The Islands of Ireland: In Xanadu did Kubla Khan

The underworld has always held a fascination for mankind. From the fabulous Cave of Swallows in Mexico featured on David Attenborough’s Planet Earth to the Lascaux Caves in France which has elaborate paintings of animals from 17,000 years ago.

Ireland has its fair share of cave systems, including Mitchelstown in Co Cork and Ailwee in Co Clare. However, there are others, some very inaccessible. But when did that ever stop anyone from exploring?

Like the neighbouring Gola Island, Owey Island or Uaigh (cave in Irish) in Co Donegal, is a magnet for climbers who cling to the pink granite walls like ants. A recent book for Collins Press by Alan Tees entitled Scrambles in Ulster and Connacht describes a lake under a lake on the island. “It is sufficiently large that the far side cannot be identified by torchlight but has been crossed by inflatable boat,” he writes.