Ireland's enchanting underworld of the Marble Arch Caves

The Marble Arch Caves are a series of natural limestone caves located near the village of Florencecourt (Irish: Mullach na Seangánin) in County Fermanagh  (Contae Fhear Manach) in the north of Ireland. They are close to a natural limestone arch called Marble Arch, under which the Cladagh River flows and from where the caves get their name. The caves are formed from three rivers draining off the northern slopes of Cuilcagh mountain, which combine underground to form the Cladagh. In Ireland's mythology and folklore rivers, streams, waterfalls and caves feature strongly. Often seen as an entrance to the Otherworld where supernatural beings dwelt. Descending into the Marble Arch Caves gives the impression of entering such a secret world of enchantment.

The underground chambers of the Marble Arch Caves were formed by water flowing through rock, slowly dissolving it away.  Most caves are found in limestone areas because, although limestone is a strong rock, it has certain properties which mean it is susceptible to corrosion.The Limestone in the Marble Arch Geopark formed around 330 million years ago during the Carboniferous geological period, that spans from 358.9 million years ago, to 298.9 million years ago. A time when Ireland was covered by a shallow tropical sea. It lay on or just slightly south of the equator, on the edge of a super continent, where sea-levels were higher. The limestones formed by the accumulation of lime-mud on the bottom of this ancient sea floor and from the remains of dead sea creatures that would have thrived in these waters.

After the water has made its underground journey through the Marble Arch Caves, it emerges further down the mountains.  However, over thousands of years it has created a remarkable and breathtaking natural underworld of rivers, winding passages, fascinating cave formations, stalactites and high chambers. This is an experience that is open for the public to explore  A series of walkways and strategically placed lighting reveals the beauty and grandeur of the caves. There are electrically powered boats that take visitors along a subterranean river.  Tours include a 1.5km guided walk with 154 steps to climb at the end. The Caves are open from March to November and information can be obtained from the Marble Arch Geopark website