The UBSS has been exploring, surveying, studying and recording Irish caves almost since its inception. In 2006 it hosted the Irish Caves Database compiled by workers from Trinity College Dublin. That is now quite out of date and has been superseded by the current version which is displayed and accessed via GIS mapping.

There are currently two GIS maps available.

• A map showing Irish cave locations
• A map of cave locations in Co. Clare

The first of these shows the entrance locations for cave sites recorded in Ireland. The second is restricted to caves in Co. Clare alone but in addition to the entrances, shows line surveys of the caves, where this data is available.

On both the maps, clicking on the entrance location gives a drop down box containing short summary data about the cave, including location information, length, depth, the relevant site code (if any) for the archaeological Sites and Monuments Record and for the Geological Survey’ of Ireland’s karst database.

Both maps are based on OpenTopoMap, a version of the familiar OpenStreetMap open source mapping which includes some topographical information, such as contours. They can each also be shown on the satellite mapping option of Microsoft’s Bing Maps. The two options can be toggled by using the ‘Maps and Tools’ box on the top right.

The main project map is not yet complete. It covers most of the western and southern part of the island and will be added to as more data becomes available. As with any project of this type all the data is provisional and is subject to correction at any time. Any corrections and additions should be notified to us at this address and will be included in future updates.

Disclaimer

The database and maps contains information that has been collected and collated over a long period of time from many different sources. The Society makes no claim as to the accuracy or completeness of these records. The use of the information is free to all, under this Creative Commons Licence, but the Society accepts no responsibility for how the content is used. The Society cannot and will not respond to specific enquiries about specific properties or parcels of land. The Society is not able to provide any form of service for house buyers or sellers, their surveyors or their legal representatives nor can the Society assist with the interpretation of the information contained here.