Attractions and Places To See around Carrickmacflaherty - Top 17
Best attractions and places to see around Carrickmacflaherty, located in County Donegal, Ireland, offer a range of historical sites and natural features. The region features megalithic tombs, geological formations, and serene lakes. Visitors can explore ancient landscapes and diverse wildlife within this area. Carrickmacflaherty provides opportunities for discovering both cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Best attractions and places to see around Carrickmacflaherty
- The most popular attractions is Giant's Grave & Giant's Cave, a historical site that features megalithic tombs…
Last updated: June 23, 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 historical sites can I explore around Carrickmacflaherty?
The region is rich in historical sites. You can visit Giant's Grave & Giant's Cave, a site featuring megalithic tombs in the Burren Forest with a local legend of two giants. Another significant historical site is Cavan Burren Park Megalithic Stones, an incredible Stone-Age park with archaeological and geological features. Additionally, Florence Court offers a magnificent 18th-century country estate with historical significance.
Are there any natural features or viewpoints to see in the area?
Yes, Carrickmacflaherty offers several natural features. Lower Lough MacNean is a beautiful lake within the Marble Arch Caves Geopark, known for its sculpture trail and diverse wildlife. The Cavan Burren Park Megalithic Stones also features unique geological formations within a forest landscape, offering viewpoints.
What outdoor activities can I do near Carrickmacflaherty's attractions?
The area around Carrickmacflaherty is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy loops like the Belmore Forest loop via Pollnagollum Cave, or more challenging routes such as the Cuilcagh Mountain Park loop. For cycling enthusiasts, there are road cycling routes like the Lower Lough MacNean loop, and touring bicycle options like the Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop. Explore more options on the hiking guide, road cycling guide, and cycling guide for the region.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Carrickmacflaherty?
Yes, Florence Court is a family-friendly attraction. This 18th-century country estate offers lush parkland and woodlands to explore, with over 10 miles (16 km) of hiking and bike trails suitable for families. It also features a water-powered sawmill and blacksmith's forge, providing an educational experience.
Where can I park when visiting attractions in the area?
For those planning to hike the Stairway to Heaven or explore Cuilcagh Mountain Park, the Cuilcagh Mountain Park Car Park is an ideal starting point. It has spaces for larger vehicles and motorhomes, though a cash parking fee of 5 GBP or 6 Euros is required.
What is the best time of year to visit Carrickmacflaherty for outdoor activities?
While specific seasonal data isn't provided, the region's natural beauty, including forests and loughs, suggests that spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery for hiking and cycling. Summer provides longer daylight hours, while winter walks can be atmospheric, though some trails might be more challenging due to weather conditions.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions in Carrickmacflaherty?
Visitors particularly appreciate the rich historical and geological significance of sites like Giant's Grave & Giant's Cave and Cavan Burren Park Megalithic Stones, where ancient legends and unique landscapes converge. The scenic beauty and diverse wildlife around Lower Lough MacNean are also highly valued, especially the sculpture trail.
Are there any accessible attractions for wheelchair users?
The Cuilcagh Mountain Park Car Park is noted as wheelchair accessible, providing a starting point for exploring the wider Cuilcagh Mountain Park area. While specific trail accessibility details for all attractions are not provided, this car park offers an accessible entry point.
Can I find long-distance walking or cycling routes in the area?
Yes, the region offers several longer routes. For hiking, the Cavan Way is a moderate 10 km trail. For cycling, options include the Bundoran to Lower Lough Erne loop (117 km) and the Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop (38 km). These routes allow for more extensive exploration of the landscape. Find more details in the hiking guide and cycling guide.
What kind of terrain can I expect on trails near Carrickmacflaherty?
The terrain varies significantly. Trails around Cavan Burren Park Megalithic Stones can be technical, navigating through a unique geological and archaeological forest landscape. Other areas, like Belmore Forest, offer easier loops. The Cuilcagh Mountain Park loop, for example, is rated as difficult, suggesting varied elevation and potentially rugged paths.
Are there any hidden gems or lesser-known spots worth visiting?
While the main highlights are well-regarded, the extensive network of trails and the vastness of the Burren Forest and Marble Arch Caves Geopark mean there are many opportunities to discover your own hidden gems. Exploring the 42-mile sculpture trail around Lower Lough MacNean can lead to serene and less-trafficked spots showcasing local history and nature.
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Most popular attractions around Carrickmacflaherty
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