Overview
The Cliffs of Magho dominate the northern shore of Lower Lough Erne in County Fermanagh. This dramatic limestone escarpment stretches for about 9 km, with the most accessible viewing section spanning roughly 1.4 km and dropping some 300 m to the lake below. From the main viewpoint you can see across the lake into Counties Sligo, Tyrone, Donegal and the distant Wild Atlantic Way on a clear day. The cliffs sit on the edge of Lough Navar Forest, a working woodland managed by the Forest Service of Northern Ireland, and are reached via a short forest drive that leads to a car‑park and a sturdy viewing bench.
History & Background
The rock face records three distinct Carboniferous units: the upper Dartry Limestone, the underlying Glencar Limestone, and the older Benbulben Shale at the base. These layers were sculpted by the last glaciation (~13 000 years ago), when ice sheets carved the valleys that now frame the sheer faces.
Designated an Area of Special Scientific Interest (AONI), the cliffs support the rare Irish Rock‑bristle moss (Seligeria oelandica), a black moss found nowhere else in the United Kingdom. Calcareous habitats also nurture the bird’s‑nest orchid, early purple orchid, and a rich assemblage of butterflies and breeding birds, making the site a hotspot for naturalists.
A poignant chapter of the cliffs’ history occurred on 18 November 1943 when a Royal Air Force Short Sunderland flying boat crashed into the escarpment during a training flight from Lough Erne, claiming three lives. A modest plaque near the viewpoint commemorates the tragedy. Since 2007 the cliffs have been part of the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark, linking them to a network of karst landscapes across the region.
What to See & Do
- Panoramic viewpoint – The main platform offers sweeping views of Lower Lough Erne, the surrounding peatlands and the distant Atlantic coastline.
- Magho Cliffs Walk – A 1.5 mile (2.5 km) linear trail graded as difficult due to steep sections and uneven forest track. It can be tackled either top‑down (starting at the viewpoint car‑park) or bottom‑up (starting at the Loughshore Road car‑park, which has toilets). The route weaves through semi‑natural woodland, open clearings, and the sheer limestone face, with information boards explaining the geology.
- Geology walk – Along the cliff top, marked points expose the three limestone layers; interpretive signs describe the formation of the Dartry and Glencar limestones and the underlying shale.
- Wildlife spotting – Early summer brings swarms of native butterflies; keep an eye out for the rare Irish Rock‑bristle moss on damp calcareous rocks, as well as the bird’s‑nest and early purple orchids in the lower woodland. The cliffs also host a variety of breeding birds.
- Historical reflection – The plaque near the viewpoint provides a moment to contemplate the 1943 RAF crash.
- Rest & refresh – A sturdy bench at the summit offers a place to pause, and a picnic area near the bottom car‑park is ideal for families.
Practical Information
- Access: Follow the Lough Navar Forest drive to the Magho Cliffs Viewpoint car‑park (top) or the Loughshore Road car‑park (bottom). Both have parking spaces; the bottom car‑park includes public toilets.
- Difficulty: The walk is classified as difficult – steep drops, uneven tracks and some exposed sections. Suitable footwear and a good level of fitness are recommended.
- Facilities: Viewing bench, picnic tables, and a plaque at the summit; toilets at the bottom car‑park.
- Opening hours: The site is open year‑round with no formal opening times; visitors should check local weather and any temporary notices before travelling.
- Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn for optimal wildlife activity and clear views. Early morning or late afternoon provides softer light for photography.
- Safety: Stay on marked paths, keep a safe distance from the cliff edge, and heed any weather warnings – the area can be windy and foggy.
- Nearby attractions: The Marble Arch Caves, Lough Navar Forest trails, and other Geopark sites are within a short drive, making the cliffs an excellent addition to a day‑trip itinerary.
Enjoy the raw beauty, geological wonder, and quiet history of the Cliffs of Magho – one of Northern Ireland’s most striking natural landmarks.