Page 279 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Ireland

NOR THERN IRELAND  277

p Marble Arch Caves
Global Geopark
Road map C2. Marlbank Scenic Loop,
Florencecourt, Co Fermanagh.
Tel 028 6634 8855. Open end Mar–
Jun & Sep–Oct: 10am–4:30pm, Jul–
Aug: 10am–5pm daily (phone first as
bad weather can cause closure). &
8 obligatory. 0 =
∑ marblearchcavesgeopark.com
The marble arch caves are cut by
three streams which flow down
the slopes of Cuilcagh Mountain,
unite underground and emerge
as the Cladagh River. Tours lasting
75 minutes consist of a boat ride
into the depths of the cave
complex and a guided walk that
leads past stalagmites, calcite
cas cades and other curious lime-
stone formations. The 9-m (30-ft)
“Marble Arch” itself stands Boat trip through Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark
outside the cave system in the
glen where the river gushes out Rococo plasterwork said to be s Dungannon
from below ground. by the Dublin stuccodore Road map D2. Co Tyrone. * 11,000.
The caves are very popular, Robert West. Sadly, however, @ n Ranfurly House, 26 Market Sq,
so book ahead. It is best to ring not much of what you see today Dungannon (028 8772 8600). ( Thu.
to check the local weather con- is original as most of the central ∑ flavouroftyrone.com
ditions before setting out; the block was seriously damaged by
caves may be closed because fire in 1955. Much of the furniture Dungannon’s hilly location
of rain. Whatever the weather, was lost, but the plasterwork made an ideal site for the seat
bring a sweater and sensible was painstakingly recreated of government of the O’Neill
walking shoes. from photographs. The finest dynasty from the 14th century
examples are in the dining room, until Plantation (see pp42–3),
the staircase and the small when their castle was razed.
a Florence Court Venetian room. The town’s Royal School is
Perhaps more spectacular one of the oldest in Northern
Road map C2. Co Fermanagh. Tel 028
6634 8249. House: Open times vary: than the mansion are the Ireland; it was chartered in
check National Trust website. grounds, which occupy a natural 1608 by James I. Opened in
& 8 obligatory. 7 - = mountain-ringed amphitheatre. 1614, it moved to its present
Grounds: Open daily. & for car park. There are many enjoyable site in 1789.
∑ nationaltrust.org.uk walks around the house. One Once a major linen centre,
woodland trail leads to the this busy market town was also
This three-storey Palladian famous Florence Court yew known for its glass-making, as it
mansion was built for the Cole tree, whose descen dants are was the base of the famous
family in the mid-18th century. to be found all over Ireland. Tyrone crystal factory. The
The arcades and pavilions, Closer to the house is a walled factory closed in 2010, however.
which are of a later date than garden where pink and white The Linen Green shopping
the main house, were added roses make an attractive sight centre in nearby Moygashel
around 1770 by William Cole, in summer. offers factory outlet shopping
first Earl of Enniskillen. The from brands such as Newbridge
house features flamboyant Silverware and Ulster Weavers.

Florence Court, the former seat of the Earls of Enniskillen

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