Ultimate Guide to Hiking the Stairway to Heaven, Ireland

Everything you need to know before you go

You may have heard of the Stairway to Heaven in Northern Ireland, or you may have seen photos online of an immense set of stairs up a mountain. The non-hiker in you might cringe at the thought of hiking up a mountain but you really don’t have to hike the whole 33km Cuilcagh Way.

The staircase to heaven or Stairway to Heaven not to confuse it with the Led Zeppelins song of the same name was nicknamed this after a photo taken from the top of the Cuilcagh boardwalk went viral four or five years ago. It is one of the best walks in Fermanagh Northern Ireland.

Ultimate Guide to Hiking the Stairway to Heaven Ireland

The Stairway to Heaven is located in Fermanagh Northern Ireland – THE CUILCAGH LEGNABROCKY TRAIL – is its official name and it is from Gaelic which means “chalky peak and it is Fermanagh’s highest mountain – Cuilcagh mountain as it is called.

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Ultimate Guide to Hiking the Stairway to Heaven, Ireland

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What is the Stairway to Heaven walk?

The outstanding hike that is the Cuilcagh Boardwalk / Cuilcagh Legnabrocky Trail is referred to as the ‘Stairway to Heaven Ireland’.

A few years back an Instagram post naming the hike the Stairway to Heaven went viral and since that time it is one of the most popular walks in Ireland.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know if you’re planning on hiking Ireland’s ‘Stairway to Heaven’, or the Cuilcagh Boardwalk / Cuilcagh Legnabrocky Trail, as it’s officially known.

Walking the Stairway to Heaven Hike – FAQS

Stairway to Heaven Fermanagh how long does it take?

How long is the Stairway to Heaven hike you ask? Given that the Stairway to Heaven trail is a14.8 km (9.2 mi) there and back it could take you up to 4 hours to do this hike.

Cuilcagh Mountain Park with view on cliff, rock slide and rumble leading down to small lake surrounded by bog and wetlands Fermanagh, Northern Ireland

How many miles is the Stairway to Heaven walk?

The wooden boardwalk begins after a 5km (9.2 miles) walk along a gravel path from the car park, before winding across the bog to the wooden staircase up the side of the mountain to the summit plateau known as the stairway to heaven. While this ‘stairway to heaven’ has made the final 1.5km of the trek to Ireland’s 165th highest peak less of a slog, the 450-step wooden structure is designed to protect the ecologically important hilltop blanket bog from erosion.

What is the Stairway to Heaven hike?

The Stairway to Heaven hike is a popular trail located on Cuilcagh Mountain in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. It is also known as the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.

People enjoying a walk on steep stairs of wooden boardwalk on the bank of the Cuilcagh Mountain with a view on lake and valley below, Northern Ireland

Where is the starting point of the Stairway to Heaven walk?

The starting point of the Stairway to Heaven walk is at the car park near the Marble Arch Caves in Enniskillen.

How long is the hike to reach the top of Cuilcagh Mountain?

The hike to reach the top of Cuilcagh Mountain via the Cuilcagh Legnabrocky Trail is approximately 7 km round trip, taking around 4-5 hours to complete.

Are hiking boots necessary for the Stairway to Heaven trail?

Yes, it is recommended to wear sturdy hiking boots for the Stairway to Heaven trail, especially on the gravel path and through the blanket bog sections.

Cuilcagh Mountain Park, Northern Ireland, Auguast 2020 Group of tourists hiking on wooden boardwalk with long stairs going uphill in scenic mountains

What facilities are available along the trail?

There are toilet facilities located at the beginning of the trail. It is advisable to bring your own water, snacks, and a map for navigation.

Do I need to make a booking to hike the Stairway to Heaven?

No, there is no requirement for booking to hike the Stairway to Heaven trail. However, it is recommended to check for any restrictions or updates before your visit.

Walking The Stairway to Heaven, Ireland

Stairway to Heaven Fermanagh how long does it take? How long is the Stairway to Heaven hike you ask? Given that the Stairway to Heaven trail is a14.8 km (9.2 mi) there and back it could take you up to 4 hours to do this hike.

Walkers on The Stairway to Heaven at Cuilcagh mountain

How many miles is the Stairway to Heaven walk?

View of The Stairway to Heaven at Cuilcagh mountain from the top

Cuilcagh Boardwalk trail

Cuilcagh sits right along the border of Cavan in the Republic and Fermanagh in Northern Ireland. Legnabrocky is the townlands where the walking trail begins. In 2001 the Cuilcagh Mountain Park was joined with the Marble Arch Caves (where Game of Thrones filmed some scenes) and the Claddagh Glen Nature Reserve to make one of the first UNESCO-recognised European Geoparks.

In 2008 the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark was expanded into County Cavan, making it the world’s first transnational cross-border Geopark and management of the Stairway to heaven Fermanagh became part of the Geopark.

In 2016 a 1.6 km boardwalk was created to protect the blanket bog from erosion by the walkers taking the Cuilagh Way hike. In 2017 a photo of the boardwalk and the steps up the Mountain went viral on Instagram and since that time walkers and hikers have visited the Stairway to Heaven Ireland in droves. I’ll give you an important tip here choose the best comfy daypack for hiking as there are a lot of stairs here and you want something light.

Getting to Northern Ireland’s Stairway to Heaven

Dublin to Stairway to Heaven

From Dublin, the drive will take around 2.5 hours you can simply google map it and you will be shown several optional routes to take. The route through Kells will allow you to stop and view copies of the Book of Kells where they were actually found. You could also take a trip to the incredible Monasterboice which contains some of Ireland’s finest high crosses.

Stairway to Heaven Ireland map

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Stairway to Heaven from Galway

A little longer drive the trip from Galway will take around 2.75 hours but you could stop in Athlone and have a drink at Ireland’s oldest pub Seans.

Stairway to Heaven from Belfast

The Stairway is 2 hours and 15 minutes away from Belfast and some routes pass by Enniskillen, where you can see Enniskillen Castle or have a nice lunch at Blakes pub and take photos of the Game of Thrones Doors from the Dark Hedges.

Don’t forget if you are driving from Galway or Dublin you will be entering another country as N. Ireland Fermanagh is part of the UK. Probably the only way you will be able to tell that is that the speed signs will change from km to miles. Don’t forget to get a few sterling before you go as well for coffee and car parking.

Stairway to Heaven Ireland tours

Many tour companies such as Discover Ireland, Hidden Dublin Tours and 365tickets offer ‘Stairway to Heaven Ireland’ tour packages from Dublin. Tickets range from 30 to 60 euros.

How long does it take to walk the Stairway to Heaven?

The walk itself is about 2 hours long but that doesn’t take into account the walk from the carpark to the boardwalk which is another 1.2 km. A round trip up the boardwalk and the Stairway takes about 4 hours to do if you have a moderate level of fitness. Yes, you do need to be somewhat fit to take on that kind of walk.

Stairway to Heaven Ireland car park

Cuilcagh Boardwalk carpark is the first carpark at Cuilcagh Mountain it is called the Marble Arch Caves Car Park and it will cost £5, but they’ll take five euros if you haven’t any sterling.

The actual Stairway to Heaven hike starts at the 2nd parking lot of the Legnabrocky car park. There are in fact 2 car parks on the trail. The first adds another 1.2 km to the hike but the Legnabrocky car park is very small and gets full quickly.

You won’t see the boardwalk but you will pass a river and at the end of the gravel road you will spot Cuilcagh Mountain and where the boardwalk begins. The boardwalk is around 1.6 km long and it is literally an uphill climb. As mentioned before lots of stairs to manage but the views are simply phenomenal so stop and rest and take loads of photos.

View of The Stairway to Heaven boardwalk

You will see views of Fermanagh for miles and be able to get some great shots of Lough Atona. This Loch was formed during the last ice age and is over 1300 years old.

View of The Stairway to Heaven Loch Atona

How many steps does the Stairway to Heaven have?

450 steps in total and yes it takes some stamina but there are small platform rest points along the way so you can stop and get some stunning photos.

What should I wear hiking the Stairway to Heaven?

The Cuilcagh Mountain walk will be subjected to a variety of weather conditions – it’s Ireland so remember 4 seasons in one day. Wear a good pair of sturdy shoes or hiking boots as the boardwalks can be slippery when wet. I would also advise a good wind and waterproof jacket that has a hood.

What should I bring with me to hike the Stairway to Heaven?

You can bring a drone with you to Cuilgagh but if it is over 1 kg it must be registered with the Aviation Authority otherwise you are fine to fly a drone here.

Don’t forget your camera either a cellphone one or a good photography camera will come in very useful.

Pack a lunch drop into a Spar or other type of shop along the route and pick up some snacks or sausage rolls to munch or bring a full lunch to have a picnic at the top of the summit. Don’t forget extra water the hike can be quite dehydrating.

When to visit the Stairway to Heaven

Oh and get there early particularly in high season as it can get very busy. If you are going in the off-season check that the boardwalk is open as sometimes it has to be closed due to snow and ice build-up.

This is not a hike for anybody with mobility issues or no stamina, trust me I only made it a few km but hubs went all the way – thank god he can take a decent picture.

Don’t forget to take the weather into account as well and check it before you go and dress accordingly these stairs to heaven can (like most of Ireland) contain 4 seasons in one day.

Cuilagh’s Unique Habitat & Wildlife – along the Cuilcagh boardwalk trail

This is one of the largest blanket bogs in Northern Ireland and one of the most intact blanket bogs in Western Europe. A blanket bog is a place where peat forms from the decayed remains of plants and mosses. These bogs support a unique variety of bugs, plants and other animals that have adapted to the waterlogged areas. One of the rare birds found at Cuilcagh is the Golden Plover, you may also spot skylarks, hen harriers and meadow pipits along with hares foxes and snow buntings.

Walking the Cuilcagh Boardwalk is a beautiful and lovely walk that should be on everyone’s bucket list when visiting Ireland. The breathtaking views from the top make the trek up the staircase to heaven worth every step. The start of the Cuilcagh Legnabrocky walking route is the beginning of the boardwalk and staircase section of the hike.

Starting at the Cuilcagh Boardwalk car park, it is just a short five-minute drive to the trailhead near the stairway to heaven. Walking the Cuilcagh Boardwalk in Fermanagh is a must-do experience for any outdoor enthusiast looking for an adventure around Ireland.

This is without a doubt one of the more impressive of Ireland’s hikes and walks. Have you hiked it yet?

Author

Faith

Faith was born in Ireland raised in Canada and has lived in over 10 countries in Europe including England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Spain, Northern Ireland, Wales, along with Mexico, Antigua, the US and has slow travelled to over 40 countries around the world. Graduating with a degree in Anthropology and Women's Studies Faith is a student of history, culture, community and food and has written about these topics for over 40 years.
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