Fermanagh – one of Europe’s finest lakeland districts
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Much to see and do in this undiscovered jewel
Where to start! That's the dilemma that faces you on a visit to this magical county, with its spectacular waterways, mountain scenery, stately homes, castles, forest parks and activity facilities.
County Fermanagh is rightly famous for its spectacular lakelands and waterways but there's a great deal more to this attractive destination.
With breathtaking mountain scenery, stately homes, castles, forest parks, great activity facilities and craft centres just some of the attractions on hand, the county could well be described as a magical undiscovered jewel in Ireland.
It's not that the lakes and waterways aren't impressive. What an aquatic treat lies in store if you choose this holiday destination! Whether you wish to engage in a variety of watersports, from sailing and cruising to fishing and canoeing on the waters, or merely want to enjoy the magnificent lake views and scenery from the shore, this is special.
Just think of the possibilities around Lough Erne, the largest lake in the county, and the Shannon-Erne system alone.
The Erne stretches for 84kms through idyllic countryside around some densely wooded islands as it divides the county in two. With the completion of the Shannon-Erne Waterway, the lake is now linked directly to the 215km stretch of navigable water on the vast River Shannon - the longest river in Ireland and Great Britain.
These waterways invite exploration and enjoyment - you are talking about the longest navigable inland waterway in Europe no less.
Equally impressive is the peace and quiet of the beautiful countryside, and the many sights and amenities that await on dry land.
You will be immediately struck by the greenness of the landscape, the stillness and the tranquility. It's hard to imagine a better location in which to 'get away from it all'.
It's not just the scenery that will enthrall you... there's a multitude of attractions and features to keep you well occupied, from ancient castles and crannogs to underground caves, excellent sports facilities and award-winning museums.
Come to Fermanagh and you will be sure of a warm welcome and a great experience!
THE HIGHLIGHTS
The lakelands...
You will be amazed by Fermanagh's Lough Erne, one of the most uncongested and impressive lakes in Europe. In the middle of the Upper and Lower Loughs stands the attractive island town of Enniskillen. The Erne is a veritable paradise for all kinds of watersports. Fishing, canoeing, surfing, steering your own cruiser, pleasure boat trips... you name it and this stretch of waterway can meet your needs.
With hundreds of idyllic islands brimming with natural beauty and scenic delights, a vast expanse of shimmering waters, and a hinterland that has spectacular cliffs rising to 213m in places, Lough Erne is a treasure trove of delights. (see also Fermanagh Lakelands).
Don't forget to also check out Upper and Lower Lough McNean, near the pretty village of Belcoo, which offer many fine facilities.
.... and waterways
Fermanagh can boast of many fine waterways that offer great angling and leisure possibilities. Look out for rivers like the Cladagh, Owenbrea, Aghinrawn and Shruh Croppa, whose very names exude character and mystique.
If you wish to venture further down river, or perhaps arrive in style to Fermanagh on the water, why not check out the Shannon-Erne Waterway? This newly-opened 63km stretch of sedate waters, made up of river, lake and canal, offers a wonderful way of seeing the heart of Ireland. From your unrivalled perch at the wheel, marvel at the unspoiled landscapes all around you. No wonder they are famed as a nature lover's paradise.
Explore the underworld at Marble Arch
For a truly different experience, venture underground and explore the mysterious subterranean waterways and secretive caves of Marble Arch at Marlbank in Florencecourt. Be mesmerized by the spectacular sights that surround you as you take a boat journey through this amazing spectacle.
Unusual cave formations, winding passageways, spectacular stalactites and stalagmites, lofty chambers and rock-strewn floors... this is a wonderland that will excite both young and old. Tours of the caves last approximately 75 minutes.
Travel back 6,000 years at Enniskillen Castle and Museums!
Travel back in time for 6,000 years by visiting historic Enniskillen Castle. Built almost 600 years ago, this castle was the stronghold of the Gaelic Maguire chieftains who ruled Fermanagh for many years. Find out about its colourful history, including attacks on the Maguire stronghold from neighbouring O'Neill and O'Donnell clans, as well as major rebuilding that took place in the 17th century.
On your visit, be sure to check out two very interesting museums housed in the castle. One traces the history of the famous Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers regiment which was formed in Enniskillen in 1689 and fought in many battles. The second will take you back over 6,000 years of Fermanagh history. Be fascinated by the award-winning displays about the county's archaeology, history and wildlife at the County Musuem.
