Minister O’Donovan welcomes the reopening of Dunmore Cave

Patrick O’Donovan, Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, today (12 October 2023) welcomed the official reopening of the Dunmore Cave after a programme of rock stabilisation works at the site.

The Minister said today:

“I am delighted to be here to reopen Dunmore Cave to the public. I know that it has been greatly missed by locals and visitors alike, but it was of the upmost importance to both myself and the Office of Public Works to ensure safe access for staff and visitors for the foreseeable future. It is to the credit of all involved that the goal of the works has been achieved and that the important flora and fauna here at this most unique of OPW-managed sites have not been detrimentally affected by the works.”

He added:

“From Kilkenny Castle to Jerpoint Abbey and the hidden gem of St Mary’s in Gowran, I hope that the re-opening of Dunmore Cave will further enhance the tourism offering here in County Kilkenny where the Office of Public Works-managed heritage sites continue to contribute greatly to the local economy of the area.”

It became necessary to close the site to the public because of health concerns and concerns in relation to the stability of the rock at the mouth of the cave after a rockfall in 2019.

Photography will be available after the event from Dylan Vaughan Photography dylanvaughan@icloud.com

For further information and interview requests, please contact pressoffice@opw.ie

Find us on Facebook @opwireland

Listings information

Location: Dunmore Cave, Mothel, Ballyfoyle, Castlecomer, Kilkenny, R95 A972

Opening arrangements: Full details are available on the Heritage Ireland website

Access to the Cave is by guided tour only