In 2026, we’re celebrating a very special milestone at Doolin Cave — 20 years since we first opened the cave to the public and welcomed visitors underground to experience one of Ireland’s most extraordinary natural wonders.

What began as a small family idea has grown into something we could never have imagined. Over the past two decades, Doolin Cave has welcomed visitors from all over the world to stand beneath the awe-inspiring Great Stalactite and discover the hidden beauty beneath the Burren landscape.

Reaching the cave wasn’t always as simple as walking down the stairs visitors use today. Before the cave was developed as a visitor experience, accessing the Great Stalactite involved difficult caving expeditions through narrow, muddy underground passages. Opening the cave to the public took years of planning, careful engineering, and dedication to preserving the fragile underground environment while making it safely accessible for future generations.

From the very beginning, protecting the cave and its surrounding landscape has been at the heart of everything we do. As caretakers of the Great Stalactite, we feel incredibly privileged to share this hidden wonder with visitors every single day.

Looking back over the last 20 years, what means the most to us is the connection people feel when they visit. We’ve welcomed adventurers, geology enthusiasts, school tours, families, photographers, and curious explorers from across Ireland and around the world. Some come for the science and history, while others simply come to experience the stillness and atmosphere of the cave itself.

One of the most rewarding parts of what we do is seeing younger visitors discover the cave for the first time. Watching children look up in amazement beneath the Great Stalactite reminds us why protecting and sharing this place matters so much.

We truly love what we do, and we’re lucky to have such an incredible small team who bring the story of Doolin Cave to life every single day. From guiding tours underground to welcoming visitors at the Visitor Centre, caring for the eco-trail, and sharing the history of the cave, every member of the team helps create the experience people remember long after they leave.

Anniversary Highlight – Weds 27th May

To celebrate our 20th anniversary, we’d love to welcome even more people underground to experience Doolin Cave for themselves — or revisit and create new memories.

On Wednesday 27th May, we’ll be giving 20% off all cave tours using the code 20YEARS when booking through our website.

Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, we’d love for you to join us in celebrating this milestone year.

Alongside the cave tours, visitors can also enjoy the 1km looped eco-trail, browse handcrafted gifts and Doolin Cave Pottery in the Visitor Centre Craft Shop, and make a full day of it exploring Doolin, the Cliffs of Moher, and the wider Burren region.

Twenty years later, standing beneath the Great Stalactite still feels just as magical as ever.

Thank you to every visitor, supporter, local business, team member, and family member who has been part of the journey so far. Your support has helped preserve and share this remarkable place for future generations.

Here’s to the next chapter beneath the Burren!

Plan Your Visit

Book your tour in advance (visitor numbers are strictly limited for conservation).

Allow at least 2 hours to wander the eco-trail, explore the cave on a guided tour and savour local crafts.

Stay nearby in Doolin village for easy access to evening music sessions and fresh seafood.

Extend your stay to include coastal drives, hill walks and days out at other attactions in the Burren or a boat trip to the Cliffs of Moher and Aran Islands—all at a leisurely pace.