See magnificent 18th century mansion and landscape park
Experience the splendour and artistry of the finest of 18th century architecture and country estate planning by visiting Castle Coole on the outskirts of Enniskillen. Regarded as one of the finest neo-classical houses in Ireland, Castle Coole was designed by James Wyatt and took ten years to build.
Highlights of a tour of the castle include the magnificent state rooms with their sumptuous Regency furnishings. You will be enthralled by the bedroom said to have been prepared for a visit by King George IV in 1821.
Visitors can also enjoy walks through parkland and woods and around Lough Coole in the spectacular 283 ha estate that surrounds the castle. Watch out, in particular, for the Servants' Tunnel, the recently restored Ice House and a display room which includes the Belmore Private Coach.
PLACES TO VISIT
Enniskillen
What a delightful and charming island town! The county's capital divides the glorious Lough Erne into the Upper and Lower Loughs, giving it an almost continental feel. It offers a most attractive holiday base, combining traditional charm and character with a great range of shops, pubs and other facilities.
Take some time to explore the sights and history of this historic Plantation town. These include Enniskillen Castle, with its extensive museums and the story of the two famous regiments raised in the town, the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and the Inniskilling Dragoons. Also delve into the town's links with famous literary figures such as Oscar Wilde and Nobel Prizewinner, Samuel Beckett whose centenary occurs this year.
Lisnakea
Lisnakea is at the heart of rich angling territory, with many fine rivers and small lakes nearby. A well-appointed lakeside activity holiday centre is close by, while other features to watch out include a local publican's folk collection in the local library. A carved market cross and the ruined Castle Balfour are also noteworthy.
Belleek
Famous for its pottery and crystal crafts, Belleek is an attractive village located on the border between Fermanagh and Donegal. Situated at the end of Lough Erne, it is an ideal base for fishing and boating. It's also popular for sightseeing, walking and other outdoor pursuits. The village hosts a weekend traditional music festival each year.
Newtownbutler
The area around Newtownbutler has many historical connections dating back through the centuries, including being the site of a famous battle in 1689. The beautifully wooded Crom Estate demesne stands nearby, and is open to the public. There you can see an ancient yew tree, said to be the largest in Ireland.
Belcoo
Set in a beautiful location on Lough Macnean Lower, this village is an ideal touring base, with Marble Arch Caves, Florence Court House, the Ulster Way walking route and Ballintempo Forest all close by.
LOTS TO DO
On the water or on dry land, the choices are endless in Fermanagh for enjoyable pursuits and activities. The following are just some of the options.
With its abundance of lakes and waterways, it's no surprise that the county has a wealth of facilities and opportunities for those interested in angling. There are many fine angling centres and other outlets offering diverse equipment and services such as boat hire, ghillies and expert advice. Almost around every turn, there's an opportunity to cast that line!
This is ideal countryside for cycling and what better way to engage in this rewarding pursuit than to join up with the popular Kingfisher Cycling Trail? There's wonderful rural and lake scenery to be experienced in Fermanagh as part of this aptly named 483km trail that encompasses five northwestern counties in all. You can enjoy the experience whether you are a lone cyclist or part of a group.
Golf enthusiasts have much to choose from in Fermanagh, with courses ranging from the Castle Hume course in Enniskillen, where professional championships have been staged, to a number of other inviting venues in Enniskillen and Lisnarick. A prestige new Lough Erne Golf Club, with a course designed by top golfer Nick Faldo, is currently being developed close to Castle Hume in Enniskillen.
Take a hike! Whether you are an experienced walker or just wish to take a leisurely stroll, Fermanagh is the place to be. Options range from a walk through Cuilcagh Mountain Park - with its great views and geological treasures - to joining the 40km Sliabh Beagh Way that ends up at Donagh in South-East Fermanagh.
You have a myriad of watersports options to choose from. Following a canoeing trail through the Erne system is one exciting possibility - experience the thrills as you embark on this 50km trail that takes you through the vast expanse of open waters in the Lower Lough to the more sheltered channels of the Upper Lough.
ATTRACTIONS TO SEE
Experience Geological Heritage of European standards
When you take a tour of the fascinating Marble Arch Caves, don't forget to also explore the spectacular Cuilcagh Mountain Park that surrounds the caves. Together with the caves, the Park is a designated member of the European Geopark Network - a reflection of its unique geological heritage status at European level.
