Discover what lies beneath the surface as you go underground in County Fermanagh
Descending into the Marble Arch Caves is like stepping into the Underworld. The air is chill, bright sunlight fades to darkness, and the sound of water is everywhere – dripping, trickling, gushing. These caves, with their labyrinth of rivers, waterfalls and vast echoing chambers, were formed over 330 million years ago and reach more than 11km in length. Even today, they are constantly evolving as underground waters continue to shape the County Fermanagh limestone into strange and fantastical formations.
Marble Arch Caves, County Fermanagh
Courtesy of Marble Arch Caves
A hidden underworld
Before they were first explored in the late 19th century, the Marble Arch Caves lay undisturbed for millennia with no chink of light to disturb their primordial gloom. The locals knew of their existence but regarded them with superstition and fear. This was a place thought to be inhabited by witches, ghosts and fairies, lying in wait for anyone who dared enter.
It wasn’t until 1895 that two intrepid explorers, Édouard-Alfred Martel and Dublin-born naturalist Lyster Jameson, braved the darkness armed only with candles and magnesium flares to light their way. What they found was extraordinary: passages carved through the rock by the merging of three rivers (the Owenbrean, the Aghinrawn and the Sruh Croppa), underground pools and vast caverns adorned by curious calcite features formed over millions of years.
Take the guided tour – which includes a trip along a subterranean river – and you’ll travel deep into this hidden realm, moving through shadowy caverns and into chambers adorned with spectacular stalactites.
Devenish Island, County Fermanagh
The Marble Arch Caves are part of the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark, a region of great geological, archaeological and historical significance, straddling the border between counties Fermanagh and Cavan. It’s one of Ireland's most diverse areas – encompassing everything from rare blanket bog, forest and inland cliffs, to the megalithic tombs of the Cavan Burren Park and the iconic Early Christian monastery on Devenish Island.
Close to the caves is another unmissable experience – the Cuilcagh Boardwalk – which leads you to the top of Cuilcagh Mountain, and is known locally as the “Stairway to Heaven”. Stunning scenery, fascinating history, and the awe-inspiring natural wonder of the Marble Arch Caves – sounds like the perfect destination for your next holiday!
