Britain 09 - Day 10

Introduction

From Tullamore we drove north on the N52 past Lough Owel, the N4 past Edgeworthstown then the N55 through Cavan, and the N3 to Belturbet where we stopped for petrol. After crossing the border we climbed Cuilagh Mountains for the view, then on to the Marble Arch Caves. From the caves we continued on to Enniskillen and the Westville Hotel.

Crossing the border

Nearing the border from the Republic to Northern Ireland we expected some form of acknowledgment. But it was low key and only after we had crossed the river did we realise we were in another country (and county). The most important sign was the reminder that road speeds had changed from km/hour to miles/hour - and the speedo in the car was only calibrated in km!

The reconciliation statue at the border

Entering a new county and a new country

A lowered limit or a change of units?

Cuilcagh Mountain

After crossing the border we turned west on the B108 then climbed the Cuilagh Mountain to the Gortalughany Lookout for views across Upper Lough Erne.

Cuilcagh Mountain

Upper Lough Ernein the distance

Flowers on the roadside

The view from the top

Marble Arch Caves

Travelling north, you enter limestone country and the series of parks. The centrepiece of the district is the Marble Arch Cave system and the Visitor's Centre.

The entrance sign at the Visitor Centre	The Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre	The entrance to the caves
Our guide explaining the tour layout	Pathway down into the cave	Stalagtites and calcite curtains
More stalagtites	The stream and viewing area	Reflections in the stream
calcite formations	Calcite reflections	Solitary stalagtite
Flowstone	Stalagtite damaged by vandals and glued back in place	Feature tree in the surrounding forest
The exit path for the stream and the circular hole in the rock	The stream as it flows from the cave	Sign in the forest

Enniskillen

We had booked into the Westville Hotel in Enniskillen. We found the hotel very pleasant and they were really trying hard to provide a welcome stay and excellent service. As part of the accommodation package we dined in the Hotel restaurant and we were very impressed. This dinner was one of the best we had in Ireland, and rivalled An Fulacht Fia in Ballyvaughan and Chapter 40 in Killarney.

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Last updated: 16/06/2017