Dig Deep: Underground Ireland

On the slopes of the Bricklieve Mountains, the sixteen limestone caves of Keash echo Ireland’s past. Archaeologists have uncovered interesting artefacts, including Viking combs and ancient animal bones (interested in Vikings? Explore the Viking connection to Ireland here).

But it’s the myths that bring it to life. According to legend, the caves are connected to Cormac Mac Airt, a legendary high king of Ireland who is said to have been kidnapped and raised by wolves in Keash Caves. In another tale, Finn McCool, the legendary giant of the Giant’s Causeway fame, was captured and imprisoned in Keash Caves (find more about this famous myth here)

Traditionally, Keash Caves are connected to the end-of-summer festival of Lughnasa, as well as a place for the local populace to converge. Echoing many other lonely, remote places, according to another legend, Diarmuid and Gráinne, Ireland’s tragically star-crossed lovers, once hid here while fleeing Gráinne’s ex (discover their story here). A tale involving a runaway goat even connects these caves to the mysterious Ownegat Cave of Connacht.

It’s a wild sort of place with a network of caves overlooking a patchwork of Irish countryside, watched over by the ancient, brooding cairns, each capping Keash Mountain and its surrounding hills.

Want more Sligo in your life? As the county we are based in, we approve! We recommend you check out our guide to Sligo. 

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Hidden under the lunar-esque limestone landscape of the Burren, Aillwee is just one of hundreds of caves in this geologically unusual region. Descend beneath the surface of the Burren to discover strange rock formations, bridged chasms, and even a thunderous underground waterfall.

The Burren is one of Europe’s most significant cave areas, home to over 35 miles of mapped passages shaped over 330 million years. The Burren is also long-loved for its amazing wildflowers, with species from sub-Arctic to Mediterranean habitats jostling for space amongst the crags and ancient archaeological sites like the famed Poulnabrone Tombs rising from the landscape.

Explore more of the Burren’s otherworldly landscapes in our guide to Ireland’s smallest national park.

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Located along the wild Maghera Strand near Ardara, these sea caves are remote, rugged, and only accessible at low tide. Approach the Maghera Caves with care as they are only accessible at low tide, and the water can fill the caves very quickly. If conditions are right, you’ll find one of Donegal’s most atmospheric spots – at high tide, the caves will be completely submerged.

There’s a reason why Donegal is sometimes called “the forgotten county.” Cut off from the rest of Ireland in more ways than one, Donegal is remote and full of corners largely overlooked by visitors. Maghera Caves and the nearby Asaranca Waterfall are among its secret gems.

Does Donegal sound fascinating? We think so too – check out our guide to Donegal below.

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Small but ruggedly intriguing, these wind and salt-carved coastal caves featured in Game of Thrones as the Stormlands, among other scenes scattered throughout the hit fantasy series (more filming locations here, for those interested in real-life Game of Thrones). Formed by erosion over 400 million years, Cushendun Caves are located just south of Cushendun village on the famous Causeway Coast.

Expect majestic views of the rough coastline and dramatic sea stacks. Wander along the beach to reach the caves to the music of waves crashing and seabirds calling overhead. Underfoot, meander over the small round pebbles and tiny shells as you navigate the cave-riddled shores.

Discover more magic of the Causeway Coast in our guide to the beloved coastline below. 

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Ireland’s largest and most famous passage tomb, Newgrange, is over 5,000 years old and aligned with the rising sun at the winter solstice (learn more about Ireland and the solstice here). During the days leading up to and from the winter solstice, sunlight shines through the roof box in the tomb, lighting up the 19m (that’s 62 ft) long passage and the large chamber at the back of the tomb. It’s an incredible sight that few have ever seen.

Once overlooked and overgrown, the site was rediscovered and was in bad shape. A team of archaeologists, historians, researchers, and enthusiasts rebuilt the tomb into the behemoth it is today. Decorated with swirls, circles, and spirals, Newgrange’s megalithic art is some of the most impressive in Ireland.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site (read about UNESCO in Ireland here), the site offers visitors the opportunity to explore the narrow passage, experience a recreated version of the solstice light, and marvel at ancient art. Entry is by guided tour only, and access is managed via a visitor centre in the Boyne Valley.

Read more about this ancient site in our guide below. 

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Perched in the rolling hills of the Midlands, the tombs at Loughcrew boast incredible architecture, stunning views, and intricate megalithic carvings. Translating as “Hill of the Witch,” the site is connected to Irish myth and legend.

Though the chambers aren’t open to the public, a short walk leads to hilltop panoramas and a haunting atmosphere. Some of the cairns are aligned with the sunrise at the spring and autumn equinoxes, still attracting visitors at those times to this day.

The site is even better explored with a guide, who can reveal its deeper meanings. Like the other sites on this list, Loughcrew is over 5,000 years old and comprises an impressive 30 tombs or more in the surrounding site.

Fascinated by ancient sites like this one? To learn more, check out our handy guide to Loughcrew below.

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On the wild Beara Peninsula, near the colourful village of Allihies, lie the remains of half a dozen 19th-century copper mines. Opened in 1812 and abandoned in 1878, these mines once fuelled an industrial boom in rural Ireland.

Today, you can explore the windswept hills, visit the fascinating Allihies Copper Mine Museum, and climb inside the mines themselves. Explore the underground world of 19th-century rural Ireland, uncover Ireland’s role in the Industrial Revolution, and discover the rugged landscapes of Ireland’s windswept southwest coast.