Caves of the Tullybrack and Belmore hills

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Water cascades beside Pollnagollum Coolarkan

The Caves of the Tullybrack and Belmore hills can be found in the south-west of Fermanagh. The region is also described as the 'West Fermanagh Scarplands' by environmental agencies and shares many similar karst features with the nearby Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark.

The caves are situated under two hills:

They contain three major cave systems:

Geology

The caves and related features are formed predominantly in the Dartry Limestone Formation, a sequence of rocks assigned to the Asbian sub-stage of the Visean stage of the Carboniferous period. Within this Formation, the Knockmore Limestone Member is also an important cave-forming rock sequence. Cave development has occurred within the Quaternary period and certain features are ascribed to the Holocene epoch of the last 10,000 years.

With the exception of Arch Cave, all of the caves and related karstic features listed below have been designated as provisional Areas of Special Scientific Interest.

Belmore Mountain

Boho Caves

Main article: Boho Caves

Quarry Entrance of Boho Cave, in flood

The Boho Caves (H12684431) are a selection of caves encompassing the main Boho Cave, the smaller Waterfall Cave and Upper and Lower Ravine Caves. The Boho Cave system is one of the longest cave system in the United Kingdom.[2] It characterised by faults and joints (natural fractures): it is the only example of joint-controlled caves in Ulster.[3]

Aghnaglack Cave

Aghnaglack Cave H108436 is a small cave, part of the Boho Cave system. The substrata dates from the Holocene epoch of the Quaternary period and is composed of limestone. There are two passages in this cave estimated to be about 26 feet long, one of which has been enlarged as a souterrain and is also a scheduled ancient monument.[4][5]

Aghnaglack Rising

Aghnaglack Rising (H10884343) is also part of the Boho Cave system. The substrata date from the Holocene and are composed of limestone. This formation can be crawled through in dry conditions.[5]

Pollnagollum, Coolarkan

Pollnagollum, Coolarkan (H12214311) is a cave whose rocks comprise Dartry limestone, chert, and some calcite formations. The cave can be entered by a previously collapsed roof structure through which a large waterfall flows. The name of the cave is from the Gaelic Poll na gColm, meaning 'Hole of the doves'.

The stream from the waterfall runs through the cave until it comes to a boulder choke which has so far proved to be impenetrable. The stream resurfaces in the valley floor of the Aghanaglack River a mile to the west.[6]

Early speleological visits to the cave include that of Henry Lyster Jameson in 1895, primarily to collect specimens of fauna.[7]

Tullybrack

The second karst system in the Boho area is known as the Reyfad–Carrickbeg system, containing a number of very impressive features. The Northern Ireland Environmental Agency describe this system as follows: "the quality of geomorphological and geological features in the Reyfad–Pollnacrom–Polltullybrack cave system make it arguably the most important underground karst site in Northern Ireland."

Carrickbeg Rising Cave (Bunty Pot)

Carrickbeg Rising Cave or 'Bunty Pot' (H11724670) has rocks dating from the Quaternary, Carboniferous period. This cave is approximately half a mile long in a north–south direction and is divided into two parts. The main body of water flowing through the cave is traversable, but there is a ten-yard flooded sump which emerges in another section known as the Farr Out Series.[8]

Carrickbeg Rising is the proven resurgence of four major stream sinks within the system: Pollnacrom, Polltullybrack, Waterfall Sink and Watson's Sink.[9]

Fairy Cave

Fairy Cave (H09254750) has passages dating from the Holocene. Fairy Cave has been speculated to be part of a previous series of passages of the main Reyfad system. There is a small passage that runs along the joints of the bedrock and is only three feet in height, which terminates in a sump; beyond this is a silt-choked hole.[10]

Ivy Hole

Ivy Hole (H10694635) is a sinkhole whose rocks are of Knockmore limestone. The hole is designated a PASSI and is one of a pair of dolines (sinkholes). A small stream flows into the sinkhole, which is estimated to be 35 feet deep. It has been determined that the water from this hole emerges at Carrickbeg Rising.[11]

Little Reyfad

Main article: Reyfad Caves

Little Reyfad (H096465) is a sinkhole of the Reyfad Caves with rocks of Dartry limestone, Knockmore limestone and chert. The site has been designated a PASSI. Little Reyfad is at the base of a shakehole. A series of descents (23 feet) leads to a floor of broken chert, followed by a further 10 feet of difficult descent to another base, which is blocked with a rock and gravel.[12]

Mad Pot

Mad Pot (H09444666) is a sinkhole whose rocks are composed of Dartry limestone and Knockmore limestone with inclusions of chert. The sinkhole originates in peat and then cuts into limestone rock. There are a series of chert base levels which have been broken up to give access to further passages. When the substrata change to Knockmore limestone, the character of the cave changes to a more vertically oriented passage. After some more climbing there is a 72-foot vertical drop with a further crawl at the base, which leads to a completely flooded section or sump, which itself is completely blocked up with silt. Above this is a very high roofed chamber or aven.[13]

Murphy's Hole

Murphy's Hole (H10054613) has rocks which date from the Quaternary (Holocene) period and consist of limestone.

Murphy's Hole is situated at the north end of a depression that also contains Seltanacool Sinks. A waterfall drains into the sink, which takes a large volume of water in heavy rains. Water draining here has been dye traced to the resurgence at Carrickbeg.[14]

Oweyglass Caves

Oweyglass Caves (H100470) has substrata from the Quaternary (Holocene) era, composed of limestone. The caves are found in a cliff of Knockmore limestone.

This cave is linked to a series of springs. The longest passage here is reported to be no more than 50 feet.[15]

Pollbeg

Pollbeg (H11744557) is a sinkhole whose rocks are of Carn and Dartry limestones. The hole floods in wet weather.[9][16]

Pollkeeran

Pollkeeran (H11834513), also known as Pollkerran,[17] is sinkhole in which strata consist of Carn limestone with mudstone and shale deposits. This formation is thought to have been a cave roof, which has collapsed, normally known as a shakehole. The debris from the collapse has formed what is known as a 'choke hole'. Investigations have determined that the stream which sinks into Pollkeeran rises again a mile and a half to the north at Carrickbeg Rising Cave.

Extreme caution is advised as this sink is extremely dangerous and attempts to explore should only be undertaken by very experienced cavers.[17][18]

Pollmore (Poll Mór)

Pollmore (H11654582) is a shakehole of Carn limestone. It contains two sinks and is surrounded by cliffs on three sides. In wet weather, the sinks flood and water up to six feet deep can build up. It has been ascertained that the water from Pollmore emerges at Carrickbeg Rising.[19]

Pollnacrom

Main article: Reyfad Caves

Pollnacrom (H08534702}) has rocks of Dartry and Knockmore limestones with chert and gypsum.

This cave is part of the main Reyfad system that links to the 'Heaven and Hell' passage. It has a small, wet entrance. The cave contains two shafts at 50 and 16 yards respectively, which permit entry to the main stream passage which trends in a north-west direction for a hundred yards before turning south. The cave has been explored for 650 yards to an impassable sump. An attempt to force through this route in 1981 led to the death of a diver.[20]

Access is by permission of landowner only.[21]

Polltullybrack

Main article: Reyfad Caves

Polltullybrack (H09214672) is the second major entrance to the Reyfad system. The rocks are composed of Dartry and Knockmore limestones with chert and calcite formations.

Rattle Hole

Rattle Hole (H10234633) is a pothole of limestone with some gravel, the entrance found on moorland.

Rattle Hole consists of a single shaft 120 feet in depth, which terminates in a boulder strewn base. This provides access to a second chamber, which is a further 82 feet deep and ends in a gravel base. Further efforts at extending this passage have proved fruitless, but as a result of dye testing it is known that the water from here emerges at Carrickbeg.[22]

Reyfad Pot

Main article: Reyfad Caves

Reyfad Pot (H08894687) has rocks of Carn and Dartry limestones with some Glenade sandstone. breccia, chert, calcite and gypsum deposits can also be found.[23]

This cave is noted by the Environment Agency as being the most important underground karst site in Northern Ireland.

