Attractions and Places To See around Belcoo East - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Belcoo East include a mix of natural landscapes, historical landmarks, and cultural sites. Located in the Fermanagh and Omagh district, the area features significant geological formations and ancient monuments. Visitors can explore extensive cave systems, challenging mountain trails, and historical estates. The region offers diverse opportunities for outdoor exploration and cultural discovery.
Best attractions and places to see around Belcoo East
- The most popular attractions is Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (Stairway to Heaven), a trail that offers a challenging yet rewarding hike across expansive blanket bogs. This trail culminates in a steep ascent to a viewing platform atop Cuilcagh Mountain, leading to a historic Bronze Age burial mound.
- Another must-see spot is Giant's Grave & Giant's Cave, a historical site featuring megalithic tombs located within the Burren Forest. These sites are steeped in Irish legend, telling tales of giants and dramatic chasms.
- Visitors also love Cavan Burren Park Megalithic Stones, an incredible Stone-Age park with massive mythological sacred stones and megalithic tombs. The park offers technical trails through a unique geological and archaeological forest landscape.
- Belcoo East is known for its natural monuments, historical sites, and diverse trails. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from challenging hikes to ancient cultural landmarks.
- The attractions around Belcoo East are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 29 upvotes and 51 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 26, 2026
Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (Stairway to Heaven)
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Follow a wooden walkway that leads across the impressive moorland and up to the summit plateau. From the end of the boardwalk, it's about two kilometers to the tomb.
From the summit you either hike on the Ulster Way towards Gortalughany or turn around.
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Giant's Grave & Giant's Cave
Highlight • Historical Site
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Cuilcagh Mountain Park Car Park
Highlight • Parking
Parking fee of 5 GBP or 6 Euros must be paid in cash to the steward.
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Florence Court
Highlight • Forest
The house is now owned by the National Trust and is open to explore daily. For more information regarding opening times and ticket prices visit nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/florence-court
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Cavan Burren Park Megalithic Stones
Highlight • Historical Site
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Tips from the Community
The Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, affectionately known as the "Stairway to Heaven," offers a challenging yet rewarding hike through one of Northern Ireland's most stunning landscapes. Spanning approximately 11 km round-trip, the trail meanders through expansive blanket bogs before culminating in a steep ascent of 450 wooden steps to a viewing platform atop Cuilcagh Mountain. Hikers are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding lowlands, including glimpses of counties Cavan, Leitrim, and Donegal on clear days. While the boardwalk was constructed to protect the delicate bog ecosystem, it has also made the trail more accessible, attracting over 60,000 visitors annually.
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Incredible Stone-Age park, with some technical trails. Massive mythological sacred stones worshipped over centuries, will follow you when adventuring into this unique geological and archaeological forest landscape.
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Ideal starting point for the hike to the Stairway to Heaven, there are a total of 3 parking spaces available. Some spaces are reserved for larger vehicles/motorhomes; the steward will direct you when reversing. Parking fee of 5 GBP or 6 Euros must be paid in cash to the steward.
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Florence Court House is a magnificent 18th-century country estate situated in the foothills of Cuilcagh Mountain. The house is amongst a medley of lush green parkland and thick woodland with sights of the wonderful Benaughlin Mountain in the distance. The house is now owned by the National Trust and is open to explore daily. For more information regarding opening times and ticket prices visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/florence-court
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Strenuous but rewarding path on footbridges over the high moor. Pretty well known through insta, so sm best come first thing in the morning
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Many of Ireland’s megalithic monuments—portal tombs, court cairns, or wedge tombs such as this one—are known locally as “the giant’s grave.” But this one, on a hilltop in Co. Cavan’s Burren Forest Park, has a giant story to go along with its name. According to Harold Johnson, from the nearby town of Blacklion, the giant, attempting to impress a lady, failed in his final attempt to jump the nearby chasm, which is, of course, called “The Giant’s Leap.” Harold Johnson relates this story in some detail, while seated on the Giant’s Grave, in the video, below right. Mr. Johnson also was our guide, and provided the narration, for our feature on the Killinagh Cursing Stones, located on the opposite side of the town of Blacklion. (https://voicesfromthedawn.com/burren-giants-grave/)
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Nestled in the foothills of Cuilcagh Mountain, Florence Court is a wonderful Georgian mansion surrounded by picturesque countryside. The first house was built by John Cole at the beginning of the 18th century and named after his wife, Florence. The Cole family lived in the house for over 250 years. Today, the estate is managed by the National Trust. There are over 10 miles (16 km) of hiking and bike trails to explore the grounds. You can visit a water-powered sawmill and blacksmith's forge that reveal the area's industrial heritage. There's also a beautiful Irish yew tree, Florence Court Yew, which is one of two original Irish Yew discovered in 1767. There is a small entrance fee to the gardens and forest.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular natural attractions to explore around Belcoo East?
