The Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail — widely known as the 'Stairway to Heaven' — climbs from the valley floor at Marble Arch through blanket bog and the lower flanks of Cuilcagh Mountain to the summit plateau at 665 metres. The trail is 7.5 km return and gains about 400 metres of elevation. The signature feature is the raised wooden boardwalk on the upper section, which cuts through the summit bog and gives access to the plateau in conditions that would otherwise leave the trail impassable.
Cuilcagh Mountain marks the boundary between Fermanagh and Cavan, and the summit plateau is part of the Cuilcagh Mountain Park, within the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark. The plateau gives views across Fermanagh's lake district to the north and Cavan's drumlins to the south. The blanket bog on the upper slopes is one of the most intact in Ulster, supporting ground-nesting birds including golden plover and dunlin.
The trailhead is at Legnabrocky Road off the A32 south of Florencecourt. Marble Arch Caves (one of Ireland's premier show cave systems) is 4 km from the trailhead — the combination of the boardwalk hike and a guided cave tour is an excellent Fermanagh day.
Highlights
- Raised boardwalk through blanket bog on the upper section — the 'Stairway to Heaven' gives all-weather access
- 7.5 km return to Cuilcagh summit plateau (665m) — views over Fermanagh's lakes and Cavan's drumlins
- Intact summit blanket bog — golden plover and dunlin nesting in season
- Marble Arch Caves (4 km) make a natural combination for a full Fermanagh day
Good to know
- →The boardwalk is a significant improvement on the old muddy path — but the lower section can still be wet. Waterproof boots needed.
- →The summit plateau is exposed — bring waterproofs even on mild days. Weather changes quickly.
- →Start early to avoid afternoon crowds, especially on summer weekends.
- →Marble Arch Caves are 4 km from the trailhead — book the cave tour in advance and do both in one day.
Best Time to Visit
Apr–Oct for safest conditions. May–Jul for golden plover on the summit bog. Avoid in heavy fog or ice.
Getting There
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Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail
Free hike on the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (Stairway to Heaven) — 7.5 km return to the summit plateau.
Book now →Quick Facts
- Type
- Nature
- County
- Co. Fermanagh
- Province
- Ulster
- Entry
- Free
- Hours
- Open year-round (public access). Parking at Legnabrocky Road trailhead.
- Allow
- 3–4 hours (return)