Despite requests for people not to visit Cuilcagh Boardwalk over the weekend, thousands of walkers made their way up the mountain making social distancing impossible while also causing major traffic congestion on the road leading to the walk.

Pictures on social media show large queues of people on the boardwalk, creating long queues at the top, as Fermanagh and Omagh District Council (FODC) estimated over 7,000 visitors made the trek last weekend.

The Council, which maintains the boardwalk, say they are actively working to ensure that those visiting the boardwalk can do so safely while enjoying a high quality experience such as pre-visit information, onsite signage, assistance with traffic flow and social distancing, while they are also working with the PSNI in relation to traffic management at peak times.

“The Cuilcagh Boardwalk is currently experiencing a very high number of visitors, particularly at peak times, resulting in traffic congestion and challenges in relation to parking, access to the site and social distancing on the Boardwalk at times. Last weekend it is estimated there were more than 7,000 visitors to the Boardwalk,” a Council spokesperson said.

“As such, the Council is currently urging people not to visit the Cuilcagh Boardwalk during peak times - 11am-3pm, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays - to ensure responsible access to and use of the Boardwalk and consideration for local residents. We recommend people visit the Boardwalk early, mid week or where possible, to postpone their visit to the autumn.”

Social media analysis and initial visitor numbers to other outdoor recreation sites over the last weekend suggest that some people did change their plans to visit the Boardwalk at another time.

“We would also like to remind people that there is a host of hidden gems available to explore across the Marble Arch Caves UNESCO Global Geopark including Lough Navar and Cavan Burren Park. For further information on sites to visit the the Geopark please visit www.marblearchcavesgeopark.com.

“If visiting any site, please always abide by the Leave No Trace principles, take your rubbish home, respect the site and respect other users by maintaining social distancing.”