Caving in Ireland

Caving is the exploration of natural underground passages and chambers, usually formed where water has dissolved away limestone rock.

The scientific name for caving is 'Speleology' which derives from the Greek spelaion a cave. It also covers the sport of 'potholing' which is effectively the descending and ascending of 'Pots' or large openings in the ground

The cave environment can be very harsh - total darkness, cold and liabile to flooding - it is hard to imaging living there successfully. Some creatures manage it and become very highly adapted, also providing an interesting subject for specialised study.

Statistically, caving is safer than climbing, orienteering or riding your bike around a city! All the hazards you come up against are natural. The one thing we watch carefully is the weather and avoid certain caves which are liable to flood.