Best attractions and places to see around Gortermoan include a variety of natural, cultural, and historical sites. This region, primarily located within County Fermanagh in Northern Ireland, offers opportunities for outdoor activities and exploring significant landmarks. The landscape features expansive blanket bogs, limestone caves, and ancient megalithic structures. Visitors can discover a blend of natural wonders and historical insights.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
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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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The Gortermoan area is rich in natural beauty. A must-visit is the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (Stairway to Heaven), which takes you through expansive blanket bogs to the Cuilcagh Mountain Summit for panoramic views. You can also explore the ancient limestone formations of the Marble Arch Caves or the unique geological landscape of Cavan Burren Park. For more extensive hiking, the Cuilcagh Mountain Park offers a wider network of trails.
Absolutely. The region boasts several significant historical sites. Don't miss Florence Court, a magnificent 18th-century Georgian estate with beautiful gardens and woodland trails. You can also delve into ancient folklore at Giant's Grave & Giant's Cave in the Burren Forest, which features megalithic tombs linked to Irish legends. Monea Castle and Castle Balfour are also within reach for those interested in historic castles.
Beyond hiking the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, the area offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find numerous road cycling routes, including a challenging loop from Bundoran to Lower Lough Erne, or more moderate options like the Florence Court loop. For general cycling, there are routes like the Kingfisher Cycle Trail. Explore these and more on the cycling guide for Gortermoan and the road cycling guide.
Yes, there are several easy hiking options. You can enjoy a loop through Belmore Forest via Pollnagollum Cave, or a pleasant walk to Marble Arch Caves via Cladagh River. The Florence Court estate also offers easy trails within its grounds. For more options, check out the easy hikes around Gortermoan guide.
Yes, Gortermoan offers family-friendly attractions. Florence Court is particularly suitable, with its extensive grounds, woodland trails, and historical house that can engage various age groups. The natural reserves and easier walking trails also provide opportunities for families to enjoy the outdoors together.
There is a dedicated car park, the Cuilcagh Mountain Park Car Park, which serves as an ideal starting point for the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail. It has spaces for both regular vehicles and larger motorhomes. Please note that a parking fee of 5 GBP or 6 Euros is typically required and must be paid in cash to the steward on site.
The best time to visit Gortermoan for outdoor activities like hiking the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail is generally during the drier and warmer months, from late spring to early autumn (May to September). During this period, the weather is more favorable for exploring the trails and enjoying the panoramic views. However, the natural beauty and historical sites can be appreciated year-round, with different seasons offering unique charm.
Visitors consistently praise the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail for its unique experience. They particularly enjoy the excellently laid-out wooden walkway through the wonderful moor landscape and the breathtaking panoramic views from the Cuilcagh Mountain Summit. Despite being strenuous, the path is described as incredibly rewarding, offering a sense of achievement and stunning scenery.
While the Cuilcagh Boardwalk is popular, the wider Cuilcagh Mountain Park offers less-trafficked sections of the Cuilcagh Way, showcasing diverse habitats and archaeology. The Cladagh Glen Nature Reserve and Killykeeghan Nature Reserve also provide tranquil spots for nature exploration away from the main crowds. Exploring the various trails within the Florence Court estate can also reveal peaceful corners and historical features like the water-powered sawmill and blacksmith's forge.
Yes, the Gortermoan area is part of the Marble Arch Caves UNESCO Global Geopark, which highlights its significant geological features. The Marble Arch Caves themselves offer guided tours to learn about the 340-million-year-old limestone formations. The Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail also traverses unique blanket bogs, providing insight into this distinct ecosystem and its geological context.
While specific dog-friendly trails are not explicitly detailed for all attractions, many natural reserves and forest parks in the region, such as those around Florence Court and the wider Cuilcagh Mountain Park, generally welcome dogs on leads. It's always advisable to check specific site regulations before visiting, especially for protected areas like the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, where restrictions might apply to protect wildlife and the delicate ecosystem.
From the Cuilcagh Mountain Summit, accessible via the Boardwalk Trail, you can expect breathtaking panoramic views. On clear days, these vistas stretch across the surrounding lowlands, offering glimpses of Counties Cavan, Leitrim, and Donegal. The path to the summit, though arduous, is widely regarded as worth the effort for these extensive and rewarding views.


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