Local treasure Cladagh Glen Nature Reserve re-opens.

The popular Cladagh Glen walking trail, located within the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark, has reopened to the public following recently completed essential footpath improvement works.

This walk and the surrounding nature reserve, managed by The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), is one of the stand out trails in the Geopark. Cladagh Glen is one of Northern Ireland’s best example of ancient woodlands, characterised by its damp ash woodland, which is rare and ecologically significant.

Walkers can now, once again, enjoy the 4.6km route that meanders through one of Fermanagh’s pristine ancient woodlands. Highlights on the trail include the Cascades waterfall, the “Marble Arch” (after which Marble Arch Caves are named), and the Cladagh River ‘s re-emergence from the show cave.

Those seeking a challenge can then continue on to the Cuilcagh Boardwalk, visitors can make use of the cafe at the Marble Arch Caves Visitors Centre before taking an underground tour at the Showcave.

Chair of the Geopark Committee, Councillor Anthony Feely, said:
‘‘I would like to thank NIEA for its continued investment in Claddagh Glen and across the Geopark. Claddagh Glen is a favourite trail for both visitors and residents and it is fantastic that NIEA has enabled its reopening. Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark is committed to regenerative and sustainable tourism that is immersed in this unique landscape and aims to ensure that residents have opportunities to get active within this landscape. Claddagh Glen, along with other Geopark sites including Lough Navar, Castle Caldwell, Castle Archdale and the Cavan Burren provide great opportunities for locals and visitors to pursue their wellbeing.’’

Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor John McClaughry commented:
‘I am thrilled to see the re-opening of the much loved Cladagh Glen walking trail in the Geopark. Within the councils newly launched corporate plan, there is a promise to value and enrich our heritage and to protect, enhance, and make accessible the rich, diverse, natural, built and cultural heritage of our district.

Through the Community Plan, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and its partners are committed to the outcome that our outstanding natural environment and built and cultural heritage is sustainably managed and, where possible, enhanced.
Through working alongside our partner NIEA, Cladagh Glen is once again able to be utilised and enjoyed by people in the district and this ensures we are furthering both of these priorities.’’

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