The region is rich in natural beauty. A highly popular choice is the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (Stairway to Heaven), offering a challenging hike across blanket bogs to a viewing platform atop Cuilcagh Mountain. Another significant natural feature is the Cavan Burren Park Megalithic Stones, which combines unique geological landscapes with ancient history. You can also explore the extensive underground system of the Marble Arch Caves, a UNESCO Global Geopark.
Are there any historical or cultural sites worth visiting in Belcoo East?
Yes, Belcoo East is home to several historical and cultural sites. The Giant's Grave & Giant's Cave within the Burren Forest are ancient megalithic tombs steeped in Irish legend. Additionally, Florence Court is a magnificent 18th-century Georgian estate nestled in the foothills of Cuilcagh Mountain, offering insights into local history and beautiful parkland.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Belcoo East attractions?
The area around Belcoo East is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging ascents. For example, consider the Belmore Forest loop or the more difficult Cuilcagh Mountain Park loop. There are also options for gravel biking and road cycling, with routes like the Lower Lough MacNean loop. You can explore more routes in the hiking guide, gravel biking guide, and road cycling guide for the region.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities available?
Yes, Florence Court is considered family-friendly, offering lush parkland and woodland to explore. The Cavan Burren Park Megalithic Stones also provides an engaging outdoor experience for families with its unique geological and archaeological forest landscape. For more active pursuits, the Corralea Activity Centre organizes various activities on and around the local loughs.
What are some easy walks or trails suitable for beginners around Belcoo East?
For easier walks, consider exploring the scenic Cladagh Glen, a dell formed by the river flowing out of the Marble Arch Caves. The Cottage Lawn in Belcoo village also offers an open green space with pathways and views of Hanging Rock and Cuilcagh Mountain, perfect for a leisurely stroll. You can also find easy hiking routes like the Marble Arch Caves via Cladagh River loop in the hiking guide.
Where can I find parking for attractions like the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail?
For the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, there is a dedicated car park, Cuilcagh Mountain Park Car Park, which serves as an ideal starting point. It has spaces for larger vehicles/motorhomes, and a steward will direct you. Note that a parking fee of 5 GBP or 6 Euros must be paid in cash.
What unique natural features can I discover in the Belcoo East area?
Beyond the well-known Cuilcagh Mountain and Marble Arch Caves, you can visit the Shannon Pot, considered the source of Ireland's great River Shannon, accessible via a short hike. Lough MacNean, a large freshwater lake, is also a significant natural feature, visible from Cottage Lawn and important for biodiversity, including otters and migratory birds. The distinctive Hanging Rock offers impressive views from Cottage Lawn.
Are there any dog-friendly walking options near Belcoo East attractions?
While specific dog-friendly policies for all attractions vary, many of the outdoor trails and natural areas around Belcoo East are suitable for walks with dogs, provided they are kept on a leash and owners adhere to local guidelines. The extensive parkland at Florence Court and the trails within Cavan Burren Park are generally welcoming for dog walkers.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Belcoo East?
Visitors frequently praise the breathtaking panoramic views from the summit of Cuilcagh Mountain, accessible via the boardwalk. The unique geological and archaeological aspects of Cavan Burren Park and the ancient legends surrounding Giant's Grave & Giant's Cave are also highly appreciated. The natural beauty of the moorland landscapes and the sense of discovery at historical sites are recurring themes in visitor feedback.
When is the best time to visit Belcoo East attractions?
The best time to visit Belcoo East attractions largely depends on your preferred activities. Spring and summer offer milder weather, making outdoor activities like hiking the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail and exploring the Marble Arch Caves more comfortable. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, while winter can offer a stark, serene beauty, though some trails might be more challenging due to weather conditions. Always check local weather forecasts before your visit.
Are there any hidden gems or lesser-known spots to explore?
Beyond the main attractions, consider visiting St Patrick's Holy Well (Hollywell), known locally as St Patrick's Tub. This natural spring is associated with healing properties and is still considered a pilgrimage site, offering a glimpse into local folklore and tradition. The Cottage Lawn in Belcoo village, while central, provides a peaceful spot with views of Hanging Rock and Cuilcagh Mountain, often overlooked as a destination in itself.
Most popular attractions around Belcoo East
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