Best attractions and places to see around Gortalughany, located in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, are centered around the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark. This area is known for its significant geological features, including Carboniferous age rocks and drumlins, alongside extensive natural beauty. Visitors can experience panoramic views of forests, boglands, and Cuilcagh Mountain. The region also offers insights into ancient history through its fossils and archaeological heritage.
Last updated: May 21, 2026
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Translated by Google •
Tip by
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
Highlight • Historical Site
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 Gortalughany.
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
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
Gortalughany is renowned for its natural beauty within the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark. From the Gortalughany Viewpoint, you can see extensive forests, boglands, and the majestic Cuilcagh Mountain. Other notable natural attractions include the stunning Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (Stairway to Heaven), the dramatic Cladagh Glen Waterfall with its limestone gorge, and the source of Ireland's longest river, the Shannon Pot.
Yes, there are several easy walking trails. You can find routes like the Marble Arch Caves via Cladagh River, or a loop around Florence Court. For more options, explore the Easy hikes around Gortalughany guide.
For a rewarding challenge, the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (Stairway to Heaven) leads across moorland to the summit plateau of Cuilcagh Mountain. The trail is about 7.5 kilometers long and reaches 665 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking views. The Cuilcagh Mountain Summit itself involves a steep ascent of 450 wooden steps. You can find more challenging routes in the Hiking around Gortalughany guide.
The region is rich in history. You can explore Giant's Grave & Giant's Cave, megalithic tombs in Burren Forest associated with local legends. Nearby, Florence Court is a magnificent 18th-century country estate with a mansion, gardens, and woodlands. Further afield, Enniskillen Castle houses museums detailing the area's history, and White Island features ruins of an ancient church with carved figures from 800-1000 A.D.
Yes, Gortalughany is geologically significant. The viewpoint itself is within an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) due to its Carboniferous age rocks, primarily limestones formed over 330 million years ago. You can find fossils of ancient marine creatures like corals and brachiopods in the limestone, especially in disused quarries leading to the viewpoint. The landscape also features drumlins, shaped by the Ice Age.
Absolutely. Florence Court offers extensive grounds with hiking and bike trails, a water-powered sawmill, and a blacksmith's forge, making it a great family outing. The Marble Arch Caves provide an exciting underground adventure suitable for families. Additionally, many of the easier walking trails are suitable for families.
Yes, for popular attractions like the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, there is the Cuilcagh Mountain Park Car Park. It's an ideal starting point for the hike and has spaces reserved for larger vehicles. A parking fee of 5 GBP or 6 Euros is typically paid in cash to the steward.
The best time to visit Gortalughany is generally during the spring and summer months (April to September) when the weather is milder and daylight hours are longer, making outdoor activities more enjoyable. However, the panoramic views and geological features can be appreciated year-round, with winter offering a different, often dramatic, landscape.
Visitors frequently praise the breathtaking panoramic views, especially from the Gortalughany Viewpoint and the Cuilcagh Mountain Summit. The unique experience of walking the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail through the moorland is also a highlight. The blend of natural beauty, significant geological formations, and ancient historical sites like Giant's Grave & Giant's Cave makes the area particularly appealing.
Yes, the area offers several running trails. You can find routes like the Florence Court Red Trail or various running loops around Drumlaghy. For a comprehensive list of options, check out the Running Trails around Gortalughany guide.
The extensive forests and boglands visible from the Gortalughany Viewpoint are home to diverse wildlife. Keep an eye out for red squirrels, pine martens, and various deer species. The Killykeeghan Nature Reserve nearby also offers excellent opportunities for observing local flora and fauna.
While the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail itself involves many steps, the Cuilcagh Mountain Park Car Park is noted as wheelchair accessible. For specific accessible paths, it's best to check with individual attraction websites or local visitor centers for the most up-to-date information on accessibility features.


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