Located in the picturesque foothills of Cuilcagh Mountain, near Florencecourt, County Fermanagh, the Marble Arch Caves are one of Europe’s finest show caves and a key site within the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark, the world’s first cross-border Geopark spanning Fermanagh and Cavan.
Formed over 340m years ago during the Carboniferous period, this limestone cave system, shaped by three subterranean rivers (Owenbrean, Aghinrawn, and Sruh Croppa), offers a magical underground adventure.
First explored in 1895 by Édouard-Alfred Martel and Lyster Jameson, the caves opened to the public in 1985 and attract around 94,000 visitors annually.
- Guided Cave Tour (75 minutes): The highlight is a 1.5km guided tour through a labyrinth of winding passages, lofty chambers, and subterranean rivers. The tour includes:
- A 10-minute underground boat journey (weather permitting, as heavy rain can raise water levels, making boats inaccessible).
- A walk along carefully constructed pathways with handrails, showcasing stalactites, stalagmites, calcite formations (e.g., the Porridge Pot), and underground pools. Discrete lighting highlights the caves’ delicate features.
- Enthusiastic guides (e.g., Finn, Victor, Ava) share geological insights, local stories, and the caves’ history, making the experience educational and engaging. The tour requires a basic fitness level due to approximately 154 steps, including a steep exit climb, and is not wheelchair-accessible. Visitors must wear flat, sturdy shoes and bring a coat, as the cave maintains a constant 10°C.
Visitor Centre:
- A Cave Explorer Virtual Reality Experience (£3 for ages 5+), a 5-minute immersive journey through the caves, ideal for those unable to take the guided tour due to mobility issues or age (parental guidance advised for young children).
- Exhibition areas with displays and a video on the caves’ geology and history, accessible to all visitors.
- The Marble Arch Café, serving affordable meals, snacks, and hot drinks (9:30 AM–5:00 PM).
- A souvenir shop with local crafts and cave-themed items.
- Free Wi-Fi, clean toilets, and visitor information about the Geopark and nearby attractions.
Outdoor Experiences:
The caves are part of a broader Geopark offering:
- Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (7.5km, known as the “Stairway to Heaven”), a scenic walk to Cuilcagh Mountain’s summit with stunning views, accessible daily during daylight hours from a privately owned car park.
- Cladagh Glen, a picturesque gorge with a walking trail featuring waterfalls and fossil-rich limestone, open during daylight hours.
- Killykeeghan National Nature Reserve (10:00 AM–4:00 PM), with a car park, toilets, and interpretation centre for exploring blanket bog and wildlife.
Visitor Feedback:
- With a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice award, the caves are praised for their stunning formations, knowledgeable guides, and family-friendly appeal (though some young children may find the cave intimidating). Reviews note the educational value, with guides like Daniel and Finn lauded for humor and patience. High water levels can limit boat trips, so checking conditions is advised. The visitor centre’s displays and café are well-regarded, though some note the gift shop’s pricing as high.
- Nearby Attractions: At Marlbank, Florencecourt, BT92 1EW, the caves are a 20-minute drive from Enniskillen (A4 to A32, follow signs). Nearby attractions include Florencecourt House, Devenish Island’s monastic site, and Cavan Burren Park. The caves’ Game of Thrones filming connection (a prequel location) adds cultural intrigue.
Practicalities:
- Planning Tips: Book tours in advance, arrive 30 minutes early, and check weather conditions, as heavy rain may affect boat trips. Wear warm clothing (10°C in caves) and sturdy shoes.
- Special Events: The caves host unique events like candlelight tours, sound baths, cave pottery workshops, and Earth Yoga sessions in the cave’s heart, offering immersive experiences. Family-friendly activities, such as “Wild Caving,” allow exploration of less accessible cave sections with qualified leaders.
- Accessibility and Facilities: The visitor centre is fully accessible, with five Blue Badge parking spaces, a drop-off point, and two electric vehicle charging points. Free parking is available for cars, campervans, and coaches, with a summer-only bus service from Enniskillen (12 miles away). Guide/assistance dogs are welcome, and a Personal Assistance Support Scheme (PASS) provides complimentary tickets for companions of registered disabled visitors (book by phone or in person). The cave tour, however, involves steps and is not suitable for those with significant mobility issues.
- Pricing and Booking: Guided tours cost approximately £13.50/adult, £6.75/child (5–17), with family and combo tickets (e.g., Caves to Cruise Pass with Erne Water Taxi, £27.50/adult, £14/child) available. Pre-booking is recommended, especially during peak times (weekends, holidays), via www.marblearchcaves.co.uk or +44 (0)28 6632 1815. Heavy rain may cancel boat portions, with partial refunds offered.
- Combine with the Cuilcagh Boardwalk or Enniskillen’s attractions for a full day.
- Visitors should pre-book online due to ongoing connectivity issues or bring GBP cash for on-site payments.
