Crag Cave facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Crag Cave |
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The Big Stalactite in Crag Cave
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| Location | Castleisland, County Kerry, Ireland |
| Length | 3.8 kilometres (2.4 mi) |
| Discovery | Entrance pre-1859 Passages 1981–1985 |
| Geology | Limestone |
| Entrances | 1 |
| List of entrances |
Show cave entrance |
| Access | Show cave |
Crag Cave is an amazing cave system in Ireland. You can find it right outside Castleisland in County Kerry. This cave formed in limestone rock. It stretches for about 3.8 kilometers (2.4 miles) underground. That's like walking for a long time! It's one of the longest caves in Ireland. In fact, it's the 7th longest in the Republic of Ireland and the 10th longest in all of Ireland.
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Exploring Crag Cave's Secrets
People knew about parts of Crag Cave for a long time. In 1859, a group called the Geological Survey of Ireland noted that there were caves here. But serious exploration didn't start until 1981.
Discovering Hidden Passages
In 1981, explorers found the upper part of the cave. They reached a water-filled section called a "sump." They named this part the "Green Lake." Scientists checked the water in the cave's stream and in the sump. They found the water was different. This suggested that the sump might be above more dry passages.
Diving into the Unknown
In 1983, a diver named Martyn Farr swam through the sump. This was the first time anyone reached the huge caverns beyond! They also found a way around a pile of rocks. This created a dry path into the new chambers. After this breakthrough, explorers found and mapped out another 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) of passages.
Mapping the Underground World
Between 1981 and 1985, more exploration happened. The total length of the cave system grew to 3.81 kilometers (2.37 miles). The cave goes about 15 meters (49 feet) up and down. The entire cave system actually runs right under the town of Castleisland! It starts at Glounsharoon and ends on the other side of town near the Killarney Road.
Visiting Crag Cave: A Show Cave Experience
About 350 meters (1,150 feet) of Crag Cave has been made safe for visitors. Local residents, Dr. Donal and Mrs. Margaret Geaney, owned the land where the cave was first found. They helped turn it into a "show cave."
Building the Tourist Attraction
Between 1987 and 1989, the cave was developed. Workers built the only man-made entrance, which is a shaft. They also put in safe pathways, railings, and lights. They even added a music system to make the experience special.
What You Can See and Do
Crag Cave welcomes thousands of visitors every year. Tourists get a guided tour of the cave, which lasts about half an hour. Inside, you'll find many amazing chambers. Two famous ones are the Cathedral and the Crystal Gallery. Many features in the cave are named after places or characters from J. R. R. Tolkien's books about Middle-earth.
The tourist center also has a gift shop where you can buy souvenirs. There's a coffee shop if you want a snack. And for younger kids, there's even a children's play area!
