Dunmore Cave
A limestone cave with stalactites, the site of a 928 Viking massacre and where a hoard of Viking silver coins was once unearthed.
Dunmore Cave is recorded in the 9th-century Irish chronicle Chronicle of the Three Kingdoms. In 928, Vikings are said to have massacred about a thousand people here, and archaeologists have found large quantities of human bones and a hoard of Viking-age silver coins. Inside the cave is a large stalactite column known as the Market Cross. Visits are by guided tour run by the OPW, lasting about 45 minutes, with around 700 steps up and down. The steps are slippery, so wear non-slip shoes. It is about 10 km from Kilkenny. Tickets cost a few euros, and there is a small exhibition at the entrance.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:30–17:00 (shorter in winter; guided tours by session)
Nearby sights
- St Canice's Cathedral & Round Tower
- Rothe House & Garden
- Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny
- Butler Gallery
- Black Abbey
- Kyteler's Inn
- Medieval Mile
- Medieval Mile Museum