Cuilcagh boardwalk

Ireland – Off the Beaten Track
Fermanagh

Well I’ll tell ye a story, a tale or two
about a mountain in Fermanagh with an epic view

We made our way up to Fermanagh, home to Northern Ireland’s lake region. Also known for the beautiful, vast scenery and off the beaten track getaways. The Cuilcagh Boardwalk nicknamed the ‘stairway to heaven’, kept cropping up as a suggested activity in the region. So, we added it to our list and took a road trip up North.

Approximately 2 hours from Belfast and just over 2 hours from Dublin, is Fermanagh. A beautiful County with a large lake with 154 islands to hop, called Lough Erne. Along our travels we stopped at Cuilcagh to walk up the summit of Cuilcagh Mountain. To walk up the mountain does not cost anything at all. The carpark charges 5 Pound or 6 Euro to park your car. Be mindful to arrive early as spaces are very limited at this car park.

The hike is not too strenuous but has steep stairs at parts. The walking route takes you through the largest covered bog area in Northern Ireland. To reach the top of the boardwalk takes approximately 1.5 hours.

The view is truly spectacular – even on a rainy day. The misty rain and fog ads character to the experience and to your photos.

If there is one thing for certain, Ireland has one of the most beautiful hill top views we’ve come across in the rain. There is something unique about the misty, gentle Irish rain that makes the country shine more with lush green landscapes.

After reaching the top, appreciating the landscape and summer breeze, we tracked back down again. There was no access beyond the end of the boardwalk. The area’s fragile habitat is under  conservation.

                            

If we were to recommend packing tips for Ireland, it would be layers, layers and layers. The weather can change throughout the day regardless of where you are. The best advice is always be prepared. This day was no exception. From the occasional drizzle and cloud cover  to the sun coming out, you really experience the four seasons in one day. Hence the jackets coming on and off.

Our top accommodation location is Enniskillen – the main town and very central to base your adventures from. We stayed at Finn Lough Resort and you can read all about it here.