Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail

Also known as the Stairway to Heaven, this walk has ballooned in popularity in recent years. Little wonder – it provides relatively easy passage into the wild terrain that’s normally reserved for experienced hillwalkers. The reward is an expansive view from a lookout platform on the northern slopes of Cuilcagh Mountain (665m). This flat-topped peak rises like an island in a sea of bog, and straddles the border of counties Fermanagh and Cavan.

From the car park, head south along a gravel track flanked by limestone meadows. The landscape soon changes to blanket bog, but the track continues undulating towards Cuilcagh for 4km. When the gravel comes to an end, a wooden boardwalk takes over. You sail easily over the heather to Lough Atona, where a long flight of wooden steps rears skyward up the steep slope ahead. Enjoy the wonderful panorama from the upper viewing platform, then reverse your steps back to the start.

Don’t Miss

Monastir Sink, a collapsed cave and underground river beside the car park

Nearby Marble Arch Caves – also part of the UNESCO geopark that encompasses this area

Practical Information

Bring £6 in cash to pay for the private Boardwalk car park

Alternatively, park for free at Killykeegan Nature Reserve car park, 1km west of the boardwalk trail