A Tourist’s Guide To The March Arch Caves, County Fermanagh

Date: March 10, 2023
Time to read: 4 min.

A Tourist’s Guide To The March Arch Caves, County Fermanagh

Welcome to Enniskillen Tourist Guides: a new series that will give you a detailed breakdown of the very best tourist attractions Enniskillen – and County Fermanagh – have to offer. This week, we’re taking you on a virtual tour of the Marble Arch Caves.

The March Arch Caves is a spell-binding attraction close to the village of Florencecourt, roughly a 25-minute drive from Enniskillen.

Set in the picturesque foothills of Cuilcagh Mountain, it’s part of a UNESCO global geopark nestled on the Irish border and home to a breathtaking limestone cave network.

The attraction offers a variety of outdoor and below-ground experiences and gives tourists an opportunity to see – and learn about – delicate and mesmerising cave formations formed around 340 million years ago.

What to expect

Beauty and adventure abound in this other-worldly tourist attraction. And there are many ways to explore the caves. By far the most exciting is with a guided cave tour.

You’ll walk through the cave network, tracing along the Owebrean River and learning about the natural limestone rock formations all around you. You’ll take in hidden tunnels and still pools, and see gushing waters inside this black abyss.

Water levels permitting, you can hop aboard a subterranean boat trip and marvel at the scenes around you from the water.

This tour lasts between 60 and 75 minutes and is suitable for people of average fitness.

At the Marble Arch Caves, you can also book the Cave Explorer Virtual Reality Experience and the Wildlife Detective – Family Outdoor Activity.

The latter takes place on the grounds of Cladagh Glen. Under the guidance of activity instructors, young explorers will undertake a mini-beast hunt and learn about the woodland creatures that call the area home.

Who’s it for?

You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who wouldn’t enjoy the Marble Arch Caves Tour, but it’s especially great for families, adventurers, conservationists, and nature lovers.

How much is it?

In Summer 2022, an adult ticket costs £12 and a child ticket is £6. Family, senior concession, and student concession tickets are also available.

Large groups may book a private tour.

Is it suitable for kids?

The Marble Arch Caves is a great tourist attraction for the kids. It’s as magical and awe-inspiring as it is educational and will undoubtedly ensure your little ones are inspired and entertained. They’ll learn a lot along the way.

When is it open?

Opening hours vary throughout the year so it’s best to check the website ahead of your visit.

In summer, the Mable Arch Caves Visitor Centre is open daily from 10am to 6pm.

What else is there to do nearby?

Cuilcagh Boardwalk

Also known as the Legnabrocky Trail and affectionately nicknamed the Stairway To Heaven, this trail takes you through one of the largest expanses of blanket bog in Northern Ireland and offers panoramic views of County Fermanagh and neighbouring County Cavan.

Florencecourt House and Gardens

This National Trust attraction is home to a picturesque 18th-century house and gardens. It offers miles of peaceful woodland for you to explore and provides picnic benches for those who want to park up and enjoy the views with some grub.

Killykeegan National Nature Reserve

Also part of the Marble Arch Caves Geopark, this area of outstanding natural beauty is home to the most extensive area of limestone grassland in Northern Ireland. You’ll have the opportunity to explore an ancient landscape which was formed under a tropical sea.

Special considerations

Make sure you dress accordingly. The temperature in the caves is around 10 degrees throughout the year, so pack an extra layer like a warm jumper or fleece and wear comfortable shoes.

If you are planning to hike Cuilcagh mountain before or after your tour, make sure you come prepared. The walk takes approximately four hours to complete, so dress for the weather, wear proper hiking shoes, and pack some snacks.

What do reviewers have to say?

Marble Arch Caves has racked up plenty of rave reviews over the years. Reviewers often remark on how interesting the tour is and how knowledgeable the guides are. Many also say the caves were very accessible and incredibly impressive.

A recent reviewer described the attraction as a great family day out, writing “The Marble Arch Caves is a lovely spot to visit. It’s well organised with polite friendly staff and the amenities are spotless.

“We did the cave tour with Victor, a fit gentleman with lots of knowledge about the caves and locality. After we went for a walk along the Clagagh River. It was an absolutely stunning walk and you would hardly think you were in Ireland.”

How to book

Booking ahead is essential and you can secure your spot via the Marble Arch Caves website. You’ll need to pick a time slot for your tour before purchasing your tickets.

For more information on what to eat, drink and do in Enniskillen, keep up to date with Enniskillen.com.

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