A Taste of Enniskillen
An easy 2 ½ - hour drive from Dublin, the island town of Enniskillen is a great base from which to explore the beauties of the Fermanagh Lakelands, as well as providing a selection of foodie treats to enjoy
Whether you want to relax and enjoy the local ne dining and shopping, get adventurous on the Cuilcagh Boardwalk ‘Stairway to heaven’ or explore the Marble Arch Caves by boat, then you’ll nd what you’re looking for in Enniskillen. Accommodation ranges from ve-star hotels and resorts to friendly B&Bs, where you can also nd plenty of information to help you make the most of your time.
Given the town’s location near Lough Erne, spending time on the water is a big draw for visitors. Take a trip on a water taxi to ancient Devenish Island, hire your own boat for a couple of hours or experience a thrilling rib boat ride.
e town’s pubs, restaurants and cafés provide a diverse eating experience and the mix of independent shops and high-street retailers mean you can really take advantage of the historically low exchange rate.
Belleek Pottery
Established in 1857, Belleek Pottery stands at the scenic entrance to the small village of Belleek, overlooking the River Erne. Although pottery is no longer made on site, the vast building now houses a tea room, a huge shop and a little museum detailing the history of some of the company’s finest pieces. belleek.com
Florence Court
Nestled in lush west Fermanagh parkland and framed by the Cuilcagh and Benauglin mountains, this graceful 18th-Century house was built for love – Sir John Cole named it after his beloved wife Florence. Tour the house and you’ll see some of the best examples of rococo plasterwork in Ireland and the gardens have a beautiful collection of ornamental plants. nationaltrust.org.uk/florence-court
The Buttermarket
Wander along Down Street towards the River Erne and you’ll come to The Buttermarket, Enniskillen’s artistic hub. Housed in stone buildings that date from the early 19th Century, you’ll find tiny shops selling everything from pottery, to jewellery to photography. It’s also a good spot for a coffee or a laid-back lunch. enniskillen.com
Devenish Island
It’s not hard to see what drew St Molaise to Devenish Island in the 6th Century – the cloud-flecked skies, emerald green hills and glittering waters, but this magnetic island estate hasn’t always been so tranquil: it was raided by Vikings in 837 and burned down in 1157 and 1360. Today, though, it is one of the most beautiful monastic sites in Ireland. The island can be visited by kayak, canoe or private boat, and there is a regular ferry from Enniskillen.
Enniskillen Castle
You can’t miss this vast stone bulwark overlooking the River Erne. Built over 600 years ago by the local ruling family, the Maguires, it’s a mix of imposing barracks, romantic-looking turrets and medieval castle keep. Inside, there are exhibitions covering Fermanagh’s pre-history and natural history. enniskillencastle.co.uk
Lough Navar Forest Drive
The Lough Navar Forest Drive is a narrow, single-direction road that winds for 10km through a beautiful forest, with viewpoints along the way. The star of the show is the Magho Viewpoint, where Lough Erne and the Fermanagh landscape stretches out before you.
Marble Arch Caves
The Marble Arch Caves are among the finest show caves in Europe, an intriguing collection of winding passages and echoing chambers. Step onto one of the shallow-bottomed tour boats and your guide will point out cave curtains and millennia-old stalactites and stalagmites. marblearchcavesgeopark.com
Watery wonders
The Fermanagh Lakelands have a whole array of water activity centres, where the visitor can try anything from water trampolining, canoeing, stand up paddle boarding and a serene boat trip on the lake. See fermanaghlakelands.com for a comprehensive listing of boat trips and boat hire available.