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Marble Arch Caves

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description Marble Arch Caves Overview

The Marble Arch Caves are a limestone cave system located in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. Formed by the erosion of the Claddagh River, the caves feature underground streams, passages, and calcite formations. They operate as a show cave, offering guided boat tours that allow visitors to navigate the subterranean river system. The caves serve as the focal point for the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark, which highlights the region's natural and geological heritage.

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Where are the Marble Arch Caves located?

The Marble Arch Caves are located in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, nestled in the foothills of the Cuilcagh Mountains. They sit just outside the town of Enniskillen within the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark.

What can you see on the Marble Arch Caves tour?

Visitors take a guided tour that includes a short underground boat ride along the subterranean Cladagh River. The tour highlights massive stalactites, stalagmites, and impressive calcite flowstones lit by dramatic cave lighting.

How were the Marble Arch Caves discovered?

While locals knew of the cave's existence, they were thoroughly explored and mapped in 1895 by the famous French caver Édouard-Alfred Martel. Martel, alongside a local named James Lyster, navigated the underground river system and opened it to public exploration.

Is the Marble Arch Caves Geopark worth visiting for nature walks?

Yes, the surrounding UNESCO Global Geopark offers excellent hiking, including the popular Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, often called the "Stairway to Heaven." The trail takes hikers across bogs and wooden boardwalks up the mountain, offering stunning views of the karst landscape.

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