Top 9 Natural Monuments around Belcoo West
Best natural monuments around Belcoo West are found in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, a region recognized for its natural beauty and geological features. This area is part of the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark, offering diverse landscapes. Visitors can explore a variety of natural formations, including ancient cave systems, expansive mountain bogs, and freshwater lakes. The region provides opportunities to experience unique geological and historical sites.
Best natural monuments around Belcoo West
- The most popular natural monuments is Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (Stairwayโฆ
Last updated: May 2, 2026
Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (Stairway to Heaven)
Highlight (Segment) โข Trail
Translated by Google โข
Tip by
Giant's Grave & Giant's Cave
Highlight โข Historical Site
Translated by Google โข
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Cavan Burren Park Megalithic Stones
Highlight โข Historical Site
Tip by
Marble Arch Caves
Highlight โข Historical Site
Tip by
Cladagh Glen Waterfall
Highlight โข Forest
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more natural monuments around Belcoo West.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
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.
0
0
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.
0
0
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/
0
0
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/
2
0
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!
1
0
Strenuous but rewarding path on footbridges over the high moor. Pretty well known through insta, so sm best come first thing in the morning
1
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of natural monuments can I explore around Belcoo West?
The region around Belcoo West, part of the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark, offers a diverse range of natural monuments. You can explore impressive cave systems like the Marble Arch Caves, challenging mountain trails such as the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (Stairway to Heaven), and picturesque freshwater lakes like Lough MacNean. The area also features ancient forests, gorges, and waterfalls, including the Cladagh Glen Waterfall.
Are there any historical or archaeological natural monuments in the area?
Yes, the area is rich in historical and archaeological natural monuments. You can visit Giant's Grave & Giant's Cave, a site with megalithic tombs in the Burren Forest. Another significant location is Cavan Burren Park Megalithic Stones, an ancient park featuring massive Stone-Age monuments within a unique geological and archaeological forest landscape. The islands within Lough MacNean also hold historical significance, with evidence of habitation since the Mesolithic period.
What are the most challenging natural monuments to visit near Belcoo West?
The Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (Stairway to Heaven) is considered a challenging but rewarding hike. It spans approximately 11 km round-trip and includes a steep ascent of 450 wooden steps to a viewing platform atop Cuilcagh Mountain. Visitors should be prepared for potentially strong and cold winds at higher elevations and wear warm clothing.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments around Belcoo West?
The Marble Arch Caves offer guided tours on carefully constructed paths, making them a comfortable and engaging experience for families. Lough MacNean provides picturesque scenery and opportunities for water-based activities, which can be enjoyable for all ages. The Cladagh Glen Waterfall and its surrounding forest are also suitable for family walks, especially in spring when bluebells carpet the floor.
What outdoor activities can I do near these natural monuments?
The region offers various outdoor activities. You can explore numerous trails for gravel biking, mountain biking, and running. For example, there are routes like the 'Lower Lough Mcnean, Florence Court House and Cuilcagh Mountain Park loop' for mountain biking, or the 'Cuilcagh Mountain Park running loop' for runners. You can find more details on these activities and routes in the Gravel biking around Belcoo West, MTB Trails around Belcoo West, and Running Trails around Belcoo West guides.
When is the best time to visit the natural monuments around Belcoo West?
The best time to visit depends on your interests. Spring offers beautiful displays of bluebells, wood anemones, and wild garlic in places like the Cladagh Glen Waterfall. Autumn brings magical colors to the forests. For mountain hikes like the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, clear days are ideal for panoramic views, though warm clothing is always recommended due to potential winds at higher elevations.
Can I spot wildlife at the natural monuments?
Yes, several natural monuments offer opportunities for wildlife spotting. In the Cladagh Glen Waterfall nature reserve, you might spot silver-washed fritillaries, and with a keen eye, even an elusive pine marten and red squirrels. The diverse habitats of the Cuilcagh Mountain Park also support varied flora and fauna.
What should I wear when visiting natural monuments like Cuilcagh Mountain?
For hikes on Cuilcagh Mountain, warm clothing is essential due to potentially strong and cold winds at higher elevations, even on clear days. Layering is advisable, along with sturdy hiking boots suitable for rugged terrain and boardwalks. For cave systems like Marble Arch Caves, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Are there any natural monuments with impressive viewpoints?
Absolutely. The Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (Stairway to Heaven) culminates in a viewing platform atop Cuilcagh Mountain, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding lowlands, including parts of counties Cavan, Leitrim, and Donegal on clear days. The Cliff Edge of Cuilcagh Mountain also provides far-reaching views.
What makes Lough MacNean unique among the natural monuments?
Lough MacNean is unique due to its geographical position, straddling the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The Belcoo River, connecting its two main parts, forms part of this international border. The lake also contains several islands with historical significance, some of which have been inhabited since the Mesolithic period, adding a rich cultural layer to its picturesque scenery.
Are there any natural monuments that feature caves or gorges?
Yes, the region is known for its cave systems and gorges. The Marble Arch Caves are one of Europe's most impressive cave systems, featuring underground rivers, waterfalls, and vast chambers. The Cladagh Glen Waterfall is set within a steep-sided limestone gorge, known for its mystical caves and beautiful waterfalls.
Most popular attractions around Belcoo West
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Belcoo West:
