Overview
Marlbank, also known locally as Killykeeghan, occupies the gentle northern slopes of Cuilcagh Mountain, sitting between the rugged limestone uplands and the rolling Erne Lowlands. Managed as part of the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark, the reserve protects one of the finest examples of limestone grassland in the province. The 0.5-mile (600 m) circular loop is short enough for a quick stop but packed with botanical interest and geological storytelling. It serves as an accessible introduction to the natural heritage of County Fermanagh, suitable for families, casual walkers, and nature enthusiasts alike.
Geology & History
The landscape you walk today was forged over 340 million years ago, when a shallow tropical sea covered the region. Lime-rich mud accumulated on the sea floor, eventually compacting into the fossil-laden limestone that underpins the entire area. During the last Ice Age, roughly 18,000 years ago, advancing ice sheets carved and deepened the valley, depositing the classic drumlin formations still visible from the summit.
Human influence reshaped the surface layers. In earlier centuries, the slopes were densely wooded with hazel, elm, and ash. Stone Age communities cleared the woodland for early farming, and subsequent centuries of grazing and land management maintained the open grassland. A small exhibition in the restored McGrath’s cottage traces this transition from ancient woodland to the specialist flora that thrives today.
Wildflowers & Wildlife
The thin, alkaline limestone soil creates a unique micro-ecosystem that supports a dense tapestry of herbs, grasses, and insects. Timing your visit between May and July maximises your chances of seeing the reserve at its most vibrant.
Flora highlights:
- Pink thyme and blue harebell provide early summer colour and release a noticeable sweet scent when brushed against.
- Yellow bird’s-foot trefoil serves as a vital food plant for the rare dingy skipper butterfly.
- Lesser butterfly orchids and pink heath-spotted orchids appear in acidic patches, with the latter carpeting the ground in early June.
- Field gentian and the elusive small white mountain orchid are botanical rarities that reward careful observation.
Fauna to watch for:
- Cuckoos announce their arrival in spring, while meadow pipits perform their distinctive jerky, low-level flights above the grassland.
- Butterflies including the common blue, peacock, and marsh fritillary rely on the flowering herbs for nectar and breeding grounds.
- Mammals such as the Irish hare, red squirrel, pine marten, and stoat frequently dart along dry-stone walls or through the hazel scrub at the reserve’s edges.
The Viewpoint & Interpretation
A short detour from the main loop leads to the Marlbank Viewpoint, a designated geosite that offers one of the clearest reading panels of the Geopark’s landscape. On a clear day, the vista stretches across the twin waters of Upper and Lower Lough MacNean, frames the village of Belcoo, and reaches the forested ridges of Belmore Mountain. Cushrush Island sits quietly on the water below. The interpretation boards break down the geological forces that shaped the drumlins, karst features, and grassland, making the stop as educational as it is scenic.
McGrath’s Cottage
The restored cottage operates as a modest heritage centre, open daily in July and August, and on weekends from May through September. Inside, you’ll find artefacts from the former hazel-woodland farming community, alongside displays explaining how traditional agricultural practices inadvertently preserved the rare grassland ecosystem. It’s a useful pause point before or after the walk, particularly for school groups and visitors interested in local agricultural history.
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 toward the Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre and follow the brown tourist signs to the car park. For those arriving by bus, the nearest stop is in Belcoo; a short taxi ride or a 20-minute walk along the local road will bring you to the entrance.
Nearby Stops
There is no café on-site, but Belcoo’s main street offers several pubs and eateries for a post-walk meal. The Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre, located roughly a mile away, provides guided showcave tours, a gift shop, and additional parking if you’re planning a longer day out in the Geopark.
Conservation & Visitor Guidelines
The grassland survives because of active conservation grazing, which keeps taller vegetation in check and maintains the open conditions required by specialist butterflies and orchids. To protect this fragile habitat:
- Stay on the marked paths at all times.
- Keep dogs on leads, particularly during the spring and summer breeding seasons.
- Avoid trampling flowering patches or disturbing nesting birds.
- Take all litter with you; the reserve is maintained by a small NIEA team and relies on visitor cooperation.
Arrive before midday to secure parking, and bring a pair of binoculars – the meadow pipits and dingy skippers are much easier to spot when the morning light hits the grassland.