From Candlelight to Spotlight: 40 Years of Underground Adventures
2025 is a very special year for the Marble Arch Caves, marking two major milestones in our incredible journey beneath the surface. It has been 130 years since famed French explorer Edouard Martel first ventured underground, and 40 years since the show cave officially opened to the public on 29 May 1985. Since then, over 2.5 million visitors from all over the world have descended into the darkness to discover this hidden wonder of Fermanagh.
It all began with a sense of mystery. Long before electrical lighting and guided tours, local people spoke of strange stories—tales passed down through generations—about a hidden world beneath the hills. The cave itself takes its name from a dramatic natural archway near the exit. Though once believed to be made of marble, it is actually smooth, polished limestone, sculpted over thousands of years by rivers.
In 1895, Edouard Martel, known as the father of modern speleology, arrived in Fermanagh with little more than candlelight, rope, and a canvas canoe. What he discovered was a subterranean wonderland—one that would remain hidden from the public for nearly a century.
Fast forward to 29 May 1985, and the dream became a reality. The Marble Arch Caves opened its gates, launched by the former Fermanagh District Council (now Fermanagh and Omagh District Council), inviting the first members of the public to explore this otherworldly landscape.
Since then, we’ve gone from strength to strength. We were awarded European Geopark status in 2001, achieved the coveted UNESCO Global Geopark designation in 2017, and expanded to year-round operations in 2019. In 2020, we proudly joined Tourism NI’s Embrace a Giant Spirit experience collection, and by 2022, became part of the Regenerative Tourism Business Network—a real badge of honour for our commitment to conservation and sustainability.
To celebrate this momentous year, we’ll be rolling out a calendar of exciting events across late spring and summer 2025. Highlights include Martel’s Candlelight Tour, an atmospheric reimagining of Martel’s original adventure, and Wild Caving, a chance to go off the beaten path and experience the cave as the early explorers once did—boots muddy, heart pounding, and headtorch glowing.
Over the past four decades, we’ve welcomed adventurers from every corner of the world—from the wild landscapes of Australia to the coasts of America, the fjords of Norway, the cities of China, and the cultural heartlands of France and Germany. Each visit is a reminder of the global curiosity and wonder our show cave continues to inspire.
We couldn’t have reached this milestone without the dedication of our fantastic team, both past and present. So, whether you’re a first-time visitor or one of the millions who’ve already experienced the magic—we invite you to join us underground in 2025 and celebrate 40 years of awe, discovery, and adventure.
