Unique Island Discovery – first of its kind in Ireland
ERNE Water Taxi launched its new all-electric passenger boat, aptly named Island Discovery, on Lough Erne during September 2021.
The pontoon boat is the first of its kind on the island of Ireland and has already been turning heads offering a range of tours, seating and tables for up to 12 passengers and providing breathtaking panoramic views of Lough Erne and its shoreline to wow visitors, young and old.
Speaking about the new boat, Erne Water Taxi owner Barry Flanagan said: “This has been a labour of love. It is an idea I have had for a long time and I am so proud to have launched this new experience on the Erne. Pontoon boats are popular in the US and on the continent and I am delighted to have brought one to Ireland to add to my existing Erne Water Taxi experience.”
Island Discovery offers visitors a silent, all-electric eco-friendly motor experience and is the best way to appreciate the views and hear the distinct sounds of the waterways. It is fully accessible for people who use wheelchairs, as they can embark directly from jetty to deck and into the spacious four pod compartment without the need to transfer from their wheelchair – the first time that this type of level access from a jetty, without the use of a ramp, has been possible on Lough Erne.
A range of exclusive Island Discovery Experiences Tours have also been launched. These will enable visitors and locals to enjoy Lough Erne in all its autumn and winter glory in the added comfort of the all-electric floating venue.
The programme includes the introduction of bespoke live music journeys such as a Whiskey and Blues Cruise and a Gin and Jazz night. Proving popular is The Lakelander Food Experience which sees Enniskillen Taste Experience and Erne Water Taxi join forces to combine the best of the Fermanagh Lakelands
– aboard the Island Discovery boat.
Skipper Barry will share the history, beauty and significance of the Erne Waterway one bite at a time, as passengers are treated to a food and drink tasting menu produced locally in the Fermanagh Lakelands.
The project received financial support from Tourism Northern Ireland’s Experience Development Programme and the Lough Erne Landscape Partnership’s Community Heritage Fund.
Lesley-Ann O’Donnell, head of programmes at Tourism NI, said: “We have been delighted to work with Barry to support the Island Discovery boat which is an exciting development for tourism in Fermanagh. This unique and fully accessible boat will provide spectacular views of Lough Erne, allowing visitors to explore Fermanagh in new ways and contributing to the recovery of tourism in the region.”