Crag Cave

Crag Cave was found in 1983 when British cave divers tracing the course of an underground river pushed through and surveyed almost four kilometres of passage - a substantial system, and one of the longest known in Ireland. About 350 metres of it was opened to the public in 1989 with lighting and walkways. The formations are the reason to go: dense stalactites and stalagmites, straws, columns and flowstone, in chambers with names including the Crystal Gallery, and the lighting design is better than in most Irish show caves. The rest of the system remains closed to visitors and is used by cavers. Above ground the site has a large soft-play area, Crazy Cave, aimed at younger children, and a cafe, and a good proportion of visitors come for that rather than the cave. The tour takes about half an hour, is guided, and involves steps and damp walkways at a constant cool temperature.

What you actually see

• The formations - dense stalactites, straws, columns and flowstone.
• The Crystal Gallery - the best-lit of the shown chambers.
• The scale - nearly four kilometres surveyed, 350 metres open.
• The 1983 discovery - found by divers tracing an underground river.

When to go

Any season; the cave is at a constant cool temperature, so bring a layer. Tours run at intervals. School holidays are busy because of the play centre above ground.

Honest expectations

Only a small part of the system is open. The tour is about half an hour, guided, with steps and damp footing. A large share of the site is a children's play centre, which affects the atmosphere.

Nearby

Castleisland and the Sliabh Luachra music district are close; Tralee is west.