- Huge system of caves with specially constructed visitor walkways.
- Interesting subterranean waterways system.
- One of the few showcaves in Ireland.
- Interesting nature walks next to caves.
- Occasional flooding may make alternative routes necessary or caves inaccessible.
- Exit steps are steep and numerous, not recommended for visitors with cardiovascular problems.
- Cave system first explored in the 19th century and made widely accessible in the late 20th century.
- Underground rivers are crossed by boat and the sunken "Moses Walk".
- Pleasant walks in the surrounding woodland areas can provide further nature experiences.
If you want to go underground without clambering down wildly swinging rope ladders and then slithering along wet and tight passages, Marble Arch Caves are ideal for you. Apart from the steep exit (which makes the visit "not recommended" if you have cardiovascular problems) the walk is on fairly even terrain using well-built paths. Of which the "Moses Walk" will even take you right through the subterranean river that formed the caves ages ago.
The river also provides an additional attraction - to enter the caves you will be ferried in boats through the labyrinth that is the cave entrance. At times of moderate flooding this access route will be closed - the whole cave complex shuts down if severe flooding is experienced or expected (it takes a few hours for the water to rise after rainfalls, flash-floods are no danger to visitors).
The rock formations, stalactites and stalagmites are not breathtakingly spectacular but definitely worth a visit, even if you are not an enthusiast. Recommended on very hot days due to the mild temperatures in the cave. Come early to book a place on a tour, the caves can be fully booked up by midday in the high season.
