Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark

Based in Blacklion, County Cavan, the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark is a UNESCO Global Geopark spanning the border country of Cavan and neighbouring Fermanagh. It became the world’s first cross-border geopark in 2008 and was awarded UNESCO Global Geopark status in 2015. Formerly known as the Marble Arch Caves UNESCO Global Geopark, it was rebranded under its current name in 2021, and is jointly managed by Cavan County Council and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.

The geopark brings together more than fifty sites across the two counties, from drumlins and rivers to uplands, cliffs and cave systems. Much of the landscape is shaped by Carboniferous limestone, laid down roughly 330 million years ago, which rainfall has weathered into the karst terrain, sinkholes and underground rivers for which the area is known. Alongside its geological interest, the area holds a range of heritage sites, including prehistoric tombs, early monastic remains and the glacial landscapes of Cavan Burren Park. Notable places to explore include the show caves at Marble Arch, the uplands of Cuilcagh Mountain Park and Drumlane Abbey and Round Tower.

Visitors can enjoy walking and cycling trails, waterfalls, forests and open countryside, along with a programme of guided walks, heritage trails and family-friendly events run throughout the year. The geopark office is located in Blacklion, with the surrounding sites spread across the Cavan-Fermanagh borderlands.