Cavan/Fermanagh: The Cuilcagh Scenic Drive
20/07/2009 Attractions: The Shannon Pot, Tullydermot Falls, Florence Court House & Gardens, Marlbank Scenic Loop, Marble Arch Caves.
Activities: Angling, Walking & Cycling, Horseriding & Trekking, Golf, Cruising and moreYou really will enjoy this drive. There is some great scenery and lots of interesting places to visit. While this drive is only about 50 miles long it can easily take a few hours. So allow at least half a day to enjoy it.
From Drumshanbo take the R207 to Dowra and follow the signs to THE SHANNON POT. Here a number of streams meet to create the start of the River Shannon which is Ireland's longest river. There is a car park, picnic area and information boards. Be sure to bring boots or wellies as you need to cross a field to get to the pot.
Leaving the pot take the R206 left to Glangevlin and then the R200 to Swanlinbar. This road takes you through the Bellavally Gap with the Cuilcagh mountains to the left and the Benbrack range to the right. After about 4/5 miles you will reach the TULLYDERMOT FALLS and ALTACHULION VIEWPOINT. From here you are overlooking Slieve Rushen to the right and there is also a great view of the Cuilcagh Mountains to the left.
Continue on to Swanlinbar where you take the R202 for Enniskillen. After about 1.5 miles turn left for Gortalughany. On this road you will find another viewing point overlooking the Swanlinbar Valley.
Return to the main road turn left and follow the signs for FLORENCECOURT HOUSE & PARK(www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-florencecourt). There is some fine Irish furniture here including an Irish writing cabinet dating from 1730. It also features exquisite rococo plasterwork. The house is surrounded by a large area of parkland, garden and woodland including a restored walled garden. There are fantastic views over surrounding mountains and great walks in the Forest Park.
Follow THE MARLBANK SCENIC LOOP to the MARBLE ARCH CAVES(www.marblearchcaves.net). Marble Arch is one of Europes finest showcaves allowing visitors to explore a fascinating natural underworld of rivers, waterfalls, winding passages and lofty chambers. Part of the tour includes an underground boat trip. Tours are about 75 mins and comfortable shoes and a warm sweater are recommended.
Form Marble Arch Caves follow the signs to MARLBANK VIEWING POINT where there are spectacular views over Lough Macnean Lower and the Arney Valley.
Next stop is Blacklion. The Tourist Office is in the Market House in the centre of the town.
Between Blacklion and the Shannon Pot lies THE BURREN FOREST where there are various types of megalithic tombs. It is thought that this was a sacred place from the late Neolithic period to the early Bronze Age. Definitely brings you back in time..