Stairway To Heaven Ireland: A Guide To Climb Mount Cuilcagh
Did you know that Northern Ireland hid a staircase that led to heaven? Stairway to Heaven Ireland is a perfect location for both local hikers and international visitors. Located between County Fermanagh in Northern Ireland and County Cavan in the Republic of Ireland. The trail is nestled in the Cuilcagh Mountain.
The boardwalk and staircase were introduced to conserve the area. However, the trail’s breathtaking scenery and fascinating history made it the most popular hiking destination. Before you set out on this exhilarating adventure, let this guide prepare you for a memorable climb.
Important Information about Stairway to Heaven Ireland
Location
Stairway to Heaven Walk Ireland is located in County Fermanagh near Enniskillen Town.
Length
Paid car park: 11km/6.8 miles.
Free car park: 12km/7.5 miles.
Time Taken
Paid car park: 2 – 3 hours
Free car park: 2.5-3.5 hours
Trail Difficulty
The Fermanagh Walk is linear but is considered moderate to difficult.
Car Parks
The Cuilcagh Boardwalk car park is located at the start and will cost £6 for 3 hours. Killykeegan Nature Reserve car park is free. However, it is located 1 km/0.6 miles away from the start.
Nearby Accommodation
You can easily find amazing accommodation in the Fermanagh Stairway to Heaven. There are also many discounts and offers available. Try Arch House B&B, Tully Mill Cottages, Allie’s Retreat, and Butler’s Apartment.
Food Options
Enniskillen offers various delicious food options for tourists. You can drive 15 minutes to find The Chef’s Table. The 9th Avenue and Cuilcagh Cafe are both 20 minutes away.
Nearby Attractions
| Marble Arch Cave | A few minutes away |
| Cavan Burren Park | 20 minutes away |
| Florence Court | 10 minutes away |
| Tullydermot Falls | 25 minutes away |
Other attractions include the Shannon Pot, Lough Erne, and Blacklion Village.
Valuable Hiking Tips
What To Wear
Make sure you wear appropriate hiking clothes with sturdy footwear to enjoy the Stairway to Heaven hike.
What To Keep
You must carry a water bottle and some snacks with you. Sunscreen, as well as insect repellent, is very important.
Sustainability
Dogs are strictly not allowed at the stairway to Heaven Walk. You must adhere to the Leave No Trace principles to ensure the preservation of the trail’s beauty.
Weather Conditions
The weather conditions can change quickly. Hence, stay prepared. You can keep some warm/dry clothes in case you get wet/cold.
Mobile Network
The area around the Cuilcagh Mountain Stairway to Heaven has little to mobile phone reception. Hence, it is better to update someone beforehand about your trip. In case of emergency, don’t hesitate to call for help at 999 or 101.
Toilet Availability
The Cuilcagh boardwalk trail has no toilet facilities. However, toilets are accessible near the car parks.
The Cuilcagh Boardwalk trail
Stairway to Heaven Ireland is the most famous trail in Fermanagh. It is a part of the Cuilcagh Waymarked Way, covering 33 km/20.5 miles. It goes around the Cuilcagh Mountain.
The Beginning
You need to park your car at any car park. As you walk down, you will see a few toilets. The trail starts from the paid car park.
Stay prepared for the first section’s stony pathway. It is a tough hike with many inclines and declines. This km/2.5 mile (4 Km) doesn’t really have a great landscape. However, just keep going till you reach the boardwalk in Fermanagh.
The Boardwalk
The walk Fermanagh has an easy trail despite a slight incline. Blanket bog protects this beautiful area. Keep your eyes open for the steps that will soon become visible.
The Climb
There is a steep section of the trail called the Stairway to Heaven Cavan. You have to climb almost 450 steps. To make the climb easier, grab on the wire grip. Don’t worry. There are many stop areas, too.
The Top
Once you reach the top of the Stairway to Heaven Ireland, you can witness the stunning views. Take your time to sit and relax here.
Conclusion
The Stairway to Heaven Ireland offers adventure enthusiasts an ideal opportunity to climb the Cuilcagh Mountain Stairway. The beautiful views of nature at the top will leave you mesmerised. The trail itself goes through one of Ireland’s blanket bogs.
If you plan to visit, always remember to maintain the sustainability of the trail. Always follow the Leave No Trace principles. This will help maintain the spot for future hikers. You can also visit the nearby tourist attractions like the Marble Arch Cave to make the most of your trip.
Make sure you are well equipped with suitable gear and ready to face the uncertain weather conditions. With all these factors in mind, you will have a safe and enjoyable hiking experience. For more hiking adventures, check out the Wild Nephin National Park, where you can explore nature’s best hiking trails in Ireland.
