Best attractions and places to see around Drumawillin include a variety of natural and historical sites. The area features significant geological formations and ancient monuments, offering diverse exploration opportunities. Visitors can experience unique landscapes, from expansive moorlands to historical burial sites. These attractions provide insights into the region's natural history and cultural heritage.
Last updated: June 24, 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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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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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 attractions in the area include the challenging but rewarding Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (Stairway to Heaven), which leads across impressive moorland to a summit. Another must-see spot is Giant's Grave & Giant's Cave, a historical site featuring megalithic tombs in the Burren Forest. Visitors also highly rate Cuilcagh Mountain Summit for its expansive views.
Yes, the area offers several historical sites. You can explore Giant's Grave & Giant's Cave, which features ancient megalithic tombs with local legends. Additionally, Florence Court is a magnificent 18th-century country estate with a rich history, offering insights into over 250 years of the Cole family's residence.
The region is rich in natural beauty. The Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail offers stunning views over vast moorlands. The Cuilcagh Mountain Summit provides expansive, breathtaking panoramas. The wider County Antrim area, where Drumawillin is located, is also known for dramatic coastal views and unique geological formations like the Giant's Causeway, and the scenic Glens of Antrim.
Yes, Florence Court is a family-friendly estate with lush parkland and thick woodland, offering over 10 miles (16 km) of hiking and bike trails suitable for various ages. The estate also features a water-powered sawmill and blacksmith's forge, providing an educational glimpse into industrial heritage.
The area around Drumawillin is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can embark on the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail for a challenging hike. For cycling, options include the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop' or the 'Florence Court loop from Drumlaghy'. Running trails like the 'Florence Court Red Trail' and the 'Cuilcagh Mountain Park running loop' are also popular. You can find more details on these routes in the cycling and running guides for Drumawillin.
For the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, parking is available at Cuilcagh Mountain Park Car Park. There are multiple spaces, some reserved for larger vehicles. A parking fee of 5 GBP or 6 Euros is typically required, payable in cash to the steward.
The best time to visit often depends on your preferred activities. For hiking and outdoor exploration, late spring to early autumn (May to September) generally offers milder weather and longer daylight hours. However, the region's natural beauty can be appreciated year-round, with each season offering a different perspective, from lush summer landscapes to dramatic winter scenery.
While popular attractions can draw crowds, exploring the wider Glens of Antrim, which are close to Drumawillin, can offer more secluded experiences. These glens provide spectacular landscapes with lush valleys and waterfalls, each with its own unique character. Rathlin Island, accessible by ferry from Ballycastle, is also a haven for seabirds and offers peaceful walking trails away from the mainland bustle.
The natural landscapes around Drumawillin, particularly the moorlands and forests, are home to various bird species and small mammals. If you venture to Rathlin Island, a short ferry ride from Ballycastle, it is a significant haven for seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes, especially during nesting seasons.
Visitors consistently praise the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail for its excellently laid-out wooden walkway through a wonderful moor landscape. The strenuous ascent is widely considered rewarding, culminating in a breathtaking view from the summit. The unique experience of walking on footbridges over the high moor is a particular highlight.
While Drumawillin itself is a rural townland, the nearby town of Ballycastle and other surrounding villages offer a range of amenities. You can find cafes, pubs, and various accommodation options, from guesthouses to hotels, providing convenient bases for exploring the attractions in the wider County Antrim and Causeway Coast area.


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