Seltanacool Sinks

Seltanacool Sinks (H102458) is a set of three sinks through rocks from the Quaternary (Holocene) and consist of limestone. It is thought that the sinks, which are situated in the same depression as Murphy's Hole,[14] link to Carrickbeg Rising.[24]

The name Seltanacool appears to be the Irish Séilteán a Cúil meaning 'Rear rocky range'.

Knockmore

Noon's Hole

Main article: Noon's Hole

Arch Cave

Arch Cave

Arch Cave (H10374790) (also known as Ooghboraghan) is a cave is in rocks which comprise Dartry limestone, Glenade sandstone, Glencar limestone, Knockmore limestone, Meenymore Formation. These are found together with breccia, chert, limestone, mudstone and calcite.[25]

Aughakeeran Pot

Aughakeeran Pot (H09344765), also known as Pollaphylla or Pollasod, is a pothole in rocks which comprise Dartry and Knockmore limestones.

This sinkhole contains a substantial shaft of 100-foot depth, with some crawling sections and short passages which ultimately end at an impenetrable crack in the rocks. The stream passing through Aughakeeran is believed to join the drainage through Pollanaffrin.[26]

Crunthelagh Sink

Crunthelagh Sink (H09374793) is a sinkhole through Dartry and Knockmore limestones. The water flowing into this sink is thought to emerge into 'High Noon's' in the Noon's–Arch system.[27]

Killydrum Sink

Main article: Killydrum Sink

Killydrum Sink (H09954771).[28]

Lettered Cave (Inscribed Cave)

Main article: Lettered Cave

The Lettered Cave (H08845047) is found fifty yards from Knockmore summit, this is a small cave of mainly archaeological significance, and is partially man-made.[29] The rocks are Knockmore limestone.[30]

Old Barr Sink

Old Barr Sink H09244844) is a sinkhole through Dartry limestone and Knockmore limestone.

This sink is found in a forested area containing a small stream, which sinks in several places. The water from the stream is believed to enter 'Inlet 1' beside 'Artie's Chamber' in the Noon's–Arch system.[31]

Pollanaffrin

Pollanaffrin (H09354754) is a sinkhole through Dartry limestone and Knockmore limestone.

A large river enters this pothole when there is heavy rain. The cave follows many twists and drops and is of considerable length before it terminates at an impasse. It has been speculated that the water from this system enters Noon's Hole.[32]

Seltanahunny Sink

Seltanahunny Sink (H08964860) forms part of the Noon's Hole–Arch Cave complex and the rock in which it is formed comprises Dartry limestone and Knockmore limestone. The site features a narrow bedding plane leading for 40 feet to a waterfall. It has been speculated that the water from this sink also joins the Noon's Hole drainage system.[33]

