Best attractions and places to see around Cloonatreane include a variety of natural landscapes and historical sites. The region features unique geological formations, such as extensive karst landscapes and dramatic coastal cliffs. Visitors can explore ancient monuments, monastic ruins, and significant natural reserves. This area offers opportunities to experience both the natural beauty and the rich history of the locale.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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Highlight • Historical Site
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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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Great walk, very touristy but it's worth the detour! Be careful of the crowds (on weekends and in summer I dare not imagine!). However, BE CAREFUL, the summit is not accessible, you have to pass the protective barriers which allow the wild nature to be preserved from our steps and from this crowd of people. If we, the Komoot community, start to do this all the tourists will allow themselves and the landscape will never be so beautiful again! (Ps: no need to climb to the top to already see enough in the eyes!)
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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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Cuilcagh Mountain sits right on the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland. From the top, you can enjoy magnificent views across the rolling hills of Ireland in all directions.
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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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Visitors frequently enjoy the challenging yet rewarding hike along the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (Stairway to Heaven), which leads to a historic burial mound. Another favorite is the Cuilcagh Mountain Summit, offering breathtaking views. For those interested in ancient history, the Giant's Grave & Giant's Cave provides a glimpse into megalithic tombs and local legends.
The region boasts diverse natural beauty. You can explore the unique karst landscape of the Burren National Park, famous for its limestone pavements and flora. The iconic Cliffs of Moher offer dramatic coastal views, while Galway Bay provides scenic beaches. Closer to Cloonatreane, Coole Park and the Burren Nature Sanctuary & Botanical Collection are excellent for experiencing local ecosystems. Don't miss the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail for its impressive moorland scenery.
Yes, the area is rich in history. You can visit the ancient monastic site of Kilmacduagh Abbey, featuring a round tower and ruined churches, or the impressive megalithic portal tomb of Poulnabrone Dolmen. Giant's Grave & Giant's Cave offers a look at prehistoric structures. Additionally, Florence Court is a magnificent 18th-century country estate with historical significance and beautiful grounds.
Beyond hiking the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, the area around Cloonatreane is excellent for cycling. You can find various routes for mountain biking, road cycling, and gravel biking. For mountain biking, consider routes like the 'Lower Lough Mcnean, Florence Court House and Cuilcagh Mountain Park loop'. Road cyclists might enjoy the 'Bundoran to Lower Lough Erne loop'. Gravel biking options include the 'From Blacklion to Dowra loop'. More details on these routes can be found in the MTB Trails around Cloonatreane, Road Cycling Routes around Cloonatreane, and Gravel biking around Cloonatreane guides.
Families can enjoy exploring the grounds of Florence Court, which offers lush parkland and woodland with hiking and bike trails. The Burren Nature Sanctuary & Botanical Collection is also a great option for families to learn about the unique local ecosystem. Many of the natural attractions, like Coole Park, offer gentle walks suitable for all ages.
For the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, the Cuilcagh Mountain Park Car Park serves as an ideal starting point. There are multiple spaces available, including some reserved for larger vehicles. A parking fee of 5 GBP or 6 Euros is typically paid in cash to the steward on site.
The Cuilcagh Mountain Park Car Park is noted as wheelchair accessible, providing a convenient starting point for visitors. While the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail itself involves a steep ascent, the initial sections of the boardwalk may be accessible. It's advisable to check specific accessibility details for other attractions directly before visiting.
The best time to visit Cloonatreane and its surrounding attractions, especially for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, is generally during the spring and summer months (April to September). During this period, the weather is typically milder and drier, making it more pleasant to explore natural landscapes like the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher, and to undertake trails such as the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail.
Visitors consistently praise the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail for its excellently laid-out boardwalk through a wonderful moor landscape. Despite being strenuous, the path is considered highly rewarding, offering breathtaking views from the summit. Many describe it as a unique experience, especially the ascent to the viewing platform atop Cuilcagh Mountain.
While popular sites can draw crowds, you might find a more serene experience at the ancient monastic site of Kilmacduagh Abbey or the impressive Poulnabrone Dolmen, which offer historical depth without the same level of foot traffic as the major natural landmarks. Exploring the extensive grounds and trails of Florence Court can also provide a peaceful outdoor experience.
For hiking in the Cloonatreane area, especially on trails like the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, it's essential to wear appropriate gear. This includes sturdy, waterproof hiking boots, layered clothing to adapt to changing weather conditions, and waterproof outerwear. The weather can be unpredictable, even in summer, so being prepared for rain and wind is crucial. Don't forget sun protection and plenty of water.


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