International Day of Caves and Karst
On 13 September, caves and karst landscapes around the world are celebrated as part of the International Day of Caves and Karst.
For 41 years, Marble Arch Caves has been welcoming visitors underground to discover one of Northern Ireland’s most spectacular natural attractions. Since opening to the public in 1985, generations of visitors have explored its winding passages, underground rivers and remarkable cave formations.
This year is particularly special, marking the first official celebration of the International Day of Caves and Karst following its proclamation by UNESCO. The day celebrates the importance of these extraordinary landscapes and helps raise awareness of the need to understand, protect and enjoy them for generations to come.
Discover a world beneath your feet
Our Guided Cave Tours run daily, taking visitors on a journey through this incredible underground world. Discover passages carved by water, follow the course of the underground rivers and experience the fascinating geology that has shaped this landscape over millions of years.
Marble Arch Caves is the most active river show cave in Ireland and the UK and a key site within the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark.
More than a cave tour
Celebrating caves and karst is also about discovering new ways to experience and connect with the landscape around us.
As part of our celebrations, visitors took on the challenge of Wild Caving, venturing beyond the traditional visitor experience to explore the underground environment in a more adventurous way.
We also got creative with Layers of Time, a unique fused glass workshop inspired by the geology and ancient stories held within the landscape.
From underground adventures to creative experiences, our events offered new ways to explore the remarkable world beneath — and above — Marble Arch Caves.
41 years of exploration. A landscape millions of years in the making. And still so much more to discover.
