The Marble Arch Caves are one of Northern Ireland’s most impressive caves! Located in Enniskillen in County Fermanagh, it’ll give you a whole new perspective on the area! Underground galleries and dark depths are on the agenda, a delight for budding adventurers who aren’t afraid of the dark and confined spaces!
The Marble Arch Caves, located in County Fermanagh in Northern Ireland, were officially discovered in 1895 by French explorer Édouard-Alfred Martel and Irish naturalist Lyster Jameson. Martel, often considered the father of modern speleology, was invited by the owner of the Florence Court estate to explore and map this cave system.
Martel and Jameson, accompanied by a small team, were the first to light the depths of the caves with candle lamps and explore the flooded passages with a small boat. They navigated the Cladagh underground river and were able to document their discoveries, describing the large chambers, underground waterfalls, limestone formations and geological features they encountered.
Their work was the starting point for the recognition and promotion of the Marble Arch Caves as a site of geological and tourist interest. However, it wasn’t until the 1980s that the caves were opened to the public, following renovation work to ensure visitor safety. Infrastructures such as trails, lighting and reception facilities have been installed to facilitate access and guided tours.
The Marble arch cave – © Irina Schmidt
The Marbles Arch Caves date back over 340 million years.
Part of the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark, they take their name from the natural marble arch at the entrance to the cave complex.
It takes the form of a series of underground galleries, dug out over time by 3 rivers that still meander around the side of Cladagh Glen mountain.
As a result, the cave measures over 11.5km in length: an impressive dimension, which makes Marbles Arch Caves one of the most imposing caves in Northern Ireland!
Open to the public, the cave can be visited with a specialist caving guide.
It all starts with a boat trip and ends with an exploration on foot. You’ll need a strong heart, as you’ll have to climb steps and walk almost 1.5 km underground! (Please note: although the Marble Arch Caves are accessible to many, some parts of the tour may not be suitable for people with mobility difficulties due to the stairs and naturally uneven surfaces).
Illuminated by spotlights, the cave offers a wealth of fascinating geological formations. Stalactites, stalagmites, impressive waterfalls… It’s a magical place that offers a different side of Ireland!
You’ll discover impressive geological features, such as columns where stalactites and stalagmites have met, draperies that resemble stone curtains, and pools of gours created by calcite deposits.
Carefully placed lighting enhances the colors and textures of the rocks, creating an ethereal atmosphere for stunning photos. These LEDS are rock-friendly and part of a sustainable development approach.
Allow around 75 minutes for your visit, punctuated by your guide’s passionate explanations (mainly in English). An immersive and exciting experience!
If you’re not a fan of cramped spaces, and a dive into underground galleries makes you break out in a cold sweat, then Marble Arch Caves has got you covered! On the surface, you can explore the caves using a VR headset. A chance to explore the area from 360 degrees without having to set foot in the dark, shadowy caverns of the Marble Arch Caves!
The experience, though less authentic, is the perfect way to take in the sights as if you were there!
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daily from 10:00 to 16:30
We recommend wearing appropriate footwear for hiking, as the paths can be wet and slippery, and dressing warmly, as temperatures inside the caves are relatively cold all year round.
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