under Burrens kalkstenslandskab. Udstyret med en hård hat og i hænderne på en erfaren og kyndig guide, tager du rejsen gennem et indviklet system af passager og stier, mens du lærer, hvordan hulen blev dannet. Det er en ærefrygtindgydende oplevelse - og du vil straks mærke spændingen og undren fra hulens tidlige opdagelsesrejsende og eventyrere, helt tilbage. Når du fuldfører din nedstigning, skal du forberede dig på et øjebliks uhyggelig ro, kulsort og fuldstændig stilhed - og give plads til en pludselig strøm af lys i den majestætiske katedrallignende kuppel i hulen. Naturens kraft, der er Europas største drypsten, er i centrum: en stor struktur, der rækker ned fra hulens tag, fanger lyset, reflekterer farver og detaljer som en massiv, udsmykket glaslysekrone. Denne showstopper er 7,3 meter lang og vejer omkring 10 tons. En uforglemmelig oplevelse.
Turmuligheder
Højdepunkter
Hvad er inkluderet
Rejsendes vurderinger
Vigtig information
- Anbefales ikke til rejsende med rygskader
- Anbefales ikke til gravide rejsende
- Anbefales ikke til rejsende med fare for hjerte-kar-sygdomme
- Rejsende skal mindst være i moderat fysisk form
- Der er 125 trin ned og op fra grotten. Hvert tiende trin er der en repos og et gelænder hele vejen.
- Temperaturen i hulen forbliver konstant 11°C (52°F), så den ser kølig ud om sommeren og varm om vinteren. En let jakke eller varm sweater vil holde dig hyggelig til turen.
- Et par robuste vandrestøvler eller sko er tilrådeligt. Åbent fodtøj er ikke egnet til grotteturen, da det er let mudret og ujævnt terræn under fødderne.
Anmeldelser(105)
Wonderful gem of a spot in the middle of nowhere. Price was reasonable and the tour leader hugely knowledgable and interesting. This is certainly worth checking out if in the area. They limitthe size of the groups so it doesn't get crowded and the general experience was wonderful. If you plan to go and have kids check first as they have a minimum age for child entry and there are 100 + steps involved which are great for decending but not so good on the return if you have any medical challenges but certainly well worth a visit.
Absolutely do not miss out on this !! Very worth the drive and the scenery along the way is spectacular
Great tour that allowes us to explore to areas of the cave. The guide was extremely knowledgeable. Getting down into the cave was 115 steps of traditional metal stairs. During the tour we descended down several other sets of steps of uneven rock and the path was uneven and slippery.. This isn't a difficult tour but if you have any breathing or mobility issues you should probably pass. Highly recommend.
What an amazing experience does see something literally from the age of the dinosaurs. My family and I loved this activity. It does require going down approximately eight flights upstairs and then back up.So perhaps not great for someone with physical limitations.
The cave was a short ride from our BnB. We were six adults and timed tickets were about total of 103 euros. The cave and its massive 30+ foot dangling stalactite were discovered in 1952 by cavers who were not intimidated by the muck, the squeeze and totally utter complete darkness. One of those explorers described that as "knee wrecking miserable crawl" for 1/3 mile. But for you and me----we walk down a series of stairs with hardhats keeping our brains from being battered, Lots of info from the guide. Including the careful exploration to open for tourism by using NO explosives in fear of damaging that imposing stalactite. Getting to that was hand-dug and the cave opened to the public in 2010. One of the owner's daughters, Caireann, makes pottery from collected clay deep in the cave. It is a knee shaking 125 steps down (and another 125 going back up) on wet steel steps, but there are railings and landings. I smacked my hardhat several times on the lower ceiling parts. Outside the cave, there are goats waiting your attention. This is an "alive or living cave" with water still dripping.
Thank you for your detailed and engaging 4-star review! We’re delighted you enjoyed the adventure — your description really captures the journey into the cave and the sense of discovery. It’s great to hear you found the tour informative and appreciated the story behind how the cave was carefully opened without the use of explosives to protect the Great Stalactite. Just to clarify a couple of details — the stalactite is approximately 24 feet (over 7 metres) long, and the cave was opened to the public in 2006 (we’re actually celebrating our 20-year anniversary this year!). You’re absolutely right — the 125 steps down and back up, along with the low ceilings, make the hard hats essential, and the railings and landings help visitors take it at their own pace. And yes, the cave is very much alive, with water still shaping it today. We’re also glad you enjoyed meeting the goats and spotting the pottery made from the cave’s own clay — a special connection to the landscape above and below ground. Thanks again for visiting and sharing your experience — we hope to welcome you back again in the future! Best regards, The Doolin Cave Team
We had a fantastic visit to Doolin Cave and would highly recommend it to anyone exploring the area. Our guide was excellent — engaging, knowledgeable, and explained everything clearly so everyone in the group could follow along and enjoy the experience. Access to the cave involves about 125 steps down (and the same back up again), but it’s not difficult and absolutely worth the effort. When you reach the main chamber and see the incredible stalactite, it’s simply awesome — a real wow moment you won’t forget. The whole attraction is very well run and organised, which makes the visit smooth and enjoyable from start to finish. There’s also a lovely café and a nice gift shop on site, perfect for a relaxed stop before or after the tour. A brilliant experience overall — definitely worth a visit!
