Caving is the exploration of natural underground spaces. It is an adventure sport with inherent risks; many caves are cold or wet or muddy, or all three.
If you don't mind all that it is also a chance to explore a unique world very different from the surface. Even in Ireland it is possible to go where few or even no people have been before. Technically potholes are caves that include vertical drops and therefore require the use of ropes and or ladders but most people use either word for the same activity.
The Speleological Union of Ireland is the national organizing body for caving throughout Ireland. Membership is open to anyone interested in caving, for a small fee.
The Speleological Union of Ireland receive a grant from the Irish Sports Council which is used to provide a number of services for cavers such as training, newsletters and magazines, an annual symposium, insurance, expedition grants, library and cave access agreements.
Speleology is the scientific study of caves, trying to understand why they have different shapes, why caves are found in some places but not in others.
Some caves are high and narrow, some are round in shape while others are square. Speleology studies the formation of caves and involves studying the minerals and life forms found in caves. It includes aspects of geology, geography, chemistry and biology.
ICRO stands for the Irish Cave Rescue Organisation. It is made up entirely of volunteers who may be called upon by the police services throughout Ireland to assist in cave rescue.
Any caver with a reasonable amount of experience would be expected to join the general call out list once they have comprehensive insurance. ICRO also has a Core Team made up of cavers who have trained in special rescue techniques and who regularly update their skills.
A small selection of the photographs taken at last weekend’s phtography workshop are now available to view as a gallery on the website. Alternatively click here to view the images. Many thanks for all who attended to make it a success and to SUI trainer Colin Bunce for coordinating and teaching on the event. If you didn’t make it this time the workshop will be repeated in 2014 and will be open to SUI members as usual!
Following on from the SUI’s presentation to the Irish Farmers’ Association, IFA Countryside have offered to contact landowners who are IFA members to help current SUI members prospect for new caves. The system has been tested in the Burren with a few ‘hits’ generated. If directed to less explored regions this process may be rewarding. Further details on the Members’ Only Section of the website
Applications for access to Marble Arch Cave for caving trips can be made by writing to the management of the showcave giving at least one weeks notice. To facilitate access for its members the SUI has now published an electronic copy of the form on the Members’ Only Section of the website where further details are available. The renegotiation of out of hours access to the cave for SUI members is detailed on the Members’ Only Section also.
The SUICRO symposium will return to county Clare this year. It will take place, as usual, over the October bank holiday weekend Oct 25 – 28 in Hotel Doolin. The hotel has been block booked for the weekend and there are provisionally booked rooms in its sister hotel Tir gan Éan. In addition, some more student friendly accommodation will be available. The full line up of talks, competitions and events will be published shortly. Please send any enquiries about accommodation to SUICRO2013@caving.ie
Discounts For SUI Members: List Published and Updated