https://cuilcaghlakelands.org/geosite/gortmaconnell-viewpoint/
The summit of Gortmaconnell Rock, which reveals a breathtaking viewpoint, can be reached by a short but rewarding climb contouring around the hill.
Walkers will be rewarded with wonderful 360-degree panoramic views of Cuilcagh Mountain, MacNean Valley, and the Erne Lowlands. The Owenbrean River can be seen here also, flowing down from Cuilcagh Mountain before sinking underground, eventually reaching the Marble Arch Caves system.
Facilities: car parking (please keep one gate free of cars as this is a working farm), interpretation and the Gortmaconnell Viewpoint Walk.
Gortmaconnell Viewpoint
Park at the entrance way to the Gortmaconnell Viewpoint. Cross the stile and follow the rough farm track as it winds through patches of hazel forest that often harbour the feral goats which inhabit the area, to reach a fork in the track. Take the left-hand track and continue to follow. The track will end after another 200m where the route then continues up the open hillside to Gortmaconnell Viewpoint. The walk meanders through a working farm where you’ll have the opportunity to gaze upon some sheep, goats and you may even catch a glimpse of some beautiful horses.
Gortmaconnell Rock is the heart of the Marlbank karst region, which is an area of prehistoric limestone with characteristic weathering both above and beneath the ground. The rare and special limestone pavement is one of the special features visible from this site, a remnant from Ireland’s time weathering the Ice Age.
Small hills rise and fall throughout the meadows, giving visitors a peek into the past, as many of these hills would have been formed under an ancient tropical sea. The hills and landscapes allow us a place of tranquillity and wonder.
The surrounding landscape is saturated with an exciting range of birds, mammals and insects, all working in perfect harmony with the biodiversity of the area.
You may be so lucky to spot a rarely-sighted Irish hare. Much bigger than your average rabbit, Irish hares have black tips on their ears and have a very distinct gait.
A magical viewpoint to breathe in some fresh air and stop to appreciate the natural world and maybe even spot that hare!
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Distances are from Gortmaconnell Viewpoint
This is a cooperation project between Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and Cavan County Council.
This element of the project is part funded under Priority 6 (LEADER) of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and the European Union. We would like to acknowledge the assistance of County Cavan Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), Cavan County Council, Breffni Integrated CLG, Department of Rural and Community Development, the EU and EAFRD in part-funding this project. Funded by the Irish Government Under the Leader Programme 2014-2020.
