Marble Arch Caves & the Cuilcagh Boardwalk: Underground Rivers & the "Stairway to Heaven"

Marble Arch Caves lie beneath the slopes of Cuilcagh Mountain in the south-west of County Fermanagh, near Florencecourt. Above them, a long boardwalk crosses the blanket bog towards Cuilcagh's summit ridge.

Why Marble Arch Caves & Cuilcagh Is Special

This is one of the most unusual days out in Ireland: a boat trip along an underground river through caves full of stalactites, followed by a walk up the boardwalk known as the Stairway to Heaven, with views across Fermanagh's lakes.

The caves and mountain are part of a Global Geopark recognised by UNESCO for its geology.

The History of Marble Arch Caves & Cuilcagh

Three rivers flow off Cuilcagh Mountain and disappear underground, joining in the caves to form the Cladagh River, which emerges at the Marble Arch, a natural limestone arch.

The caves were first explored in 1895 by the French cave scientist Édouard-Alfred Martel and the Dublin naturalist Lyster Jameson, who used a canvas boat, candles and magnesium flares to light their way.

Today the show cave includes a boat journey on the underground river. The Cuilcagh Boardwalk, which climbs across the bog and up a staircase to the plateau, protects one of the largest areas of blanket bog in Northern Ireland.

What to See & the Best Walks at Marble Arch Caves & Cuilcagh

Take the guided tour of Marble Arch Caves (book ahead; tours can close after heavy rain), including the boat trip. Walk through the Cladagh Glen to the Marble Arch.

Walk the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, about four and a half miles each way, and climb the final staircase for the view. Visit Florence Court and its gardens nearby.

Wildlife at Marble Arch Caves & Cuilcagh

The blanket bog is home to red grouse, golden plovers and meadow pipits, and to bog plants such as sundews and bog cotton. Please stay on the boardwalk to protect the fragile bog.

Gardens, Countryside & Antiques near Marble Arch Caves & Cuilcagh

See the Marble Arch Caves and the Cuilcagh Boardwalk and Florence Court listings. Antiques hunters can visit Zebra Antiques at Ballygawley on the way back towards Belfast.

Enniskillen, on the River Erne between the Fermanagh lakes, is a short drive away.

Marble Arch Caves & Cuilcagh Through the Seasons

Spring and summer are the best seasons for the caves and the boardwalk. Autumn colours the bog in russet and gold, and winter can bring snow to the plateau, when the boardwalk may close.

Getting to Marble Arch Caves & Cuilcagh

There is no railway in Fermanagh; buses run from Belfast to Enniskillen, about twelve miles from the caves. A car is the easiest way to visit.

Marble Arch Caves & Cuilcagh: Questions & Answers

What is the Stairway to Heaven in Fermanagh?

The Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, which crosses the blanket bog and climbs a staircase up Cuilcagh Mountain.

Do you need to book Marble Arch Caves?

Yes, booking is recommended, and tours can be cancelled after heavy rain.

Our Advice

Our advice: Book the cave tour for the morning, walk the boardwalk in the afternoon, and check the weather, as both can close after heavy rain.