George Keegan spent a couple of days checking out this lovely region and enjoying some special attractions
A lovely region of Northern Ireland, the Fermanagh Lakelands comprising Upper and Lower Lough Erne is suitable for many outdoor activities including water sports, fishing, boat tours (in summer) and also the bustling historic island town of Enniskillen. It is indeed a perfect destination either to create a holiday or to make a short visit with family and friends. Not long ago I spent a couple of days touring the area and was really impressed with all that is on offer to visitors.
Firstly, it’s interesting to take note of the number of famous names associated with County Fermanagh. Among them are Oscar Wilde who was educated at the Portora Royal School in Enniskillen as was Samuel Beckett. For several years an International Festival took place celebrating Beckett, named ‘Happy Days’. While none was scheduled for this year it is hoped to revive the festival with a different format. Other well known names include the actor, director and singer Adrian Dunbar and world famous abstract painter William Scott.
Crom Estate: Located in Newtownbutler close to the shores of Upper Lough Erne is 2000 acres of parkland, woodland and wetlands, home to a wide variety of plants and animals
Main attractions
Marble Arch Caves: Located in the foothills of the 665 metre high Cuilcagh mountain. This is one of just five show caves open to the public on the island of Ireland. It is regarded as the most active due to a short underground boat trip and has been designated as a UNESCO cave. The complex has a Visitor Centre, restaurant and several exhibition areas. Last year a brand new experience was introduced especially for those with a disability or who prefer not to go underground. Using cutting edge virtual technology it is now possible to sit comfortably in a special room and enjoy a 360-degree panoramic experience with 8K footage, surround sound and graphics and be transported to the real world cave system while also offering a full understanding of a cave system spanning over 340 million years.
The Glen and Boardwalk Trail: Following your cave tour take time to explore the really beautiful landscape surrounding the caves including a nature reserve.
Crom Estate: Located in Newtownbutler close to the shores of Upper Lough Erne is 2000 acres of parkland, woodland and wetlands, home to a wide variety of plants and animals, ranging from rare moths to elusive pine martins. There are also the remains of a 17thC castle on the estate. The trails and park area have recently been re-developed with some new trails, braille and sign language features, a more accessible entry path, and natural play areas for young people to enjoy.
Other options for an enjoyable holiday would taking in a round of golf at Enniskillen Golf Club, or going on the Erne water taxi (with tour of Devenish Island which has one of the country’s most important monastic sites).
Enniskillen Castle houses Fermanagh County Museum and the Enniskillen Museum, also Fermanagh Genealogy Centre which provides free advice on researching your family’s history
Enniskillen
Pride of place in the town is undoubtedly the imposing castle where you can explore the county’s heritage. There is a choice of booking a tour guide or taking a self -guided tour which will allow more time to fully examine the extensive range of exhibits on the inside and outside of the impressive building. Built originally during the 15th century to protect the Erne River from invaders, it was re-built in 1612. Further additions took place over the years including the large turrets known as ‘The Watergate’.
Attached today are two museums Fermanagh County Museum and the Enniskillen Museum, also Fermanagh Genealogy Centre which provides free advice on researching your family’s history. On arrival at the castle purchase a ticket in the new Visitor Centre then go upstairs to view a seven minute video presentation giving full details on where to go and what to see during a tour. In total there are six different areas to explore at your leisure. These include the Barrack Coach House, Curved Range, Castle Keep, Watergate, a Heritage Centre and before finishing a walk around the Castle Garden. The café is good too for a snack or coffee.
Close by is the Reminiscence Trail taking you along the river and perfect for a stroll. Plenty of spots to sit and relax with some interesting information boards depicting poetry and local history notes.
The Railway Museum and Barber Shop: This is without doubt another must see attraction situated at 5 Darling Street. The owners, the Johnston family, established a barber shop in the 1980’s and some sixteen years later decided to create a unique museum on the same premises re-creating what railway travel was like both in Fermanagh and some border counties until lines were closed during the late 1950’s. Always interested in everything to do with railways the family have collected a vast array of uniforms, tickets, photographs, signalling equipment, railway station signs, timetables and even tableware. On request the owner will show you a large model railway layout on the second floor.
Belleek Pottery: Not far from Enniskillen is this well known pottery where you can see craftspeople producing the famous porcelain items
Belleek Pottery: Not far from Enniskillen is this well known pottery which is considered one of Northern Irelands oldest attractions. It was founded in 1857. Visitors can set off on a guided tour to watch the sixteen steps taken to create a piece. See crafts people in their working environment and marvel at the skills involved. If any younger family members are with you they will enjoy the Bloomfields Trail specially developed to tell the pottery story using the character of Mr. Bloomfield the founder. Facilities at Belleek Pottery include a tea rooms and gift shop. Parking is free.
Upcoming Event: The Fermanagh Live Festival from 4th-6th October. This annual event brings music, literature and laughs to the loughs.
For accommodation I can recommend staying in one of the new Studio apartments on the grounds of Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel which were opened in July 2023. Each apartment has en- suite bedroom, an open plan fully equipped kitchen and lounge area opening on to a balcony containing patio furniture and views of Lough Erne. Another plus is that these apartments are adjacent to the hotel’s Health Club & Spa so there is no need to use the hotel’s main entrance to reach it. The Kalm Spa offers all -day packages which allows access to the Hydrotherapy area (with pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, and outdoor tub). A robe and slippers are provided and a light lunch served in the Lakeside Grill.
Useful websites
www.killyhevlin.com/lodges/lakeview-studios
