Overview
Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark is one of only four trans‑national UNESCO Global Geoparks in the world. It stretches across 1,741 km² of public land, linking the rugged uplands of County Fermanagh with the gentle drumlins and lakes of County Cavan. From the iconic Marble Arch Caves to the Instagram‑famous Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, the Geopark showcases a geological story that spans 895 million years, a rich tapestry of flora and fauna, and a landscape dotted with prehistoric tombs, Iron Age forts, early Christian monasteries and well‑preserved Plantation castles.
History & Background
The Geopark was designated in 2008 as the world’s first cross‑border Geopark and received UNESCO Global Geopark status in 2015. Jointly managed by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and Cavan County Council, it reflects a collaborative approach to protecting a shared natural and cultural heritage. The area has been inhabited since the Neolithic period; megalithic tombs such as the Calf House Dolmen sit alongside Bronze‑Age cairns on Cuilcagh’s summit. Later, the Plantation of Ulster left a legacy of fortified houses, the most striking being Monea Castle.
What to See & Do
| Site | Highlights | Activity | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marble Arch Caves | Subterranean river, spectacular stalactites | Guided cave tour, VR experience, Wild Woods & Waters trail (weekends) | Visitor centre open 10:00‑17:00 daily; guided tours £16 adult, £8 child (see table below) |
| Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail | 4 mi boardwalk across blanket bog, viewing platform at 665 m | Moderate hike (3 hrs round‑trip) | Free car‑park (option 1) – pre‑booking required; free car‑park (option 2) at Killykeeghan Nature Reserve |
| Cavan Burren Park | Megalithic tombs, wedge‑tomb “Giant’s Leap”, interpretive centre | Four marked trails (0.5‑2 mi) – Trail 1 wheelchair‑accessible | Free entry, car‑park on Cornagee Road |
| Lough Navar Forest | 2,600 ha of bog, heath, lakes; wildlife spotting | Marked walking routes, picnic sites | Free parking, limited wheelchair access |
| Big Dog Forest | Remote coniferous forest, folklore‑rich landscape | Big Dog Walk (off‑track adventure) | Free parking, limited facilities |
| Monea Castle | Best‑preserved Plantation castle, panoramic views | Self‑guided walk around ruins | Free car‑park, interpretation panels |
| Tully Castle | 17th‑century fortified house on Lower Lough Erne | 1 mi circular walk, boat jetty nearby | Free parking, toilets |
| Clough Oughter Castle | Island castle on Lough Oughter | Boat‑guided visit (Cavan Adventure Centre) | Boat hire required |
| Shannon Pot | Source of the River Shannon, myth‑laden pool | Short walk, picnic | Intermittent access (construction 2024‑2025) |
| Killykeen Forest Park | Lakeside forest on Lough Oughter, bike & canoe hire (summer) | Nature Trail (2 mi, wheelchair‑accessible) | Two car parks, footbridge across lake |
Marble Arch Caves – Ticket Prices
| Ticket type | Adult | Child (5‑17) | Concession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Cave Tour | £16.00 | £8.00 | £14.00 (students & seniors) |
| Family (2 adults + 2 kids) | £40.00 | – | – |
| Family (2 adults + 3 kids) | £48.00 | – | – |
| Cave Explorer VR | £3.00 | £3.00 | – |
| Caves‑to‑Cruise Combo Pass | £27.50 | £14.00 | Child 0‑4 £7.00 |
Practical Information
Getting there – The Geopark is centred on the A32 and A4 routes between Enniskillen and Cavan town. The main visitor hub for the Marble Arch Caves and the Boardwalk Trail is at 43 Marlbank Road, Enniskillen (BT92 1EW). Detailed directions are available on the official site.
Parking – Most sites offer free on‑site parking. The Boardwalk Trail has two car parks (one private, pre‑booking via www.theboardwalk.ie, and a free public lot at Killykeeghan). Coach parking is accepted at larger attractions such as the Caves and Monea Castle.
Guided tours & group visits – Guided tours are available at the Marble Arch Caves, Cuilcagh Boardwalk (seasonal), and many heritage sites. The Geopark welcomes school groups, coach parties and organised walking groups (prior consent required for groups > 20).
Accessibility – Guide dogs are permitted at the majority of sites; a few locations restrict dogs (e.g., Boardwalk Trail). Wheelchair‑accessible facilities are available at the Marble Arch Caves visitor centre, Cavan Burren Park interpretative centre, and several forest parks (Killykeen Nature Trail, Cavan Burren Trail 1). Detailed accessibility information can be checked on the Geopark website.
Facilities – Picnic areas are provided at most sites, along with toilets, coffee kiosks (e.g., Marble Arch Café) and gift shops. Some forest parks (Killykeen) offer bike and canoe hire in summer.
Contact & Further Details
- Website: https://cuilcaghlakelands.org/
- Phone: +353 (0)719 853 692 (Geopark Office, Blacklion)
- Email: mac@fermanaghomagh.com (for large group permissions)
- Opening hours – Most outdoor sites are open year‑round; the Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre operates 10:00‑17:00 daily. Check individual site pages for seasonal variations.
Leave No Trace – Visitors are asked to stay on marked paths, take litter home and respect wildlife. The Geopark Code (https://cuilcaghlakelands.org/about-us/what-is-a-geopark/protecting-the-landscape/#geoparkcode) provides full guidance.
Whether you’re chasing the dramatic cliffs of Magho, paddling the tranquil waters of Lough Oughter or delving into the underground rivers of the Marble Arch Caves, Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark offers a seamless blend of adventure, natural beauty and deep‑rooted heritage.