Best attractions and places to see around Gubbacrock include a landscape characterized by expansive moorlands and mountainous terrain. The region features significant natural monuments and historical sites, offering diverse exploration opportunities. Visitors can discover challenging trails leading to panoramic views and ancient megalithic tombs. This area provides a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage for outdoor enthusiasts.
Last updated: April 25, 2026
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Historical Site
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Summit
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Parking
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Gubbacrock.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
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.
0
0
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.
1
0
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.
2
0
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
1
0
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
2
0
Strenuous but rewarding path on footbridges over the high moor. Pretty well known through insta, so sm best come first thing in the morning
1
0
Fantastic view, the path is arduous as it is continuous up and down, but the view is worth it
1
0
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/)
4
0
The Gubbacrock region is characterized by expansive moorlands and mountainous terrain. You can explore significant natural monuments like the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (Stairway to Heaven), which leads across impressive moorland to a summit plateau, and the Cuilcagh Mountain Summit, offering panoramic views.
Yes, the area features several historical sites. A notable one is Giant's Grave & Giant's Cave, a megalithic tomb in the Burren Forest associated with an Irish legend. Additionally, Florence Court is an 18th-century country estate with a rich history and industrial heritage.
For a challenging yet rewarding hike, the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (Stairway to Heaven) is highly recommended. It involves a strenuous path across moorland and a steep ascent to a viewing platform. The trail to Cuilcagh Mountain Summit also offers fantastic views after an arduous climb with continuous ascents and descents.
Yes, there are easy hiking options around Gubbacrock. You can find several routes, including a loop through Belmore Forest via Pollnagollum Cave, or a walk to Marble Arch Caves via Cladagh River. For more options, explore the Easy hikes around Gubbacrock guide.
The Florence Court estate is a great family-friendly option. It offers over 10 miles (16 km) of hiking and bike trails to explore its grounds, along with a water-powered sawmill and blacksmith's forge that reveal the area's industrial heritage. The estate is managed by the National Trust.
Yes, the Cuilcagh Mountain Park Car Park serves as an ideal starting point for the hike to the Stairway to Heaven. There are multiple parking spaces, including some reserved for larger vehicles. A parking fee of 5 GBP or 6 Euros is typically paid in cash to the steward.
Visitors appreciate the excellently laid out boardwalk through a wonderful moor landscape. It's known for being strenuous but rewarding, leading to a breathtaking view from the summit plateau. Many recommend going early in the morning to avoid crowds, as it's a very popular spot.
Absolutely. The Gubbacrock area offers various routes for both cycling and gravel biking. You can find challenging gravel biking loops like 'From Blacklion to Dowra' or 'Aghanaglack Prehistoric Tomb – View of Lough Nabrickboy'. For general cycling, options include the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop' and routes around Florence Court. Explore these in the Gravel biking around Gubbacrock and Cycling around Gubbacrock guides.
The Giant's Grave & Giant's Cave is steeped in Irish folklore. According to legend, two giants were vying for a giantess. During a daring jump over a ravine, one giant fell, and the stone walls collapsed above him, creating the grave. This site is one of many megalithic monuments in Ireland locally known as 'the giant's grave'.
Reaching the Cuilcagh Mountain Summit is an arduous journey with continuous ascents and descents, but the panoramic views from the top are considered fantastic and well worth the effort. It's the culmination of the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, offering a rewarding vista over the surrounding landscape.
At Florence Court, you can delve into the area's industrial past. The estate features a water-powered sawmill and a blacksmith's forge, offering insights into the historical trades and industries that once thrived in the region. These attractions are part of the extensive grounds managed by the National Trust.
Yes, the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop' is a notable long-distance cycling route that passes through the Gubbacrock area. This route offers a moderate challenge and is part of the wider network of cycling opportunities available. You can find more details in the Cycling around Gubbacrock guide.


Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions: