Attractions and Places To See around Cordarragh - Top 18
Best attractions and places to see around Cordarragh encompass a diverse landscape of natural beauty and historical significance in the wider region. The area features prominent natural landmarks like Cuilcagh Mountain, offering extensive bogland habitats and limestone formations. Visitors can explore a variety of trails, historical sites, and cultural points of interest. These attractions provide opportunities for outdoor exploration and insight into the region's heritage.
Best attractions and places to see around Cordarragh
- The most popular attractions is Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (Stairway to Heaven), a trail that leads across impressive moorland and up to a summit plateau. This trail is approximately 11 km round-trip and features a wooden walkway across the high moor.
- Another must-see spot is Cuilcagh Mountain Summit, a summit offering extensive views. Visitors can expect a challenging yet rewarding hike, culminating in a steep ascent of 450 wooden steps to a viewing platform.
- Visitors also love Giant's Grave & Giant's Cave, a historical site featuring megalithic tombs. These ancient structures are located in the Burren Forest and are notable for their local legends.
- Cordarragh is known for its natural trails, historical sites, and cultural points of interest. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from mountain summits to ancient monuments.
- The attractions around Cordarragh are appreciated by the komoot community. With more than 50 photos and nearly 30 upvotes, these spots offer diverse experiences for explorers.
Last updated: May 11, 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.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Cuilcagh Mountain Summit Cairn
Highlight • Summit
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
Giant's Grave & Giant's Cave
Highlight • Historical Site
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Cuilcagh Mountain Park Car Park
Highlight • Parking
Parking fee of 5 GBP or 6 Euros must be paid in cash to the steward.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
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
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Cordarragh.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
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.
0
0
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!)
0
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
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.
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
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
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.
1
1
Frequently Asked Questions
What natural attractions can I explore around Cordarragh?
The region around Cordarragh offers several prominent natural attractions. You can explore Cuilcagh Mountain, known for its extensive bogland habitats and limestone formations, including the popular Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail. Other natural features include the multi-tiered Cascades Waterfall at the foothills of Cuilcagh, the unique landscapes of the Slieve Rushen Mountains, and Lough Achork, a mountain lake in Doon Forest.
Are there any notable hiking trails near Cordarragh?
Yes, there are several notable hiking trails. The most popular is the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (Stairway to Heaven), an 11 km round-trip trail leading across impressive moorland to a summit plateau. You can find more hiking options, including the challenging ascent to Cuilcagh Mountain Summit, by exploring the hiking guide for Cordarragh.
What historical sites are there to visit in the Cordarragh area?
The area boasts a rich history. You can visit Giant's Grave & Giant's Cave, ancient megalithic tombs in the Burren Forest with local legends. Other significant sites include Clones Abbey and Round Tower, a ruined monastery dating back to the 6th century, and the Carrickmacross Workhouse, which offers an emotive journey through Irish history. Florence Court, an 18th-century country estate, also offers historical insights.
Are there any cultural attractions or museums nearby?
Yes, several cultural attractions are accessible. The Patrick Kavanagh Centre in Inniskeen provides an immersive experience into the life of the celebrated poet. You can also visit the Carrickmacross Lace Gallery to see a 200-year-old craft, or the Ulster Canal Stores / Clones Lace Museum, dedicated to crochet lace. The Monaghan County Museum offers groundbreaking exhibitions on the region's history and cultural diversity.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Cordarragh?
Absolutely. Florence Court is a great option, offering lush parkland, woodlands, and over 10 miles of hiking and bike trails suitable for families. The estate also features a water-powered sawmill and blacksmith's forge. Easy hiking trails like the Belmore Forest loop via Pollnagollum Cave or the Marble Arch Caves via Cladagh River, found in the easy hikes guide, are also suitable for families.
What cycling routes are available near Cordarragh?
For cyclists, the area offers diverse routes. You can explore sections of the Kingfisher Cycle Trail, such as the Northern Loop. Other options include longer routes like 'The Quarry – View of Lough Nabrickboy loop' or the 'Florence Court loop'. More details on these and other cycling tours can be found in the cycling guide for Cordarragh.
Is there accessible parking for attractions like the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail?
Yes, there is accessible parking. The Cuilcagh Mountain Park Car Park serves as an ideal starting point for the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail. It offers several parking spaces, including some reserved for larger vehicles, and is considered wheelchair accessible. A cash parking fee of 5 GBP or 6 Euros is typically required upon entry.
What is the best time of year to visit Cordarragh for outdoor activities?
The best time to visit Cordarragh for outdoor activities is generally during the spring and summer months (April to September) when the weather is milder and days are longer, making hiking and exploring more enjoyable. However, the natural beauty of the region can be appreciated year-round, with autumn offering vibrant foliage and winter providing a different, often quieter, experience.
Can I learn about local crafts or traditions in the area?
Yes, you can delve into local crafts. The Carrickmacross Lace Gallery showcases the intricate 200-year-old craft of Carrickmacross Lace, admired by royalty, and you can often see modern-day lace-makers at work. The Ulster Canal Stores / Clones Lace Museum also features stunning crochet lace pieces and shares the history and stories of the people involved in its creation.
Where can I go fishing near Cordarragh?
Lough Achork, a mountain lake located in Doon Forest, is renowned for good brown trout fishing. It is accessible from the shore or by boat, offering a peaceful setting for anglers.
What kind of views can I expect from the mountain summits?
From summits like Cuilcagh Mountain Summit, you can expect extensive and fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The hike to the summit, especially the final ascent of 450 wooden steps, culminates in a viewing platform that offers breathtaking vistas over the blanket bogs and beyond.
Are there any easy hiking options for families or casual walkers?
Yes, there are several easy hiking options. The Belmore Forest loop via Pollnagollum Cave and the Marble Arch Caves via Cladagh River are both rated as easy and are suitable for casual walkers. Additionally, the trails within the Florence Court estate offer gentle walks through picturesque countryside. You can find more details in the easy hikes around Cordarragh guide.
Most popular attractions around Cordarragh
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:
