Overview
Marble Arch Geopark is a trans‑national UNESCO Global Geopark that straddles the foothills of Cuilcagh Mountain in County Fermanagh and the limestone landscapes of County Cavan. Home to the Marble Arch Caves – the most active river showcave in Ireland and the UK – the park also embraces ancient ash woodlands, blanket bogs, dramatic cliffs, historic castles and a network of walking and cycling routes. Over 200,000 visitors a year discover a seamless blend of geology, archaeology and living culture, making it a perfect base for families, hikers and nature lovers.
History & Background
The limestone and sandstone that underpin the Geopark were laid down more than 340 million years ago when shallow tropical seas covered the region. Human history entered the scene much later: the caves were first explored in 1895 by French speleologist Édouard Martel and naturalist Lyster Jameson, and opened to the public in 1985. In 2001 the area earned UNESCO Geopark status, and in November 2015 it was awarded UNESCO Global Geopark recognition. By 2008 it became the world’s first cross‑border Geopark, linking the Northern Irish council of Fermanagh & Omagh with Cavan County Council. The Geopark was re‑branded in 2021 as Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark, covering 1,741 km² across the two counties and continuing its mission to protect geological heritage while supporting sustainable tourism.
What to See & Do
Marble Arch Caves
Guided tour: a 75‑minute boat ride on an underground river glides past towering limestone walls and waterfalls, followed by illuminated walkways showcasing stalactites, stalagmites and flowstone. Knowledgeable guides weave together geological facts and local folklore. The boat ride and the boardwalk over the natural arch are wheelchair‑accessible.
Family Explorer activity: a hands‑on programme for children that combines cave‑science experiments with storytelling, ideal for a short visit after the main tour.
Eco‑Adventure: a short surface‑level walk that introduces visitors to the karst landscape, the Cladagh River and the surrounding ash woodland.
Cladagh Glen – Ancient Woodland Walk
A 1.5‑mile (2.5 km) linear trail winds through one of Northern Ireland’s best‑preserved ash woodlands. The route includes 121 wooden steps leading up to the natural limestone arch that gives the caves their name. Highlights include:
- Cascades Waterfall – a crystal‑clear plunge over limestone steps about a mile into the walk.
- Marble Arch – a natural limestone arch spanning the re‑emergent Cladagh River, accessed via a stepped boardwalk.
- Flora & Fauna – spring carpets of bluebells, wood anemone and primroses; regular sightings of red squirrels, pine martens and dippers.
- Guided “Unlocking the Hidden World of Cladagh Glen” walk – runs on selected days, offering deeper insight into the geology and wildlife.
- Link to the Caves – the trail finishes at the Marble Arch Caves visitor centre, allowing a seamless transition between surface and underground experiences.
Note: The path was temporarily closed after flash‑flooding on 20 July 2025; check the official site for the latest status.
For more details on the trail, see the dedicated page for Cladagh Glen.
Belmore Forest & Pollnagollum Cave
Set on the slopes of Belmore Mountain (≈398 m), the forest offers sweeping views of Boho, Lower Lough Erne and the Brougher Mountain TV masts. The main attraction is Pollnagollum Cave (“hole of the doves”), entered via a 12 m waterfall that drops over limestone before disappearing underground. Visitors can:
- View the cave entrance from a safe wooden platform; the waterfall is especially spectacular after rain.
- Enjoy scenic vistas of Cuilcagh, the lakes and surrounding mountains along the looped forest trail.
- Spot the Game of Thrones connection – the cave served as the “Hollow Hill” hideout in season 3 of the series.
Explore further forest routes and the Neolithic cairn on the Belmore Forest page.
Wildlife & Flora
The Geopark’s varied habitats support a rich array of species. In the woodlands you may encounter red squirrels, pine martens, dippers and occasional otters. Spring brings carpets of bluebells, wood anemone, primroses and wild garlic. The limestone cliffs host rare alpine plants such as the mountain avens, while the river corridors are important for salmon and trout.
Accessibility
- Marble Arch Caves: the underground boat ride and the boardwalk over the natural arch are fully wheelchair‑accessible, with accessible toilets and a lift to the visitor centre.
- Cladagh Glen: the trail includes steep wooden steps and boardwalk sections and is not wheelchair‑accessible; dogs must be kept under control and waste disposed of.
- Belmore Forest: the main loop is on uneven ground with some steep sections and is not wheelchair‑accessible.
- Facilities: the visitor centre provides accessible toilets, a café, an audio‑visual theatre, exhibition areas and a gift shop; free parking is available for cars and coaches.
Events & Filming
The Geopark’s dramatic scenery has attracted film crews; Pollnagollum Cave featured as “Hollow Hill” in season 3 of Game of Thrones. The Geopark also hosts seasonal guided walks, wildlife talks, school‑focused educational programmes and the occasional family‑explorer day. Check the official Geopark website for the latest event calendar.
Practical Information
- Location: The Geopark spans County Fermanagh (Northern Ireland) and County Cavan (Republic of Ireland). Main access points are the Marble Arch Caves visitor centre (near Enniskillen) and the Cladagh Glen trailhead off the R200 road.
- Getting there: By car, follow the A509 to the visitor centre; the address is 43 Marlbank Road, Enniskillen, BT92 1EW. Public transport options include Bus Éireann routes to Enniskillen with local taxis to the trailheads. Parking is available at the caves (main car park) and at the Cladagh Glen car park.
- Opening times: The Marble Arch Caves operate year‑round with seasonal hours; guided tours run throughout the day. Cladagh Glen and Belmore Forest are open all year, with foot‑path improvements completed in 2024 making the routes accessible for most walkers.
- Admission fees: [Information required – see needs_human_action]
- Facilities: The caves visitor centre provides a café, gift shop, audio‑visual theatre, exhibition spaces and accessible toilets. Trailheads have basic parking, information boards and marked way‑markers.
- Pet policy: Dogs are allowed on the Cladagh Glen and Belmore Forest walks but must be kept under control and owners must clean up after them.
- Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn offers the richest wild‑flower displays in the woodlands and the most reliable river flow for the Cascades and Pollnagollum waterfall. Winter visits give a dramatic, mist‑filled cave experience but may limit some trail sections.
- Tips: Bring sturdy walking shoes, waterproof clothing for the gorge walks, and a camera for the spectacular limestone formations. Guided tours at the caves should be booked in advance during peak season.
Nearby Attractions
- Cuilcagh Mountain Park – a 2,500‑hectare upland area offering the famous “Stairway to Heaven” boardwalk and panoramic views of the Lakelands.
- Cavan Burren Park – a karst landscape of megalithic tombs, hut sites and limestone pavements, just across the border.
- Florence Court – an 18th‑century house and estate a short drive from the Geopark, ideal for a cultural side‑trip.
Enjoy a day – or several – exploring the underground rivers, ancient forests and dramatic cliffs that make Marble Arch Geopark a uniquely Irish treasure.