Marble Arch Caves Waterfall
The marble arch caves are a series of natural limestone caves located near the village of florencecourt in county fermanagh northern ireland the caves are named after the nearby marble arch a natural limestone arch at the upstream end of cladagh glen under which the cladagh river flows.
Marble arch caves waterfall. At the head of the gorge the path reaches the marble arch a spectacular natural archway that spans the river a remnant of a former cave. In flood it has a discharge volume of up to 10 cubic metres or 10 tons of water per second. The marble arch caves is host to one of the finest show caves in europe. The marble arch caves lay undisturbed for thousands of years until it wasn t until 1895 when two explorers disturbed the silence of the caves and the first beam of light pierced the darkness.
The two adventurers were french cave explorer edouard alfred martel and a dublin born scientist named lyster jameson. Located under the shadow of cuilcagh mountain why not take in tullydermot falls on a tour of this very scenic area. Visitors are guided through a fascinating natural underworld of rivers waterfalls winding passages and lofty chambers while stunningly beautiful cave formations glisten all around. Human time has little meaning in the marble arch caves where a stalactite hanging from the cave roof may take more than 100 years to add just one millimetre to its length.
Tours begin at the marble arch caves visitor centre and you must register your arrival 30 minutes prior to your tour start time. The caves lay undisturbed for countless thousands of years as the river eroded and dissolved away millions of tonnes of limestone and rank upon rank of stalactites grew slowly from the cave roof to carve and shape the majestic passages. For the feature spotter there is an ample supply of stalactites stalagmites pillars cave curtains rimstone pools flowstones fossils and an assortment of other cave formations some dating. 1mile you pass the cascades waterfall a spring in the limestone where crystal clear water can be seen gushing down a natural staircase after re emerging from the cascades cave system.
The caves are formed from three rivers draining off the northern slopes of cuilcagh mountain which. The unesco recognised marble arch caves global geopark is host to the marble arch showcaves which include fascinating natural underground rivers waterfalls winding passages and lofty chambers. We offer a selection of outdoor and below ground experiences. Its striking landscape of a steep sided gorge underlying cave systems cascading waterfalls turbulent river and ancient woodland have been carved and shaped over thousands of years.
Marble arch caves explore a fascinating natural underworld of rivers waterfalls winding passages and lofty chambers at the marble arch caves global geopark. Marble arch caves is a must see tourist attraction for families and nature lovers alike.