Music goes underground at Mitchelstown Caves ECLECTIC MIX OF ACTS LINED UP TO PLAY ONE OF IRELAND’S MOST ATMOSPHERIC MUSIC VENUES
THE ‘underground’ music scene will make a welcome return to Mitchelstown next month with an eclectic mix of artists set to play subterranean gigs in what is possibly Ireland’s most unusual concert venue.
Six acts will feature in ‘ The Cave’, a three night series of concerts taking place in the intimate surroundings of the enchanting Mitchelstown Caves from Friday, July 8.
Now in its sixth-year ‘ The Cave’, which this year is being held as part of the Clonmel Junction Festival, has previously hosted gigs by a host of top Irish and international acts including Declan O’Rourke, Lisa Hannigan, Sam Amidon, Mick Flannery, Lisa O’Neill,O Emperor, David Kitt and Delorentos.
This year’s line up is set to maintain the high standards of previous years with Carlow brothers Ye Vagabonds and New York duo August Wells playing the venue on the first night.
Trad twins Julie and Branwen Kavanagh (aka Twin Headed Wolf ) and acclaimed 10-string fiddle player Caoimhin O’Raghallaigh will play the venue the following night, with ‘Feel Good Lost’ featuring Cork based musician Talos and Icelandic performance artist Jófíour bringing The Cave to a close on Sunday night.
While each of the artists playing are both mesmerising in style and charismatic in their delivery, perhaps the real star of the weekend will be the Mitchelstown Cave itself.
More than 200 feet underground and only accessible by 88 steep steps, the temperature in The Cave remains at a constant temperature of 12° offering audiences a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
Formed over millions of years the Mitchelstown Caves remained undiscovered until 1833 when local labourer Michael Conlon dropped his crowbar in to a crevice in the ground. To his amazement he discovered the innocuous looking crevice opened up into a vast series of underground chambers, caverns and passages stretching for more than three kilometres.
The discovery was hailed as one of the most important finds in Irish geological history, attracting large numbers of eager sightseers.
For more than a century guides cave candlelit tours of the Caves prior to the installation of electricity and footpaths in 1972, making them the first caves in Ireland to be developed for the public to access and explore.
Tickets for the gigs, priced at €30 per night, are available from www.junctionfestival.ticketsolve.com
Each of the concerts, which will be fully seated, will begin at 8pm, with ticketholders requested to be at the entrance to the Caves by 7pm.
Organisers have advised that people bring a coat and wear flat shoes as there will be a half-mile walk to the performance area.