Dunmore Cave & Viking Massacres: A History from the Underworld

This history of Dunmore cave is mysterious and gripping. Around the year 930 the Vikings massacred large numbers of people in a battle fought around the cave. By the 18th century some of the earliest explorers found large numbers of human remains scattered across this extensive tunnel system. While this may be evidence of a brutal Viking massacre, recent archaeological excavations and analysis have suggested the full story may be more complex.

In this episode myself and the archaeologist Neil Jackman joined guide John McInerney to venture into Dunmore Cave and record a show in this fascinating location looking at its dark and gripping history.

Neil Jackman is the host of Amplifiy Archaeology a podcast on Irish Archaeology. I can’t recommend this show enough. https://www.abartaheritage.ie/amplify-archaeology-podcast/

John McInerney is the head guide at Dunmore Cave. You can find out more about Dunmore Cave at https://www.heritageireland.ie/en/south-east/dunmorecave/