Overview
White Fathers Cave (also known as St Augustine’s Cave) lies just outside Blacklion on the N16 Enniskillen‑Sligo road, straddling the border between County Cavan and County Fermanagh. It is part of the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark and offers a rare glimpse into a living river‑formed karst system. The cave comprises three linked sections totalling roughly 400 m in length, with a thin limestone ceiling that has survived both natural collapse and the construction of the modern N16.
Geology
The cave was created by melt‑water from the last Ice Age between 12 000 and 8 000 years ago. An active underground river cut through the Cuilcagh limestone, carving three chambers and leaving a natural limestone bridge that once carried the historic road. The river’s constant flow (8‑10 °C year‑round) keeps the speleothems clean and bright, making the formations especially visible during guided tours.
History
The name derives from the nearby White Fathers Novitiate, a training house for the White Fathers missionary congregation built in 1953. In 1972 the property was taken over by the Department of Justice and now operates as the low‑security Loughan House open‑detention centre. The cave itself entered formal protection when Cuilcagh Mountain Park was created in 1998, followed by the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark in 2001 and its UNESCO designation in 2008. A dedicated Conservation Plan safeguards the cave’s delicate formations and its resident Daubenton’s bat colonies, prompting a seasonal closure from November to April.
Wildlife
The cave is home to colonies of Daubenton’s bats (Myotis daubentonii), freshwater shrimp, spiders and moths. In early 2025 speleologists reported the presence of fungus‑infected “zombie” spiders (genus Gibellula) – a rare phenomenon that has attracted scientific interest and highlights the cave’s unique subterranean ecosystem.
Things to See & Do
- Natural Bridge – The first short section forms a limestone arch that once supported the old road and now frames the modern N16.
- Three‑Section Walk – Guided tours traverse the 60 m second chamber (where a viewing platform sits) and continue into the 200 m third chamber, where the river deepens and the calcite formations are most visible.
- Active River – Water temperatures stay a chilly 8‑10 °C year‑round, offering a refreshing, if wet, experience.
- Geopark Interpretation – On‑site signage explains the karst processes that created the cave and its role within the wider Cuilcagh limestone network.
- Wildlife Spotting – Look for Daubenton’s bats (closed Nov‑Apr), freshwater shrimp and the occasional spider.
Guided water‑trek tours last either four or eight hours and involve walking, crawling and wading. Most operators provide essential gear – gum boots, wetsuits or oversuits, gloves, helmets, headlamps and safety belts – though participants are advised to bring a swimsuit, warm socks and a change of clothes for after the trek.
Visiting the Cave
Parking & Access
A purpose‑built car park is located at the main Geopark site on the N16 near Moneygashel. The nearest lay‑by is the parking area at St Patrick’s Church, about 250 m down the R206, from where a fenced pathway leads to the staircase and viewing platform.
Booking & Opening
The cave is open year‑round by appointment only. Interior access is only possible on guided water‑trek tours, which must be booked in advance with local caving operators. The interior is closed from November to April to protect the bat colonies, but the viewing platform remains open to the public.
What to Bring
- Reliable torch (headlamp preferred)
- Waterproof footwear (gum boots) – the river is 8‑10 °C
- Swimsuit and warm socks
- Towel and change of clothes
- Optional: wetsuit or oversuit (often supplied by the operator)
Weather
Because the underground river can flood after heavy rain, tours are weather‑dependent and may be cancelled at short notice.
Nearby Attractions
- Cavan Burren Park – A short drive away, offering a dolmen trail and wedge‑tomb walk.
- Marble Arch Caves – The flagship show cave of the Geopark, about 5 km north.
- Blacklion Village Trail – A short, sign‑posted walk from Blacklion showcasing local heritage.
- Belcoo Cottage Meadow – An amenity area on the shores of Upper Lough MacNean, ideal for a picnic.
Getting There
From Dublin, take the M1 north to the N2, then the N16 westward past Enniskillen. Turn off at the Blacklion round‑about, follow signs to Moneygashel and the cave. Public transport is limited; the nearest bus stop is in Blacklion, with local taxi services available.
White Fathers Cave offers a rare blend of geological intrigue, historic ambience and an invigorating river trek. Whether you are a seasoned caver or a curious visitor, the cave’s thin‑limestone arches and cold‑water passages promise an unforgettable underground adventure.