Top 6 Natural Monuments around Cullatagh
Best natural monuments around Cullatagh are found in a region characterized by diverse geological features and ancient landscapes. The area offers a blend of natural beauty, including expansive moorlands, limestone gorges, and significant geological formations. Visitors can explore sites that showcase the region's unique natural heritage and historical significance. This landscape provides varied opportunities for outdoor exploration.
Best natural monuments around Cullatagh
- The most popular natural monuments is Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (Stairway to Heaven), a trail that offers exploration of secluded moors and a barren rocky landscape. A significant feature is the wooden walkway that guides visitors across impressive moorland and up to the summit plateau.
- Another must-see spot is Cuilcagh Mountain Summit, a summit offering a challenging yet rewarding hike. The trail culminates in a steep ascent of 450 wooden steps to a viewing platform atop the mountain.
- Visitors also love Cascades Waterfall, which features beautiful cascading waterfalls along Cuilcagh Way. These multi-tiered waterfalls are found within a forest of lichen, ferns, and wild seasonal bluebells.
- Cullatagh is known for its trails, summits, and waterfalls. The region offers a variety of natural monuments to see and explore, from challenging mountain ascents to serene forest walks.
- The natural monuments around Cullatagh are appreciated by the komoot community, with 29 upvotes and 51 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: August 9, 2026
Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (Stairway to Heaven)
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Follow a wooden walkway that leads across the impressive moorland and up to the summit plateau. From the end of the boardwalk, it's about two kilometers to the tomb.
From the summit you either hike on the Ulster Way towards Gortalughany or turn around.
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Cuilcagh Mountain Summit Cairn
Highlight • Summit
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Marble Arch Caves
Highlight • Historical Site
The caves are only explorable by guided tours which run daily between 10am - 5pm. To secure a spot, visit marblearchcaves.co.uk/online-booking-guided-cave-tour
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Cladagh Glen Waterfall
Highlight • Forest
In the springtime the valley floor is carpeted by bluebells, wood anemones and wild garlic and in the summer silver-washed fritillaries are found besides the path. With a keen eye you may also spot an elusive pint martin and red squirrels!
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Cliff Edge of Cuilcagh Mountain
Highlight • Natural Monument
Towering at 2,188 feet (665 m), the mountain is one of the highest points of Ireland. The limestone rock was formed over 300 million years ago from the remains of tiny sea creatures when what is now Ireland would have been covered by a shallow tropical sea.
You can explore the area on a network of trails, but it's best to park your bike and go on foot. With historic ruins dating back to the 19th century, diverse flora and fauna, and far-reaching views, there's a lot to discover here.
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Tips from the Community
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.
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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!)
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Stunning limestone caves which you can explore on a guided tour. Well worth a visit. There are 150 steps down to the caves so if you are wearing cleats please be aware, or change into a pair of trainers before you descend down into the natural wonder. There is also a cafe on site. For further details please see https://marblearchcaves.co.uk/
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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.
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Marble Arch caves are situated at the picturesque foothills of the Cuilcagh Mountain. They are the longest underground cave system in Northern Ireland (7.1 miles in total) and are said to be the most magnificent in Britain. The caves are regarded as a world-class natural attraction, they are situated in the Cuilcagh Lakelands which is the world's first UNESCO Global Geopark. The caves are only explorable by guided tours which run daily between 10am - 5pm. To secure a spot, visit https://marblearchcaves.co.uk/online-booking-guided-cave-tour/
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Clodagh Glen has a steep sided gorge that is lined by ancient ash trees that cling to the steep sides. The water sculpted river valley has a spectacular arch over the river which formed when the cave roof collapsed. The reserve is known for its limestone gorge, mystical caves and beautiful waterfalls. In the springtime the valley floor is carpeted by bluebells, wood anemones and wild garlic and in the summer silver-washed fritillaries are found besides the path. With a keen eye you may also spot an elusive pint martin and red squirrels!
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The Cuilcagh Mountain Park covers 6,000 acres on the north slopes of the Cuilcagh Mountain. The park was founded in 1998 and works to conserve the bogland and restore damaged peatland. At 665m the mountain is one of the highest points in Ireland. The Limestone rock was formed over 300 million years ago by ocean calcifying organisms when Ireland was covered by shallow tropical sea. With an interesting and varied flora and fauna alongside historic ancient ruins, there is plenty to explore in the park.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most notable natural monuments to visit around Cullatagh?
