Enniskillen
Friday, midday
Check into the plush Lough Erne Resort ( doubles from £ 130, www. lougherneresort. com), which reclines by the expanse of the eponymous lough just outside Enniskillen.
1pm
Head into Enniskillen and enjoy a light lunch in the café in the sparkling new visitor centre ( www. enniskillencastle. co. uk), housed in a new wing of the landmark castle.
2pm
Explore the rest of the deeply historic castle complex, which is also home to the Fermanagh Museum.
4pm
Walk along Enniskillen’s busy main thoroughfare taking in the wee shops and delis that dot this prosperous market town. You can continue as far as the war memorial. It was here in 1987 that 11 people tragically lost their lives in an IRA bomb blast. A plaque marks that day.
7pm
Snare a window table in the resort’s Catalina, Northern Ireland’s first three AA Rosette restaurant. Noel Mcmeel’s creative cooking spices up fresh local produce with his signature lamb dish cooked three ways.
Saturday, 9am
Set off early on a boat cruise on Lough Erne. Book through the hotel for an adventure that really opens up the local flora and fauna.
Midday
Back in Enniskillen – which is itself on an island – arrive early to snare a seat for lunch at the awardwinning Jolly Sandwich café ( www. thejollysandwichbar. co. uk). Local fresh produce stars.
2pm
A few doors along is what claims to be the world’s only barber with its own railway museum. It’s worth visiting Headhunters ( www. headhuntersmuseum. com) for the surreal experience alone.
7pm
Enjoy a burger crafted with Irish beef at the resort’s Loughside Bar & Grill. Make sure to try the crisp, flavoursome local Fermanagh Gin too.
Sunday, 9am
Enjoy a round on one of the resort’s famed championship golf courses or take it easy in their award- winning spa, where ESPA products and a range of treatments tempt. ■
Robin Mckelvie
Easyjet ( www. easyjet. com) fly to Belfast from Edinburgh with return
fares starting from £ 47.34. A car is the best way to and around the Enniskillen area – Holiday Autos can arrange ( www. holidayautos. com). Further tourist information, www. ireland. com