Marvel at the beautiful expanse of conserved bog land and enjoy the scenery and wildlife of the limestone landscape. Take a leisurely stroll along the mountain track and find out, from informative interpretation boards, how 350 million years of geology has created the landscape you see before you.
If you feel more energetic, why not climb to the summit of Cuilcagh Mountain (roughly a six-hour climb). The effort will be well worth it in the end - for the fresh clear air and breathtaking views of Fermanagh and four neighbouring counties!
Top-class leisure centres
For those keen to engage in a variety of indoor and outdoor leisure pursuits, there's a choice of three top-class leisure centres in the county. You will find much to interest you at either the Bawnacre Leisure Centre in Irvinestown, the Castle Park Leisure Centre in Lisnakea or the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum in Enniskillen.
Mysterious Boa Island
Don't forget to visit Ireland's largest internal island, Boa Island, while on a visit to Fermanagh and explore a mysterious stone carving. This island is different to many others - measuring 8kms in length, you can drive onto it. But what intrigues many visitors is its enigmatic statue - a Janus-like figure that has baffled many archaeologists. The two-headed stone carving may have been an integral part of Celtic life over 2,000 years ago.
There's a well-appointed Activity Centre on the island. Before leaving the island, keep in mind also that this is the ancestral home of the man who penned the famous Australian melody, 'Waltzing Matilda' - Andrew Barton 'Banjo' Patterson!
See nine counties, on Lough Navar Drive!
It's no exaggeration to say that, on a clear day, you can see nine counties of Ireland from the summit of the Lough Navar Drive at the top of the Magho Cliffs. What spectacular views lie in store on this 11km route, including Lower Lough Erne, Donegal Bay, the Blue Stack and Sperrin Mountains. Watch out for wonderful flora and fauna along the way.
View wonderful country parks
You are spoilt for choice in Fermanagh when it comes to interesting and scenic country estate and forest parks to explore.
There's Castle Archdale Park near Irvinestown, with its red deer, butterfly garden and ruined castle. Watch out for the special heritage trail for aviation enthusiasts and see where the Canadian Flying Boat squadrons had their sleeping quarters during World War II.
Another option is Crom Estate on Upper Lough Erne, one of Ireland's most important nature conservation areas with many rare species.
And then you have Castle Caldwell Forest, near Belleek, with its bird sanctuaries, walking trails, red deer and ruined 18th century castle.
HOT TIPS
Head to the village of Derrygonnelly and seek out the pub which has a remarkable collection of over 100 antique clocks all ticking and striking away! While in the village, that dates from the 1830's, admire the harmonious main street lined with two storey houses, shops and bars. Also watch out for a small ruined church, just north of the village, which was built in 1627 by Sir John Dunbar and combines medieval and Renaissance features.
For a special insight into Fermanagh's unique lakeland landscape and history, take a boat trip from Enniskillen (at the Round 'O' Quay) around the island town and onto Devenish Island. To see the town from the river is to gain a completely different perspective. Pick out the town's major features, including the dome-topped town hall and church spires. Marvel at the many islands dotted around you (some say there's one for every day of the year!). And be enthralled by Devenish Island a few miles from the town, with its ancient monastic ruins that date back to the 6th century.
Drop into Belleek Pottery, Ireland's oldest pottery, to see a truly distinctive craft at work. For some 150 years, the little Fermanagh village has been famous for the special Parian china. The pottery holds a special place in the heart of china collectors all over the world. Watch the expert craftspeople design, mould and shape the clay - a truly memorable experience.
Pay a visit to the little village of Roslea on the Fermanagh-Monaghan border, where the ancestors of former US President Clinton came from. While there, take the opportunity to see all the counties of Ulster from Carn Rock. The area is also a popular fishing district.
See what has become affectionately known as the 'mother of all Irish yew trees' at the Florence Court Estate near Enniskillen! Dating back to 1770, when a local farmer gifted it to the Earl of Enniskillen, the tree attracted widespread attention and was commercially propagated in 1820. Although not as impressive as it once was, it is still an interesting sight amidst the splendid estate, with its impressive 18th century house, Florence Court, named after the wife of an early owner.
FURTHER INFORMATION
For further information on any of the items featured, or on the county in general, please contact:
Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism
Fermanagh Tourist Information Centre
Wellington Road
Enniskillen
BT74 7EF
Northern Ireland
Tel: 0044 (0) 28 6632 3110
Fax: 0044 (0) 28 6632 5511
Email: info@fermanaghlakelands.com
Web: www.findfermanagh.com