The region around Cullatagh offers several impressive natural monuments. Among the most popular is the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (Stairway to Heaven), known for its unique wooden walkway across moorland. Another significant site is the Cuilcagh Mountain Summit, offering challenging hikes and panoramic views. For a different experience, the Cladagh Glen Waterfall features a spectacular limestone gorge and mystical caves.
Are there any family-friendly natural monuments near Cullatagh?
Yes, the Cladagh Glen Waterfall is a great option for families. Its nature reserve offers beautiful waterfalls, a limestone gorge, and mystical caves, with paths that are generally accessible for a pleasant walk. The valley floor is also carpeted with bluebells and wild garlic in spring, adding to its appeal.
What kind of geological features can I expect to see at these natural monuments?
The natural monuments around Cullatagh showcase diverse geological features. The Cladagh Glen Waterfall area is renowned for its spectacular limestone gorge and caves, including a natural arch formed by a collapsed cave roof. The Cuilcagh Mountain area, including the Cliff Edge of Cuilcagh Mountain, features limestone rock formed over 300 million years ago from ancient sea creatures, and expansive bogland habitats.
What outdoor activities can I do near the natural monuments?
The area around Cullatagh offers various outdoor activities. You can find easy hikes, road cycling routes, and running trails. For example, there are easy hikes like 'Marble Arch Caves via Cladagh River' and 'Florence Court loop'. Road cyclists can explore routes such as 'Lough Adorn – Drumlonan lough loop'. Runners have options like the 'Florence Court Red Trail' or the more challenging 'Cuilcagh Mountain Park running loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the easy hikes guide, road cycling guide, and running trails guide.
Are there any challenging hikes among the natural monuments?
Yes, the ascent to the Cuilcagh Mountain Summit is considered a challenging yet rewarding hike. The trail includes a steep ascent of 450 wooden steps to a viewing platform. The Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (Stairway to Heaven), while featuring a boardwalk, also involves a strenuous path over high moorland, leading to 665 meters above sea level.
What is the best time of year to visit the natural monuments around Cullatagh?
Spring and summer are particularly appealing. In spring, areas like the Cladagh Glen Waterfall are carpeted with bluebells, wood anemones, and wild garlic. Summer brings silver-washed fritillaries to the paths. While the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail can be visited year-round, the moorland landscape is often more pleasant in milder weather.
Are there any natural monuments with historical or archaeological significance?
Yes, the region has sites with historical importance. The Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail leads to a historic Bronze Age burial mound. Additionally, the broader region includes sites like Cavan Burren Park, known for its megalithic stones, and the Giant's Grave & Giant's Cave, which are ancient megalithic tombs linked to local Irish legends.
What do visitors enjoy most about the natural monuments in this area?
Visitors frequently praise the breathtaking views and unique landscapes. The Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail is often highlighted for its wonderfully laid-out boardwalk through impressive moorland. The challenging ascent to Cuilcagh Mountain Summit is consistently described as arduous but rewarding, with fantastic panoramic views. The serene beauty of the Cascades Waterfall within a forest of lichen and ferns is also a favorite.
Are there any less crowded natural sites to explore near Cullatagh?
While popular sites like the Cuilcagh Boardwalk can get busy, exploring the wider Cuilcagh Mountain Park, particularly areas around the Cliff Edge of Cuilcagh Mountain, offers opportunities for more secluded exploration on its network of trails. The Cladagh Glen Waterfall nature reserve, while beautiful, can also offer a more tranquil experience, especially outside peak times.
Can I find waterfalls other than Cladagh Glen?
Yes, in addition to the Cladagh Glen Waterfall, you can also visit the Cascades Waterfall. These are beautiful multi-tiered waterfalls located along the Cuilcagh Way, nestled within a forest rich with lichen, ferns, and seasonal bluebells at the foothills of Cuilcagh Mountain.
Are there any circular walks available around the natural monuments?
Yes, the region offers several circular routes. For example, you can find easy circular hikes like 'Florence Court – Florence Court loop from Drumlaghy' or 'Cuilcagh Way Trail Gate – Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail loop from Killesher DED'. These provide a good way to experience the natural beauty of the area. More details can be found in the easy hikes guide.
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