Attractions and Places To See around Coaghan - Top 18
Best attractions and places to see around Coaghan include a diverse landscape of natural features and historical sites. The region is characterized by its mountainous terrain, expansive moorlands, and ancient monuments. Visitors can explore challenging trails leading to panoramic viewpoints and discover significant cultural heritage. This area offers a blend of outdoor adventure and historical exploration.
Best attractions and places to see around Coaghan
- The most popular attractions is Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (Stairway to Heaven), a trail that leads…
Last updated: May 21, 2026
Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (Stairway to Heaven)
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Cuilcagh Mountain Summit Cairn
Highlight • Summit
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Giant's Grave & Giant's Cave
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Cuilcagh Mountain Park Car Park
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Florence Court
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best outdoor activities to do around Coaghan?
The Coaghan area offers a variety of outdoor activities, particularly hiking and cycling. You can explore challenging trails like the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (Stairway to Heaven), which leads to panoramic views from Cuilcagh Mountain Summit. For cycling, there are routes suitable for touring bicycles and gravel biking. You can find more detailed routes for hiking at Easy hikes around Coaghan, and for cycling at Cycling around Coaghan and Gravel biking around Coaghan.
Are there challenging hiking trails in the Coaghan area?
Yes, the Coaghan area is known for its challenging trails. The Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (Stairway to Heaven) is a strenuous but rewarding path across moorland, culminating in a steep ascent to Cuilcagh Mountain Summit. This trail involves a significant climb and is considered challenging, offering breathtaking views from 665 meters above sea level.
What natural features can I explore near Coaghan?
Near Coaghan, you can explore significant natural features such as Cuilcagh Mountain Summit, which offers panoramic views over the landscape. The Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail itself traverses impressive moorland. Additionally, the region is home to the Pollnagollum Cave and Waterfall, Ireland's longest cave system, featuring a complex network fed by a waterfall.
What is the 'Stairway to Heaven' and where is it located?
The 'Stairway to Heaven' is the affectionate name given to the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail. It's a wooden walkway that leads across expansive moorland and up to the summit plateau of Cuilcagh Mountain, offering a challenging yet rewarding hike with stunning views. It's located in the Cuilcagh area, which is a prominent feature near Coaghan.
Are there historical sites to visit around Coaghan?
Absolutely. The Coaghan area is rich in historical sites. You can visit Giant's Grave & Giant's Cave, which are ancient megalithic tombs steeped in local folklore. Another notable site is Florence Court, a magnificent 18th-century country estate managed by the National Trust, offering insights into the region's heritage.
What is the story behind Giant's Grave & Giant's Cave?
The Giant's Grave & Giant's Cave are megalithic tombs with a fascinating local legend. According to Irish folklore, two giants competed for a giantess by daringly jumping over a ravine. One giant fell into the ravine, and the stone walls collapsed above him, thus creating the Giant's Grave. This site is located in the Burren Forest.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Coaghan?
Yes, Florence Court is a great family-friendly option. This 18th-century country estate offers over 10 miles (16 km) of hiking and bike trails to explore its grounds, a water-powered sawmill, and a blacksmith's forge. The extensive grounds provide plenty of space for families to enjoy the outdoors. Additionally, many of the easier walking trails listed in the Easy hikes around Coaghan guide are suitable for families.
Are there any wheelchair accessible options for visitors?
The Cuilcagh Mountain Park Car Park is noted as wheelchair accessible, providing a starting point for exploring the area. While the Cuilcagh Boardwalk itself involves steps and challenging terrain, the car park offers accessible facilities. It's always advisable to check specific accessibility details for other attractions directly.
What is the best time to visit Coaghan attractions?
The best time to visit Coaghan attractions, especially for outdoor activities like hiking the Cuilcagh Boardwalk, is generally during the drier and warmer months, typically from late spring to early autumn (May to September). This period offers more favorable weather conditions for exploring the mountainous terrain and enjoying the panoramic views. However, the landscape is beautiful year-round, and historical sites like Florence Court are accessible throughout the year, though opening times may vary seasonally.
Where can I park when visiting attractions like the Cuilcagh Boardwalk?
For the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, there is a dedicated parking area at Cuilcagh Mountain Park Car Park. It serves as an ideal starting point for the hike. Please note that a parking fee of 5 GBP or 6 Euros is typically required and must be paid in cash to the steward. Some spaces are reserved for larger vehicles or motorhomes.
What do visitors enjoy most about Coaghan?
Visitors to Coaghan particularly enjoy the blend of challenging outdoor adventures and rich historical exploration. The stunning views from Cuilcagh Mountain Summit after a rewarding hike on the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail are frequently highlighted. The unique experience of walking on the boardwalk through the moorland and discovering ancient sites like Giant's Grave & Giant's Cave also receive high praise.
Are there any easy walking trails around Coaghan?
Yes, for those seeking less strenuous options, there are several easy walking trails around Coaghan. These include the Belmore Forest loop via Pollnagollum Cave, the Marble Arch Caves via Cladagh River, and the Florence Court loop. These trails offer a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the area without the intensity of mountain climbs. You can find more details in the Easy hikes around Coaghan guide.
Most popular attractions around Coaghan
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