The 2023 Bucket List Road Trip: 4 Weeks Exploring Ireland (Full Route + Itinerary)

Day 18 (Fermanagh and Donegal) – Ireland’s Stairway to Heaven, caves, cliffs and more

Day 18 sees us move into Fermanagh for a spell before making our way up towards Donegal.

There’s a solid day of exploring ahead.

Let’s get cracking!

1 – Climbing Ireland’s Stairway to Heaven 

// Your hotel to Cuilcagh – 55-minute drive (arrive for 10:00) //

You’ll often hear the boardwalk on Cuilcagh Mountain referred to ‘Ireland’s Stairway to Heaven‘ or ‘Ireland’s Great Wall‘ (not sure where they’re getting the ‘wall’ from…

The marvelous wooden boardwalk above that you’re currently devouring with your eyes sits on Cuilcagh, a Mountain that straddles the Fermanagh and Cavan border.

The boardwalk covers an impressive 1.6km of Cuilcagh Mountain, making it very walker friendly (especially for those with lower levels of fitness).

2 – The Marble Arch Caves (and a light bite to eat)

// Finish up the walk at 13:00 and arrive to the caves for 13:20 (they’re right next to each other) //

If you’re in need of a light post-walk feed, drop into the cafe on-site first.

The Marble Arch Caves are found within throwing distance of where you’ll be finishing up your walk.

They’re a series of natural limestone caves that are around 11.5 kilometers in length.

Interestingly enough, the caves form the longest known cave system in Northern Ireland.

Those that nip along to the Marble Arch Caves will experience a natural underworld of;

• Rivers
• Waterfalls
• Winding passages
• Lofty chambers

The tour takes visitors on a short stroll down through the Marble Arch National Nature Reserve, before taking a short 10-minute underground boat journey and then a 1.5km walk through the showcave that you can see above.

Read more about the Marble Arch Caves.[/su_not

3 – Slieve League

// Cuilcagh to Slieve League – 2-hour drive (arrive for 16:30) //

We've a decent spin to get us up into Donegal for our next stop, but it'll be worth it (if you're visiting in the winter months when the evenings get dark early, you'll need to leave this until the following day.

Towering above the Atlantic at 2,000 feet (twice the height of the Cliffs of Moher), the Slieve League Cliffs are an adventurers dream.

On a clear day, the cliffs offer breath-taking views across Donegal Bay, Sligo and Mayo.

Slieve League is perfect for those that may be unable to partake in any strenuous activity, as a path from the entrance point to the viewing point allows you to drive right the way up to the top.

4 - A room for the night

// Slieve League to your B&B - 15-minute drive (arrive for 18:00) //

For convenience, and due to the reviews being sublime, I'm going to recommend that you spend the night in Slieve League House B&B.

Head to the B&B and get checked in. When you've chilled for a bit, head to the Rusty Mackrel for a bite to eat.