Alice and Gwendoline Cave
Limestone cave in County Clare, Ireland with Upper Palaeolithic finds
Explore the Map
Alice and Gwendoline Cave
52.8177° N, -9.0094° E
About
The Alice and Gwendoline Cave is a limestone cave in County Clare, Ireland. It was first investigated by scholars in 1902. In 2016, a bear patella with butchery marks found in the cave was dated to the Upper Palaeolithic, which is potentially the oldest known evidence of human habitation in Ireland.
Historical Timeline
Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history
Human clavicle radiocarbon date
10,146–9,700 cal. BP (radiocarbon dated 2007)
Bear patella identification and dating
10,860–10,641 cal. BC (identified 2011)
Edenvale House (site context)
18th century
First scholarly excavation
1902
Modern survey and reanalysis
2019–2020
Archaeological Features
Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site
Domestic and Habitation Structures
Environmental and Natural Features
Food Production and Processing Features
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Visit
Tours, travel arrangements, and practical information
More Sites in Ireland
Labbamolaga Church
Medieval church and Bronze Age megaliths, County Cork, Ireland
Altar Wedge Tomb
Wedge tomb in County Cork, Ireland
Burriscarra Abbey
Medieval Carmelite priory ruins, County Mayo (13th–15th c.)
Caherconnell Stone Fort
Medieval stone ringfort in the Burren, Ireland
Annagh Church
Medieval church in County Kerry, Ireland
Lislaughtin Abbey
Medieval Franciscan friary in County Kerry, Ireland