Great Stalactite
About 7.3 m.
Robert Linsdell from St. Andrews, Canada — CC BY 2.0 · Robert Linsdell from St. Andrews, Canada — CC BY 2.0 · Robert Linsdell from St. Andrews, Canada — CC BY 2.0 · Robert Linsdell from St. Andrews, Canada — CC BY 2.0 · Robert Linsdell from St. Andrews, Canada — CC BY 2.0
Doolin Cave is a limestone cave near the village of Doolin in County Clare, on the western edge of the Burren, about 32 km in a straight line south-west of Galway. Its Irish name is said to mean «ivy cliff cave». The cave's highlight is the Great Stalactite, one of the longest free-hanging stalactites known, reported at 7.3 m, though published figures vary. It is the longest known free-hanging stalactite in Europe, while the three largest in the world are in two caves in Mexico and in Jeita Grotto in Lebanon. The cave was discovered in 1952 by two cavers from a Yorkshire club, and getting in was very hard before it was prepared for visitors. The tour goes down a passage and stairway into a chamber where a long, creamy-white column of calcite hangs from the ceiling, built up drop by drop over thousands of years. Dark limestone and other mineral formations surround the chamber, and above ground a trail runs through the surrounding farm among wildflowers and farm animals. Visits are by paid, timed tours, and the cave is cool all year, so bring a jacket. There are many steps, so wear comfortable shoes.
About 7.3 m.
Dark rock.
Above ground.
Near Doolin, the Burren, County Clare, Ireland
Yes, paid timed tours.
Yes, bring a jacket.