Thank you so much for your fantastic 5-star review! We’re delighted to hear you had such a positive experience from start to finish. It’s wonderful to know your guide made the tour engaging and easy to follow — we pride ourselves on making the story of the cave clear and enjoyable for everyone. You’re absolutely right — the 125 steps down (and back up again!) are all part of the adventure, and that first sight of the Great Stalactite really is a true “wow” moment. We’re so glad it left such a lasting impression. It’s also lovely to hear you enjoyed the café and gift shop — we aim to create a smooth and welcoming experience both underground and above. Thank you again for the high recommendation — we hope to welcome you back to Doolin Cave in the future! Best regards, The Doolin Cave Team
Didn’t realise there was a Doolin Cave until we visited the lovely little village. Only been to the Alwee Caves. The price was €19 each and whilst this may seem a bit steep initially it was so well worth it. There were only 5 of us which made it even better. We descended the 125 steps down into the cave. Sandra our Guide was amazing and so knowledgeable. My favourite part is when Sandra turned off all the lights so we could appreciate the darkness and what the original men who discovered the cave experienced. The absolute wow factor was when she turned the lights back on and we were all stood facing the most incredible stalactite! It was stunning and a real gasp moment as I wasn’t expecting to see it so suddenly! It is the largest stalactite in Europe and the 3rd in the world so it was very special to have had the opportunity of seeing it. We enjoyed a full 50 min tour and were able to take photos and ask as many questions as we could think of! There is a lovely tea/coffee shop and of course a fab gift shop with items made from the clay from the surrounding area. The miniature pigmy goats were super cute too. We were so delighted we decided to do this activity. Would highly recommend it! Thank you Sandra!
Thank you so much for your fantastic 5-star review! We’re absolutely thrilled to hear your visit to Doolin Cave was such a memorable and surprising highlight of your time in the village. It’s always a pleasure to welcome guests who discover us by chance — and we’re so glad you found it well worth it! Sandra will be delighted to hear your kind words — the lights-off moment is a favourite of many, giving a real sense of the wonder and bravery of the original discoverers. And seeing the Great Stalactite revealed like that is truly breathtaking — we’re so glad it gave you that ‘wow’ moment! We’re also happy you enjoyed the full experience, from the tour and the gift shop to meeting the pygmy goats and relaxing in the café. Thank you for the warm recommendation — we hope to welcome you back again someday. Best regards, The Doolin Cave Team
Beautiful experience to discover accompanied! Thanks to the helmets that helped me and the tour guide for his story and his beautiful anecdotes.
Thank you for your lovely review! We’re so glad you enjoyed discovering the largest free-hanging stalactite in Europe — it’s truly a remarkable sight. We're delighted to hear that your guide's storytelling and fascinating anecdotes added to the experience, and you're absolutely right — the helmets are mandatory and very helpful, especially in the lower sections of the cave. Thanks again for visiting — we hope to welcome you back again soon! Best regards, The Doolin Cave Team
You're going to like this more than you ever thought you would. I'm the first to admit that I'm a little nerdy, but this was truly so cool. The story behind it's discovery was fascinating and then to be down there, climbing and ducking as you approach the massive opening was just really cool.
Thank you so much for your fantastic 5-star review! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the experience even more than expected — that’s exactly what we love to hear! The story of the cave’s discovery is truly fascinating, and getting to explore the passages and finally stand beneath the Great Stalactite makes for a memorable adventure. We’re so glad it struck a chord with your inner explorer! Best regards, The Doolin Cave Team
My wife and I visited the cave last week. The only way I can describe this is "Unbelievable" Oisin, our guide was extremely informative and answered all our questions throughout the tour. Without saying too much, how the cave was discovered in 1952 blows the mind. Seeing the Stalactite is awesome. Be prepared to crouch down along narrow and low tunnels to get to the chamber housing the Stalactite. Amazing trip. Not expensive and well worth travelling a bit out of the way to see.
Thank you so much for your fantastic 5-star review! We’re thrilled to hear you and your wife had such an unforgettable experience at Doolin Cave. The story of its discovery in 1952 really is incredible, and we’re so pleased that Oisín made the tour informative and engaging — we’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to him. You’re absolutely right — a bit of crouching and navigating narrow tunnels adds to the sense of adventure, and the reward of seeing the Great Stalactite up close is truly something special. We’re delighted you felt it was well worth the trip — thanks again for visiting, and we hope to welcome you back in the future! Best regards, The Doolin Cave Team
