ABOUT
OUR STORY
ABOUT
OUR STORY
For 40 years after its chance discovery by British caving students in the early fifties, the cave was popular with visiting potholers who would regularly undertake the arduous crawl to view the Great Stalactite. The cave and the surrounding land was purchased by John and Helen Browne in the 1990’s.
Over the decades, the Browne family have proceeded with great determination to develop the cave into one of North Clare’s premier attractions and share its wonders with a wider audience.
EXPLORE
Cave development
Due to the delicate nature of the stalactite, every care was taken during the cave development to ensure the minimum amount of environmental disturbance. The tunnels that were dug during the cave excavation were painstakingly done by hand, without the use of explosives. The cave was also enlarged to make it accessible to the public using the slow and laborious ‘plug and feather’ method of tunnelling. After a true labour of love, Doolin Cave opened to visitors in 2006 and a dedicated visitor centre was built for the cave in 2010.
OUR STORY
Browne Family Business
Helen and John Browne are the proud and dedicated caretakers of Doolin Cave. A true family effort, the business is supported by daughters Jennie and Caireann. Jennie looks after the busy operations of Doolin Cave and resident artist Caireann creates the exclusive Doolin Cave Pottery.
Over the decades, the Browne family have proceeded with great determination to develop the cave into one of North Clare’s premier attractions and share its wonders with a wider audience.
doolin cave pottery
Pottery from glacial cave clay which has been hand dug 120ft deep within the caverns of Doolin Cave.
about