Overview
Marble Arch Geopark is a trans-national UNESCO Global Geopark straddling the foothills of Cuilcagh Mountain in County Fermanagh and the limestone landscapes of County Cavan. Rebranded in 2021 as Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark, the area covers 1,741 km² and protects a landscape shaped by millions of years of geological activity. Visitors come for the Marble Arch Caves, Ireland and the UK’s most active river showcave, but the park also offers ancient ash woodlands, blanket bogs, historic castles, and a network of walking and cycling routes. With over 200,000 visitors annually, it serves as an excellent base for families, hikers, and nature enthusiasts exploring the Irish border region.
History & Geology
The limestone and sandstone foundations of the Geopark were laid down more than 340 million years ago in shallow tropical seas. Human exploration of the area arrived much later. The caves were first surveyed in 1895 by French speleologist Édouard Martel and naturalist Lyster Jameson, and opened to the public in 1985. The area earned its initial UNESCO Geopark status in 2001, upgraded to Global Geopark recognition in 2015. It became the world’s first cross-border Geopark in 2008, linking the Northern Irish council of Fermanagh & Omagh with Cavan County Council. Today, the park continues to balance geological conservation with sustainable tourism and local community engagement.
What to See & Do
Marble Arch Caves
Guided tour: A 75-minute boat ride glides along an underground river, passing towering limestone walls and subterranean waterfalls. The tour continues on illuminated walkways showcasing stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone formations. Guides share geological insights alongside local folklore. The boat ride and the boardwalk over the natural arch are fully wheelchair-accessible.
Family Explorer activity: A hands-on programme for younger visitors combining cave-science experiments with storytelling, perfect for a shorter visit following the main tour.
Eco-Adventure walk: A surface-level route introducing the karst landscape, the Cladagh River, and the surrounding woodland ecosystem.
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 path includes 121 wooden steps leading up to the natural limestone arch that gives the caves their name. Key highlights include:
- Cascades Waterfall – A clear plunge over limestone steps located roughly a mile into the walk.
- Marble Arch – A natural limestone arch spanning the re-emergent Cladagh River, reached via a stepped boardwalk.
- Spring Flora – Woodland floors carpeted with bluebells, wood anemone, and primroses during warmer months.
- Wildlife – Frequent sightings of red squirrels, pine martens, and dippers along the river corridor.
- Guided walks – Seasonal “Unlocking the Hidden World of Cladagh Glen” tours offer deeper insight into the area’s geology and ecology.
The trail finishes at the Marble Arch Caves visitor centre, allowing a smooth transition between surface and underground experiences. Check the official site for the latest trail status, as paths occasionally close for maintenance or after heavy rainfall. For more details, visit the dedicated Cladagh Glen page.
Belmore Forest & Pollnagollum Cave
Set on the slopes of Belmore Mountain (≈398 m), this 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 vanishing underground. Visitors can:
- View the cave entrance from a safe wooden platform; the waterfall is particularly dramatic after rain.
- Enjoy scenic vistas of Cuilcagh, the lakes, and surrounding peaks along the looped forest trail.
- Spot the filming connection – The cave served as the “Hollow Hill” hideout in season 3 of Game of Thrones.
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. The ancient woodlands shelter 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 mountain avens, while the river corridors provide important habitat for salmon and trout.
Accessibility & Facilities
- Marble Arch Caves: The underground boat ride, boardwalk over the natural arch, visitor centre, and toilets are fully wheelchair-accessible.
- Cladagh Glen: The trail includes steep wooden steps and boardwalk sections and is not wheelchair-accessible. Dogs are permitted but must be kept under control, and waste must be disposed of properly.
- Belmore Forest: The main loop features uneven ground and steep sections, making it unsuitable for wheelchairs.
- 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.
Planning Your Visit
- Location & Access: The Geopark spans County Fermanagh and County Cavan. The main access point is the Marble Arch Caves visitor centre near Enniskillen, located at 43 Marlbank Road, Enniskillen, BT92 1EW. Follow the A509 for the easiest route.
- 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.
- Admission: Cave tours require advance booking and a ticket, particularly during peak season. Access to the Cladagh Glen and Belmore Forest trails is free.
- What to Bring: Sturdy walking shoes are essential for the gorge and forest paths. Waterproof layers are recommended year-round due to the region’s microclimate. Book cave tours online ahead of time to secure your preferred slot.
Nearby Attractions
- Cuilcagh Mountain Park – A 2,500-hectare upland area featuring the famous Cuilcagh Boardwalk (“Stairway to Heaven”) and panoramic Lakelands views.
- Cavan Burren Park – A striking 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 away, ideal for a cultural side-trip.
- Devenish Island – A quiet pilgrimage island on Lough Erne with ancient monastic ruins.
Start your day with the Cladagh Glen walk to beat the midday crowds, then head underground for the cave tour before finishing with a coffee at the visitor centre. The trails are best experienced in late spring or early autumn when the woodland flora is at its peak and river flows are steady. Book your cave tickets online a few days in advance to guarantee entry on busy weekends.