Shocks from Spanish earthquake felt in Mitchelstown Cave

The magnitude 5.2 earthquake  struck the Mediterranean Sea about 50km southeast of Spain two weeks ago

Mitchelstown Cave. File picture: Eddie O'Hare 

The shockwaves from an earthquake off the south coast of Spain were felt inside Mitchelstown Cave, according to data from the Irish National Seismic Network (INSN).

The magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck the Mediterranean Sea about 50km southeast of Spain on July 14.

The impact of the quake and aftershocks were recorded at a number of seismic monitoring stations in Ireland.

John English, the owner of Mitchelstown Cave, explained to the Irish Examiner the INSN records the north Atlantic area for shockwaves.

He said: "If you look at the readings that we've picked up, there have been 30 earthquakes since 2022 — not counting ones around the country. We’re picking up the tiniest little ones, there’s loads of them coming in.

“They have stations in Wexford and one in Kerry. Mitchelstown is the quietest valley in between Wexford and Kerry."

Mr English added the seismic monitor located in the cave had picked up shocks from the other side of the world.

"There was an earthquake that was 20,000km away from us in New Zealand, and 20 minutes later it was picked up here.

"The big one in Myanmar [a 7.7–7.9 earthquake struck the country in March], that was recorded 10 minutes later in the cave."

The readings of the Spanish earthquake which were recorded at Irish seismology stations. Picture: INSN

He explained if an earthquake happens, it moves the earth’s crust "a fraction of a hair" and the vibration begins.

“If you walk past the tourist part of the cave, it’ll pick up on the seismic stations!"

Within six seconds of a seismic quake registering on the system, it is sent to Dublin to the INSN.

Mr English added: "They [the quakes] can happen 200ft underground, that’s giving a picture of Ireland’s underground — there’s probably earthquakes happening every day that we don’t know."