Hidden Earth 2025

Resurveying and discoveries in the Coolagh River Cave: Recent UBSS Ireland expeditions

45 minute Lecture|Ash Gregg

Abstract

The UBSS have been conducting caving expeditions to Ireland for many years, gathering lots of
data, culminating in the publishing of a series of guide books, the latest being Caves of Mid West
Ireland 2019. From 2012 to 2016 the focus of expeditions was the Cong isthmus in Co Mayo and
the neighbouring part of Co Galway. In the even more recent years students have been involved
in the updating and re-surveying of several cave systems in County Clare, including the Coolagh
River Cave. The use of modern surveying techniques has allowed more detailed and complete
surveys to be produced alongside up to date descriptions. There is still much to be done and
further student expeditions are definitely justified in the near future. This talk looks back on the past 10 years and the efforts resurveying the Coolagh River Cave, new discoveries and the challenges encountered.