Best attractions and places to see around Sallysgrove include a diverse landscape featuring mountains, expansive moorlands, and significant historical sites. This region is characterized by its natural beauty, offering opportunities for exploration and outdoor activities. Visitors can discover ancient monuments and 18th-century estates nestled within picturesque countryside. The area provides a blend of challenging trails and accessible historical locations.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
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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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Ideal starting point for the hike to the Stairway to Heaven, there are a total of 3 parking spaces available. Some spaces are reserved for larger vehicles/motorhomes; the steward will direct you when reversing. Parking fee of 5 GBP or 6 Euros must be paid in cash to the steward.
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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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Florence Court House is a magnificent 18th-century country estate situated in the foothills of Cuilcagh Mountain. The house is amongst a medley of lush green parkland and thick woodland with sights of the wonderful Benaughlin Mountain in the distance. The house is now owned by the National Trust and is open to explore daily. For more information regarding opening times and ticket prices visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/florence-court
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Strenuous but rewarding path on footbridges over the high moor. Pretty well known through insta, so sm best come first thing in the morning
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Many of Ireland’s megalithic monuments—portal tombs, court cairns, or wedge tombs such as this one—are known locally as “the giant’s grave.” But this one, on a hilltop in Co. Cavan’s Burren Forest Park, has a giant story to go along with its name. According to Harold Johnson, from the nearby town of Blacklion, the giant, attempting to impress a lady, failed in his final attempt to jump the nearby chasm, which is, of course, called “The Giant’s Leap.” Harold Johnson relates this story in some detail, while seated on the Giant’s Grave, in the video, below right. Mr. Johnson also was our guide, and provided the narration, for our feature on the Killinagh Cursing Stones, located on the opposite side of the town of Blacklion. (https://voicesfromthedawn.com/burren-giants-grave/)
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Nestled in the foothills of Cuilcagh Mountain, Florence Court is a wonderful Georgian mansion surrounded by picturesque countryside. The first house was built by John Cole at the beginning of the 18th century and named after his wife, Florence. The Cole family lived in the house for over 250 years. Today, the estate is managed by the National Trust. There are over 10 miles (16 km) of hiking and bike trails to explore the grounds. You can visit a water-powered sawmill and blacksmith's forge that reveal the area's industrial heritage. There's also a beautiful Irish yew tree, Florence Court Yew, which is one of two original Irish Yew discovered in 1767. There is a small entrance fee to the gardens and forest.
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The most popular hiking trail is the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (Stairway to Heaven), which leads across impressive moorland. For a more challenging ascent with panoramic views, consider the trail to Cuilcagh Mountain Summit. Additionally, the grounds of Florence Court offer over 10 miles (16 km) of hiking trails through parkland and woodland.
Yes, Sallysgrove is home to several significant historical sites. You can explore the ancient megalithic tombs at Giant's Grave & Giant's Cave, located within the Burren Forest. Another notable site is Florence Court, a magnificent 18th-century Georgian country estate managed by the National Trust, offering insights into the area's industrial heritage with a water-powered sawmill and blacksmith's forge.
The region is characterized by its natural beauty, including expansive moorlands and mountainous terrain. Key natural features include the unique landscape traversed by the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, leading to the Cuilcagh Mountain Summit which offers breathtaking panoramic views. The area also features lush green parkland and thick woodland, particularly around Florence Court.
Yes, Florence Court is a family-friendly destination. Its extensive grounds offer over 10 miles (16 km) of hiking and bike trails suitable for various ages, set amidst lush parkland and woodland. It's a great place for families to explore nature and history together.
For those visiting the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, there is a dedicated parking area at Cuilcagh Mountain Park Car Park. This car park is an ideal starting point for the hike and offers some spaces reserved for larger vehicles/motorhomes. A parking fee of 5 GBP or 6 Euros must be paid in cash to the steward.
Beyond hiking, Sallysgrove offers excellent opportunities for cycling. You can explore various routes for gravel biking, mountain biking, and general cycling. For detailed routes and difficulty levels, check out the Gravel biking around Sallysgrove, MTB Trails around Sallysgrove, and Cycling around Sallysgrove guides.
Visitors highly praise the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail for its excellently laid-out boardwalk through a wonderful moor landscape. Many describe it as a strenuous but rewarding path, offering secluded, wide moors and barren rocky scenery, culminating in breathtaking views from the summit plateau.
Yes, the Cuilcagh Mountain Summit is a prominent viewpoint. The trail to the summit involves a steep ascent, but the effort is rewarded with fantastic, panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail also offers impressive vistas as it leads across the moorland.
For a unique blend of history and nature, explore the Giant's Grave & Giant's Cave within the Burren Forest. These megalithic tombs are steeped in Irish legend, offering a fascinating historical context to your outdoor exploration. The site provides a less-trafficked, intriguing experience compared to more popular trails.
Hiking trails around Sallysgrove range from intermediate to challenging. The Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail is considered intermediate, offering a rewarding experience across moorland. The ascent to Cuilcagh Mountain Summit is challenging, involving a steep climb of 450 wooden steps. The trails within Florence Court are generally more accessible and suitable for various fitness levels.
While the specific accessibility details for Florence Court are best confirmed directly with the National Trust, the Cuilcagh Mountain Park Car Park, which serves the Cuilcagh Boardwalk area, is noted as wheelchair accessible. For detailed information on Florence Court's accessibility, it is recommended to visit the National Trust website.
Yes, for cycling, the Cycling around Sallysgrove guide lists routes such as the Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop, which is rated as moderate, and the Florence Court loop from Drumlaghy, also rated moderate. For mountain biking, the Kingfisher Trail and Florence Court Loop is an easy option within the MTB Trails around Sallysgrove guide.


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