Attractions and Places To See around Coolarkan - Top 16
Best attractions and places to see around Coolarkan include significant natural features and historical sites. Located near Belmore Forest in County Fermanagh, this area is known for its impressive cave systems, such as Pollnagollum-Coolarkin Cave, and ancient megalithic monuments. Visitors can explore a landscape shaped by geological processes and human history, offering diverse outdoor activities.
Best attractions and places to see around Coolarkan
- The most popular attractions is Giant's Grave & Giant's Cave, a historical site that features megalithic…
Last updated: July 2, 2026
Giant's Grave & Giant's Cave
Highlight • Historical Site
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Cuilcagh Mountain Park Car Park
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Florence Court
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Cavan Burren Park Megalithic Stones
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Lower Lough MacNean
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Tips from the Community
Would not regard the Sligo Road from Enniskillen to Belcoo as a cycle friendly road. Extremely poor surface for considerable stretches, very bendy in places too. I live in Enniskillen; have cycled it but would avoid it if at all possible. Cycling via Five Points , on Swanlinbar Road; then via old rail line from old Letterbreen railway station towards Lough MacNean ; or take road from Five Points towards Gortatole is a far more pleasant and safer option.
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Incredible Stone-Age park, with some technical trails. Massive mythological sacred stones worshipped over centuries, will follow you when adventuring into this unique geological and archaeological forest landscape.
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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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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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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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Lower Lough MacNean, also known as Lough Nilly, is one of two lakes that together form Lough MacNean. Around the circumference of the lake there is a 42 mile (67.6 km) sculpture trail that showcases the rich human history and diverse wildlife around the lake. Lough MacNean lies within the Marble Arch Caves Geopark which preserves the ancient landscapes. The reedbeds, fen peats, wet grasslands and wet woodland are home to diverse mammals, insects, and birds.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of historical sites can I explore around Coolarkan?
The area is rich in history, featuring ancient megalithic monuments. You can visit Giant's Grave & Giant's Cave in the Burren Forest, known for its megalithic tombs and local legends. Another significant site is Cavan Burren Park Megalithic Stones, an incredible Stone-Age park with massive mythological sacred stones set within a unique geological and archaeological forest landscape. Additionally, Florence Court offers a glimpse into 18th-century estate life with its Georgian mansion, sawmill, and blacksmith's forge.
Are there any unique natural attractions or geological features to see?
Absolutely. The most prominent natural attraction is the Pollnagollum-Coolarkin Cave system, located within Belmore Forest. This impressive cave features a dramatic 12-meter waterfall plunging into a large doline, and its initial 200-meter length is accessible with daylight visible throughout. You can also find the Lower Lough MacNean, a beautiful lake that is part of the Marble Arch Caves Geopark, known for its diverse wildlife and a sculpture trail.
What outdoor activities are available near Coolarkan?
Coolarkan is an excellent base for outdoor enthusiasts. You can explore various activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling. For hiking, there are trails like the Belmore Forest loop via Pollnagollum Cave. Mountain bikers can enjoy routes like the Kingfisher Trail and Florence Court Loop. Road cyclists have options such as the Lower Lough MacNean loop. For more detailed routes and information, you can check the dedicated guides for Hiking around Coolarkan, MTB Trails around Coolarkan, and Road Cycling Routes around Coolarkan.
Is the Pollnagollum-Coolarkin Cave accessible for visitors?
The initial portion of the Pollnagollum-Coolarkin Cave is generally accessible, with daylight visible for about 200 meters into its tunnel-like passage. However, the cave's accessible portion ends abruptly due to a massive boulder collapse, making further exploration challenging and typically reserved for experienced cavers. The dramatic 12-meter waterfall and the doline at its entrance are key features to observe.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities in the Coolarkan area?
Yes, there are family-friendly options. Florence Court, an 18th-century country estate, is noted as family-friendly and offers over 10 miles of hiking and bike trails to explore its grounds, along with a water-powered sawmill and blacksmith's forge. The scenic environment of Belmore Forest, where the Pollnagollum-Coolarkin Cave is located, also provides opportunities for family walks and nature observation.
Where can I go for climbing near Coolarkan?
For climbing enthusiasts, Coolrakan Quarry is a notable spot located near the Pollnagollum-Coolarkin Cave. It offers a variety of both bolted and traditional climbing routes that have been cleaned and made ready for climbers. The 'Entrance Rock' has easier bolted routes, while the 'Back Wall' provides more challenging climbs. Parking is available nearby, with a short walk to the quarry.
What is the best time of year to visit Coolarkan for outdoor activities?
While specific seasonal data isn't provided, the region's outdoor attractions, including hiking in Belmore Forest and exploring cave systems, are generally best enjoyed during milder weather. Spring and summer typically offer more pleasant conditions for hiking, cycling, and climbing, with longer daylight hours. Autumn can also be beautiful with changing foliage, though weather can be more unpredictable.
Are there any viewpoints or scenic spots around Coolarkan?
Yes, the area offers several scenic spots. The Lower Lough MacNean provides beautiful lake views, and its circumference features a sculpture trail. The geological and archaeological forest landscape of Cavan Burren Park Megalithic Stones also offers unique vistas. Additionally, the trails within Belmore Forest and around Florence Court offer picturesque views of the countryside and mountains like Benaughlin.
Where can I park when visiting attractions like Cuilcagh Mountain or the caves?
For the hike to the Stairway to Heaven, Cuilcagh Mountain Park Car Park is the ideal starting point, offering spaces for both standard and larger vehicles. A cash fee of 5 GBP or 6 Euros is required. When visiting the Pollnagollum-Coolarkin Cave and Coolrakan Quarry, parking is available near the entrance to the quarry, followed by a short walk.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in the Coolarkan area?
The natural environments around Coolarkan, particularly Belmore Forest and the Lower Lough MacNean, are home to diverse wildlife. The lake's reedbeds, fen peats, wet grasslands, and wet woodland provide habitats for various mammals, insects, and birds. Exploring the forest trails offers opportunities for wildlife sightings, though specific species are not detailed.
Are there any specific hiking trails recommended for different difficulty levels?
Yes, the area caters to various hiking abilities. For an easy walk, consider the Belmore Forest loop via Pollnagollum Cave. Moderate options include the Cavan Way and the Aghanaglack Prehistoric Tomb loop. For more detailed information on routes and their difficulty, refer to the Hiking around Coolarkan guide.
Most popular attractions around Coolarkan
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