Gortmaconnell and Owenbrean, Farmhouse Walk
This walk brings you through some of the most beautiful scenery that the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark has to offer. Follow the geological timeline back through hundreds of millions of years to when the area was under a shallow tropical sea and Ireland lay close to the equator. These walks take you over limestone hills and along river banks into the foothills of Cuilcagh Mountain and one of the wildest places in Northern Ireland. Along the way you can learn about the shared geological history of geoparks from Ireland all the way to Norway and Canada. Keep an eye out for the volcanic Cuilcagh dyke or the disappearing river and if your lucky you might spot some of the feral goats that have roamed these hills for thousands of years.
County Fermanagh
Distance 2.2 miles
OS Map Sheet 26
Terrain Farm track, grass and bog
Nearest Town Florencecourt
Route Shape Linear
Grid Reference H128340
Route Type Hill, Mountain, Riverside
Follow the Owenbrean river along it’s course. Notice the wide meander caused by the volcanic Cuilcagh Dyke. Look out for Dippers along the river, these black and white diving birds are a common sight. This walk offers incredible views of the river valley and the blanket bog of Cuilcagh which is designated as a Special Area of Conservation for its internationally important habitats. Follow the trail as it veers off along the edge of a limestone outcrop passing the ruins of an old stone dwelling before crossing open grassland and bog in the shadow of Gortmaconnell Rock.
Owenbrean River, Cuilcagh Mountain, Cuilcagh Dyke, Old farm buildings, Limestone geology, blanket bog and limestone grassland
From Enniskillen follow the A4 Sligo Road West out of the town. Follow signs for Marble Arch Caves. Continue to follow signs for Marble Arch Caves and Marlbank Scenic Route. Roughly 1.5 miles along the Marlbank Scenic Route on the left hand side is a sign for Gortmaconnell. This is the beginning of all of the above walking routes.
Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
Dogs are not allowed.
Car Parking, Public Toilets at Marble Arch Caves (open March – October)
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Walk Route
Gortmaconnell and Owenbrean, Farmhouse Walk