Tour of Toomeens Caves, Kiltannon, Tulla (Heritage Week)

The Toomeens Caves at Kiltannon, just outside Tulla, are one of East Clare’s least-visited natural wonders - and Heritage Week is one of the rare chances to go underground with a guide who knows what you are looking at. The Kiltannon River disappears into the limestone here across a 500-metre stretch, forming 10 separate caves linked by passages, pools and grottoes. The system was once better known than Aillwee; an 18th-century traveller rated it alongside natural sites in Italy and Switzerland. If you enjoy geology, rivers, or simply seeing something most people drive past without knowing it exists, this is worth a morning of your Heritage Week.

What to expect

The guided tour takes you through a cave system carved by the Kiltannon River - sometimes called the Hell River - as it bores through the East Clare limestone before re-emerging downstream. Where the roof between caves has collapsed, the river briefly surfaces again, so you move between underground sections and open-air gaps as you follow the water’s course.

Inside, the features shift from quiet, dark pools to stretches of fast current, side passages and dry oxbow chambers where the river once ran before cutting a new channel. There is even a small underground beach. The guide will cover the geology of how karst drainage works in this part of Clare, the history of the site on the former Kiltannon Estate, and the cave system’s long record of exploration by visiting cavers and local naturalists.

Wear sturdy waterproof footwear - the cave interiors are wet underfoot - and bring a light layer as it will be cool below ground regardless of the August weather above. Tours run at various times across Heritage Week (15-23 August 2026); check the Heritage Week listing for the confirmed slot.

Getting there

Tulla is on the R352, roughly 20km east of Ennis. Coming from Ennis, follow the R352 through Crusheen and Kilkishen; Tulla itself is a compact market town easy to navigate. Kiltannon is signposted from the Tulla area. There is no regular bus service along this route, so a car is the practical way to get here. Parking is available near the cave entrance site in the woodland grove.

While you’re in Tulla

Tulla is a quiet East Clare town with a strong traditional music tradition - the Tulla Céilí Band is one of the oldest in Ireland. Allow time to look around before or after the tour. There is more to see in Tulla and across Co. Clare.

Good to know

• Heritage Week 2026 runs 15-23 August; the exact tour date and time are listed at heritageweek.ie
• Free event
• Wear waterproof boots or wellies; cave interiors are wet
• The caves are managed as a natural heritage site - follow guide instructions and stay on designated routes
• Kiltannon Caves also offer private tours by appointment outside Heritage Week (contact via their Facebook page)