Overview
The Cliffs of Magho form a stark limestone escarpment along the northern shore of Lower Lough Erne in County Fermanagh. Stretching roughly 9 km, the most accessible section drops about 300 m to the water below. From the main viewpoint, the panorama reaches across the lake into Counties Sligo, Tyrone, and Donegal, with the distant Atlantic coastline visible on clear days. The site sits within Lough Navar Forest, a working woodland managed by the Forest Service of Northern Ireland. A short forest drive leads to a car park and a sturdy viewing bench, placing visitors directly above the sheer face without requiring a long hike to get started.
Geology & Wildlife
The cliff face is a geological timeline. Three distinct Carboniferous units are exposed: the upper Dartry Limestone, the underlying Glencar Limestone, and the older Benbulben Shale at the base. These layers were shaped during the last glaciation, roughly 13,000 years ago, when advancing ice sheets carved the valleys that now frame the escarpment.
Designated an Area of Special Scientific Interest (AONI), the cliffs host habitats that support species rarely found elsewhere in the UK. The Irish Rock-bristle moss (Seligeria oelandica) clings to damp calcareous rock – this is the only known site in the United Kingdom where it grows, making the cliffs a priority location for botanists and conservationists. The lower woodland shelters the bird’s-nest orchid and early purple orchid, and the surrounding woodland supports the highest recorded number of woodland species in Northern Ireland. Peregrine falcons use the vertical cliff faces for hunting and nesting. Early summer brings active butterfly populations, and interpretive signs along the cliff top explain how karst processes and glacial retreat created the current landscape.
The landscape changes character with the seasons. Spring brings wildflowers and emerging butterflies. Summer offers extended daylight for longer loops. Autumn paints the surrounding woodland in rich copper and gold tones against the pale limestone. Winter strips back the foliage, revealing the raw structure of the escarpment and providing crisp light for photography.
The 1943 Memorial & Geopark Status
A quiet plaque near the summit viewpoint marks a somber event from the Second World War. On 18 November 1943, a Royal Air Force Short Sunderland flying boat struck the escarpment during a training flight from Lough Erne, resulting in three fatalities. The marker offers a brief but respectful pause for reflection.
Since 2007, the cliffs have been incorporated into the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark. This designation links the site to a wider network of karst features, underground rivers, and limestone pavements across the region, making it a logical stop for visitors tracing the geological story of Ulster.
Walking the Trails
The main route is a 2.5 km linear trail that follows the forest edge and cliff top. It is graded as difficult due to steep drops, uneven ground, and sections of exposed track. Visitors can tackle it in two directions:
- Top-down: Start at the viewpoint car park near the summit (postcode BT93 6AH). This approach gives immediate access to the main overlook before descending through semi-natural woodland and open clearings.
- Bottom-up: Begin at the Loughshore Road car park near the lake shore. This car park includes public toilets and picnic tables, making it a practical base for families or those planning a longer day out. The ascent follows a forest track that gradually climbs toward the escarpment.
For those who prefer gentler terrain, the local trail map (available at the viewpoint information board) marks several alternative loops:
- Cliffs of Magho loop – 4.5 km, graded Easy. A relaxed circuit on well-maintained forest paths returning via a secondary track.
- Magho Viewpoint loop from Drumcrow West – 2.1 km, graded Easy. A short, manageable ascent ideal for families, reaching the summit in under 30 minutes.
- Cliffs of Magho via Old Man’s Head – 17.4 km, graded Hard. A demanding full-day trek for experienced walkers, featuring the distinctive “Old Man’s Head” rock outcrop with an excellent vantage point.
Information boards are placed at key points to highlight rock strata, wildlife indicators, and safety reminders. The trail surface is natural earth and root-covered forest track; sturdy walking boots are strongly recommended.
Practical Information
- Parking: Two designated car parks serve the trail. The top car park is reached via the Lough Navar Forest drive. The bottom car park is on Loughshore Road and includes toilet facilities.
- Facilities: A viewing bench and picnic tables are available. There are no on-site shops or refreshment points, so visitors should bring their own food and water.
- Safety: The trail runs close to steep drop-offs. Stay on marked paths, keep children and dogs under control, and avoid the cliff edge during high winds or heavy rain. The area can become foggy quickly, reducing visibility significantly.
- Best conditions: Late spring through early autumn offers the clearest views and peak wildlife activity. Early morning light reduces glare on the limestone and provides better conditions for photography.
- Nearby stops: The cliffs pair well with a visit to Enniskillen for town amenities, or a short drive to the Cuilcagh Boardwalk for a contrasting bogland landscape. Both are easily combined into a single day trip.
Allow at least two hours for the walk and return, plus time at the viewpoint. Check the Met Éireann forecast before heading out, as sudden weather changes are common in this exposed part of Fermanagh.