Outside links

References

  1. ↑ A Topographical Dictionary of Ireland. i. S. Lewis & Co. 1837. http://www.libraryireland.com/topog/b4.php. Retrieved 10 October 2009. 
  2. ↑ Longest caves: UK Caves
  3. ↑ Boho: Belmore, Ballintempo & Tullybrack Uplands: Earth Science Conservation Review (via Habitas)
  4. ↑ Boho; Aghanaglack Cave: Earth Science Conservation Review (via Habitas)
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Boho: Belmore, Ballintempo & Tullybrack Uplands: Earth Science Conservation Review (via Habitas)
  6. ↑ Boho; Pollnagollum Coolarkan: Earth Science Conservation Review (via Habitas)
  7. ↑ Henry Lyster Jameson (1896). "On the exploration of the caves of Enniskillen and Mitchelstown for the R.I.A. Flora and Fauna Committee". The Irish Naturalist 5: 93-100. https://archive.org/details/irishnaturalist00clubgoog. Retrieved 2020-05-17. 
  8. ↑ Reyfad–Carrickbeg; Carrickbeg: Earth Science Conservation Review (via Habitas)
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Reyfad–Carrickbeg: Belmore, Ballintempo & Tullybrack Uplands: Earth Science Conservation Review (via Habitas)
  10. ↑ Reyfad–Carrickbeg; Fairy Cave: Earth Science Conservation Review (via Habitas)
  11. ↑ Reyfad–Carrickbeg; Ivy Hole: Earth Science Conservation Review (via Habitas)
  12. ↑ Reyfad–Carrickbeg; Little Reyfad: Earth Science Conservation Review (via Habitas)
  13. ↑ Reyfad–Carrickbeg; Mad Pot: Earth Science Conservation Review (via Habitas)
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Reyfad–Carrickbeg; Murphy's Hole: Earth Science Conservation Review (via Habitas)
  15. ↑ Reyfad–Carrickbeg; Oweyglass Caves: Earth Science Conservation Review (via Habitas)
  16. ↑ Reyfad–Carrickbeg; Pollbeg: Earth Science Conservation Review (via Habitas)
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Boho; Pollkerran: Earth Science Conservation Review (via Habitas)
  18. ↑ Jones et al. 1997, p. 42
  19. ↑ Reyfad–Carrickbeg; Pollmore: Earth Science Conservation Review (via Habitas)
  20. ↑ Reyfad–Carrickbeg; Pollnacrom: Earth Science Conservation Review (via Habitas)
  21. ↑ "Restricted Access". Speleological Union of Ireland. http://caving.ie/access/. Retrieved 4 November 2010. 
  22. ↑ Reyfad–Carrickbeg; Rattle Hole: Earth Science Conservation Review (via Habitas)
  23. ↑ Reyfad–Carrickbeg; Reyfad Pot: Earth Science Conservation Review (via Habitas)
  24. ↑ "Reyfad–Carrickbeg; Seltanacool Sinks – Summary". Earth Science Conservation Review. National Museums Northern Ireland. http://www.habitas.org.uk/escr/summary.asp?item=399. Retrieved 10 October 2009. 
  25. ↑ Belmore, Ballintempo & Tullybrack Uplands; Noon's Hole–Arch Cave: Earth Science Conservation Review (via Habitas)
  26. ↑ Noon's Hole–Arch Cave; Aughakeeran Pot: Earth Science Conservation Review (via Habitas)
  27. ↑ "Noon's Hole–Arch Cave; Crunthelagh Sink – Summary". Earth Science Conservation Review. National Museums Northern Ireland. http://www.habitas.org.uk/escr/summary.asp?item=411. Retrieved 10 October 2009. 
  28. ↑ Noon's Hole–Arch Cave; Killydrum Sink: Earth Science Conservation Review (via Habitas)
  29. ↑ Wakeman, William F. (1870). Lough Erne, Enniskillen, Belleek, Ballyshannon, and Bundoran: with Routes from Dublin to Enniskillen and Bundoran, by Rail or Steamboat. Dublin: Mullany, John. pp. 117–120. https://archive.org/stream/lougherneennisk00wakegoog#page/n131/mode/1up. Retrieved 12 February 2011. 
  30. ↑ Knockmore–Pollaraftra; Lettered Cave: Earth Science Conservation Review (via Habitas)
  31. ↑ Noon's Hole–Arch Cave; Old Barr Sink – Summary: Earth Science Conservation Review (via Habitas)
  32. ↑ Noon's Hole–Arch Cave; Pollanaffrin: Earth Science Conservation Review (via Habitas)
  33. ↑ Noon's Hole–Arch Cave; Seltanahunny Sink: Earth Science Conservation Review (via Habitas)
  • Jones, Gareth Ll.; Burns, Gaby; Fogg, Tim; Kelly, John (1997). The Caves of Fermanagh and Cavan (2nd Ed.). Lough Nilly Press. ISBN 0-9531602-0-3. 
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