Overview
Marlbank (also known as Killykeeghan) sits on the northern, lower slopes of Cuilcagh Mountain, sandwiched between the dramatic limestone uplands and the gentle Erne Lowlands. The reserve is part of the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark and is celebrated for its rich limestone grassland, a mosaic of wildflowers, and a viewpoint that commands sweeping vistas over Upper and Lower Lough MacNean, the village of Belcoo, Belmore Mountain and the nearby Belmore Forest as well as Cushrush Island. The walk is short – a 0.5‑mile (600 m) circular loop – making it ideal for families, casual walkers and anyone seeking a quick immersion in the natural heritage of County Fermanagh.
History & Geological Background
The story of Marlbank begins over 340 million years ago when a shallow tropical sea covered what is now northern Ireland. Over millennia, lime‑rich mud settled on the sea floor, eventually hardening into the fossil‑rich limestone that defines the landscape today. During the last Ice Age, around 18 000 years ago, massive ice sheets scoured the valley, deepening it and leaving behind a classic drumlin field that is still visible from the viewpoint. Human activity has also left its mark: the area was once densely wooded with hazel, elm and ash, but Stone‑Age clearances for farming reduced the woodland to the scattered hazel scrub you see now. A small exhibition in the restored McGrath’s cottage interprets this layered history, from geological formation to the agricultural practices that shaped the present‑day reserve.
What to See & Do
Flora
Marlbank’s thin limestone soils support a spectacular array of herbs and grasses. In spring and early summer you’ll encounter:
- Pink thyme and blue harebell, bright splashes of colour against the grey stone.
- Yellow bird’s‑foot trefoil, a favourite food plant for the rare dingy skipper butterfly.
- Lesser butterfly orchids and pink heath‑spotted orchids, the latter carpeting acidic patches in early June.
- Field gentian and the elusive small white mountain orchid, both considered botanical rarities.
Fauna
The reserve’s mosaic of grassland, scrub and heath creates habitats for a surprising range of wildlife:
- Cuckoo and meadow pipit are regular summer callers, the latter often seen in jerky, low‑level flight.
- Butterflies such as the common blue, peacock, and the marsh fritillary flutter among the flowering herbs.
- Mammals like the Irish hare, red squirrel, pine marten and the agile stoat can be spotted darting along dry‑stone walls or through hazel scrub.
Marlbank Viewpoint
A short detour from the loop brings you to the Marlbank Viewpoint, a designated geosite that offers one of the most striking panoramas in the Geopark. On a clear day you can see the twin lakes of Lough MacNean, the village of Belcoo, the distant silhouette of Belmore Mountain, the forested slopes of Belmore Forest and the tiny Cushrush Island. Interpretation panels explain the geological forces that created the landscape, making the stop both visually and educationally rewarding.
Cultural Highlights
The McGrath’s cottage houses a modest exhibition on local history, open daily in July and August and on weekends in May, June and September. The interpretive display includes artefacts from the former hazel‑woodland farming community and explains the transition from ancient woodland to the present‑day grassland.
Practical Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Start point | NIEA car park (grid reference H109341) |
| Distance | 0.5 mi (600 m) circular loop |
| Terrain | Off‑road grassy paths; uneven in places |
| Difficulty | Easy – suitable for families and casual walkers |
| Opening hours | Car park & toilets: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm, Easter to September (closed September‑Easter) |
| Admission | Free (parking charges may apply) |
| Facilities | Car park, toilets, interpretive panels, limited‑mobility access at visitor centre |
| Best time to visit | Late spring to early summer for peak wildflower display; May for cuckoo song |
| Nearest town | Belcoo (approx. 1 mi) |
| Public transport | Served by Translink – check journeyplanner.translink.co.uk |
| How to get there | Follow signs for “Marlbank Scenic Loop” and “Marble Arch Caves/Cuilcagh Geopark”. The car park lies about 1 mile from the Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre. |
Getting There
Marlbank is accessed via the Marlbank Road (BT92 1BR). If you are driving from Enniskillen, take the A509 to the turn‑off for the Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre and follow the local signs. For those using public transport, the nearest bus stop is in Belcoo; a short taxi ride will bring you to the car park.
Visitor Services
While there is no on‑site café, the nearby village of Belcoo offers a handful of pubs and eateries where you can refuel after your walk. The Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre, located a short distance away, provides guided tours of the showcaves, restrooms, a gift shop and ample parking.
Conservation Note
The grassland is managed through conservation grazing, which helps maintain the low‑growing plant community and supports the specialist butterflies that rely on it. Visitors are asked to stay on the marked path, keep dogs on leads, and avoid disturbing wildlife, especially during the breeding season.
Enjoy the quiet charm of Marlbank, where geology, botany and birdsong converge to create a truly memorable slice of Irish countryside.