ENNISKILLEN
The capital of Fermanagh, surrounded by the River Erne, Enniskillen is the only island town in the whole island of Ireland. There is plenty to do and see, from historical buildings, museums, a host of water based activities to an abundance of shops, pubs and restaurants.
Watersports
With a third of the county covered in water Fermanagh is a paradise for fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing and the wildlife that finds a home in this beautiful county. For SUP Boarding, Kayak & Canoe hire, water taxis and boat hire try the Enniskillen Water Activity Zone adjacent to the Ernside Shopping Centre. They can be contacted on (028) 6641 9231 or at
Enniskillen Castle
The town centre is dominated by the walls and battlements of Enniskillen Castle, built in the 1400s by Hugh Maguire. The castle makes for a great visit, get more details on the castle and its museums at www.enniskillencastle.co.uk.
Devenish Island
Devenish Island, on Lower Lough Erne, is one of Ireland’s great monastic heritage sites. A short boat trip will take you back in time. Once landed, explore the 100-foot tall round tower together with poignant remains of the three churches that once stood here and attracted worshippers from across the land. Either hire your own boat and make your way out or try a guided tour with Erne Tours. Their boat leaves from Brook Park in Enniskillen just a mile from Hoy House. Contact them on or (028) 66322882 find more details at www.ernetours.com.
Marble Arch Cave Global Geo Park
A great visit to explore the caves and underground rivers at Marble Arch, some 12 miles from Enniskillen. Visitors travel through caverns on electrically powered boats along a subterranean river with all its amazing formations of stalactites and calcite coated walls. Tours last 75 minutes and are suitable for all ages, but it is one of the best things for teenagers to do in and around Enniskillen. More details on www.marblearchcavesgeopark.com.
Cuilcagh Boardwalk aka ‘Stairway to Heaven’
12 miles from Enniskillen and just , and around 1km from the Marble Arch Caves. Some breathtaking views across this 7.4km trail which takes in gravel tracks, mountain paths and wooden boardwalks. More details on www.marblearchcavesgeopark.com/cuilcagh-way/ .
Fermanagh’s National Trust properties
Fermanagh has three National Trust properties to enjoy.
Florence Court is an 18th-century Georgian mansion with beautiful trails around the estate set against the stunning Cuilcagh Mountains. With a lovely picnic area and a children’s playground, this is an ideal activity hub for kids and is only 8 miles south-west of Enniskillen.
Crom Estate is located in Newtownbutler, which is a 30-minute drive from Enniskillen town centre. If you have a boat, you can sail there as it is located on the southern shores of Upper Lough Erne. The Estate is a magnificent 810-hectare (2,000-acre) demesne and an important area of conservation, and you can have a tour of the estate and visit the old castle ruins.
Castle Coole is one of the finest neo-classical houses in Ireland. Take a tour of the mansion to learn about the vast underground basement and wine cellar and admire the lavish rooms once occupied by the Earls of Belmore.
Enniskillen’s BARS & RESTAURANTS
Enniskillen is blessed with many bars and restaurants, our favourites are:
Blakes the Hollow – a Victorian pub that has been pouring pints for over 125 years. The pub’s snugs are perfect for cosying up over a pint of Guinness, so if you are looking for things to do in Enniskillen for couples or a date night, this would be ideal. You can also listen to traditional Irish music played live and get up and do a jig too, if you like. This is a proper Irish pub with a genuine Irish pub atmosphere. As a bonus for fans of Game of Thrones, the pub has an intricately carved door depicting scenes from the show.
Franco’s – Italian based cuisine. Address: Queen Elizabeth Rd, Enniskillen BT74 7DY. Tel: 028 6632 4424028 or 6632 4185. Web: www.francosrestaurant.co.uk
Dollakis – Mediterranean & Greek cuisine. Address: 2 Cross St, Enniskillen BT74 7DX. Tel: 028 6634 2616. Web: www.facebook.com/DollakisRestaurant/
Horseshoe & Saddlers – Irish cuisine & bar. Address: 66 Belmore St, Enniskillen BT74 6AA. Tel: (0)28 6632 6223. Web: www.horseshoeandsaddlers.com
M Lounge – Bar & Modern cuisine. Address: 28 Darling Street, Enniskillen, BT74 7EW.
TRIPS FURTHER AFIELD
Belfast
Visit the capital of Northern Ireland, around 1hr 40mins from Enniskillen. Attractions include the excellent Titanic Museum, Belfast Zoo as well as the city centre itself with great shopping and huge choice of bars and restaurants. Get loads more info on a visit to Belfast at www.visitbelfast.com.
Giants Causeway
Needs no introduction – a good 2hr 30min drive, but well worth it. This UNESCO World Heritage Site
lies at the foot of the basalt cliffs along the sea coast on the edge of the Antrim plateau in Northern Ireland. It is made up of some 40,000 massive black basalt columns sticking out of the sea. The dramatic sight has inspired legends of giants striding over the sea to Scotland.
Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/giants-causeway
Bushmills Distillery
Approximately 2hr 15min drive from Enniskillen in the same direction as Giants Causeway – possibly combine both?! Bushmills Irish Whiskey is made at the world’s oldest licenced working distillery, over 400 years old, in County Antrim, on the beautiful North Coast. Experience the rich aromas and full- bodied flavours of Ireland’s oldest working distillery by pre-booking one of their tutored tasting events. Address: 2 Distillery Rd, Bushmills BT57 8XH. Tel: Web: www.bushmills.com.
Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge
Another attraction in the direction of Giants Causeway, and some 2hrs 30mins from Enniskillen. The rope bridge links the mainland to the tiny island of Carrickarede. It spans 20 metres and is 30 metres above the rocks below – dare you walk it! Address: 119a Whitepark Rd, Ballintoy, Antrim, Ballycastle BT54 6LS. Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/carrick-a-rede.
County Donegal
Just over a half hour drive by car to the border with the Republic of Ireland and the County of Donegal. Travel on to the towns of Bundoran (45mins) or Donegal Town (1 hr), explore the Wild Atlantic Way or go surfing at Rossnowlagh Beach (50mins).
Hoy House 