There are places in Ireland that leave a lasting imprint on your soul—and Cuilcagh Boardwalk is one of them. Often nicknamed the Stairway to Heaven, this scenic trail in County Fermanagh feels like something out of a dream. I visited it once with my friends, and from the very first step on the wooden path that snakes across the bogland, I was completely in awe.
The panoramic views, the sense of peaceful isolation, and that iconic staircase rising into the sky—it all felt surreal. It’s not just a walk; it’s a journey through some of Ireland’s most untouched natural beauty, and one that I’m still thinking about.
Cuilcagh Boardwalk/Stairway to Heaven Ireland Useful Info
Location
The Stairway to Heaven Ireland is located in County Fermanagh, in Northern Ireland, close to the border with County Cavan in the Republic of Ireland. The official name of the trail is the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, and it sits within the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark
For your convenience, I’ve included its Google Maps location.
Parking
Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail Car Park (Private – Closest to Trailhead)
- Booking Required: Must be booked online in advance.
- Distance to Trailhead: 1-minute walk.
- Why it’s ideal: Easiest access to the boardwalk; no need to walk extra distance.
- Why it’s confusing: Many people don’t know it’s private and get turned away without a booking. Pre-book your car park here.
Killykeegan Nature Reserve Car Park (Public)
- No Booking Needed: Free and first-come, first-served.
- Distance to Trailhead: About 1.5 km walk (adds time to your hike).
- Toilets: Public toilet facilities available here.
- Why it’s useful: Good backup option if you couldn’t book the private lot.
- Downside: Fills up quickly during weekends and holidays.
Safety Tips
- Wear Proper Footwear or Hiking Boots
- Bring Layers: As wind and rain can hit suddenly near the summit.
- Pack Water and Snacks
- Check the Weather Beforehand
- Stick to the Boardwalk
Facilities
- Toilets: Currently, there are no toilet facilities directly at the start of the boardwalk trail. However, they’re available at the Killykeegan Nature Reserve car park.
- Picnic Areas: The Killykeegan Nature Reserve also provides picnic areas.
- Café and Gift Shop: For refreshments and souvenirs, the Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre, located nearby, offers a café and gift shop.
Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail
Starting Point
The trail begins at the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Car Park, located off Marble Arch Road.
Trail Info
While the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail is the most popular route, it primarily features one main trail. This trail is an out-and-back route that is 11 km long and takes 2.5 to 3 hours to complete, depending on your pace.
- Boardwalk Section: The boardwalk itself stretches for about 1.5 km through the bogland, making it a safe and easy-to-navigate section.
- Staircase Section: Following the boardwalk, the trail transitions to a steep staircase that leads up the side of Cuilcagh Mountain, which is the most challenging part of the hike. This section consists of around 450 steps, offering panoramic views as you ascend.
Viewing Areas and Key Highlights
- Panoramic Views: As you climb higher, several viewing points along the way offer breathtaking vistas of the Marble Arch Caves Geopark and surrounding countryside.
- Cuilcagh Mountain Summit: The summit offers unparalleled panoramic views of the Fermanagh and Cavan regions, as well as distant peaks like Slieve Beagh.
Restaurants Near the Stairway to Heaven Ireland
Nearby attractions
- Marble Arch Caves: 10-minute drive
- Florence Court House and Gardens: 15-minute Drive
- Enniskillen Castle: 30-minute Drive
- Tully Castle: 40-minute Drive
- Castle Coole: 30-minute Drive
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take to walk the Cuilcagh Boardwalk?
It takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours to complete the 11 km out-and-back trail.
Is Cuilcagh Boardwalk difficult?
The trail is moderate, with a challenging staircase section, but the boardwalk makes it accessible for most fitness levels.
How long does it take to walk up the Stairway to Heaven Ireland?
It takes around 1 to 1.5 hours to reach the summit from the trailhead, depending on your pace.
Are there toilets at Stairway to Heaven Ireland?
There are no toilets directly on the trail, but facilities are available at the Killykeegan Nature Reserve Car Park, about 1 km away.
Where is the Stairway to Heaven Ireland?
The Stairway to Heaven Ireland is located in the Cuilcagh Mountain area in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, part of the Marble Arch Caves Geopark.
Conclusion
The Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail offers an unforgettable adventure with spectacular views, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts.
I hope this information will be useful for your travel. If you plan to try this fantastic walk, I would be happy to hear about your experience.
