Fermanagh

Set as it is in one of the country’s most charming areas, Co. Fermanagh forms a part the six counties which make up the province of Northern Ireland. The name is derived from the Irish – “Fear Manach” – which means “Men of Manach”). The waterways and landscape in this county provide a stunning backdrop for diverse experiences, historical landmarks and state-of-the-art activity centres. The Fermanagh Lakelands are highly recommended to those wishing to explore the area’s wealth of attractions, which will suit just about every taste. Historical monuments, mythical landscapes, museums and modern attractions create a fusion of delight awaiting discovery.

Major Visitor Attractions

Crom Estate is set on the shores of Upper Lough Erne and is one of Ireland's most important nature conservation areas. Wild deer, pine marten and many rare species of flora and fauna, including butterflies, may all be found on the estate. Also inhabiting the surrounding area are all eight species of native bats together with an outstanding array of rare lichens. The 810 hectare (2,000 acre) demesne features Old Crom Castle itself, an ancient woodland, tranquil islands and estate cottages, all of which are linked by the spectacular and beautiful landscape designed by W.S.Gilpin in the 19th century. Enjoy an inspirational walk through the woodland and along the nature trails, taking in spectacular views along the “Kingfisher Cycle Trail”. For those savouring the pleasure of a boating holiday along the Shannon-Erne Waterway, there is a jetty for boats to moor at. For angling enthusiasts, there is an opportunity to partake in coarse and pike angling, where sporty fish will give good battle! On the estate itself there are numerous historic buildings, a children’s play area and a delightful wildlife exhibition. Guided tours may be arranged. Please enquire locally for details.

Todds Leap Activity Centre is one of Northern Ireland's leading outdoor activity attractions, offering an electrifying range of adrenaline pursuits and extreme adventures. They specialise in fun day activities, offering superb corporate entertainment and teambuilding events through Off-Road Driving, Clay Pigeon Shooting and Paintballing among many of its specialist activities. The centre offers a comprehensive range of additional facilities also, including conference rooms and a fully licensed restaurant. Without doubt, this is a place for Adrenaline rush lovers!

Enniskillen Castle, which was once the stronghold of the Gaelic Maguire chieftains, is situated beside Lough Erne in Enniskillen. Built almost 600 years ago, the castle's history is traced from its beginnings as a Maguire stronghold until its use as a barracks in the 1700s and 1800s. Hugh ‘The Hospitable’ Maguire, the man responsible for building the castle was the younger brother of the leading chieftain at the time, King Thomas Maguire (‘Thomas the Great’). In the 17th century it became an English garrison fort and later served as part of a military barracks. Today it serves as a museum recounting the sometimes turbulent past of this area of the country.

Fermanagh County Museum has award-winning exhibitions including: “Country People, Country Places - The Making of a Landscape”, which gives an insight into Fermanagh's natural history, archaeology and rural lifestyle. Visitors can also watch a short movie on Enniskillen called “Enniskillen Today and Tomorrow” which is the story of the market town, told through the memories of numerous local people.

Castle Coole – For those looking for stately grandeur on a grand scale, then Castle Coole is indeed a rare treat. Surrounded by a stunning landscaped parkland on the edge of the town of Enniskillen, this majestic 18th century home of the Earls of Belmore, was designed by James Wyatt, and was most certainly created to impress. The surrounding wooded landscape park sloping down to Lough Coole is ideal for long walks. This attraction offers a dramatic sight not to be missed.

The Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark, situated just outside Enniskillen is one of Europe's finest show caves, inviting visitors to explore a fascinating, natural underworld of lofty chambers, underground rivers, waterfalls, and mysterious winding passageways. The attraction is situated in a National Nature Reserve, where tours of the cave system last approximately 75 minutes and are suitable for people of average fitness (comfortable walking shoes and a warm sweater are recommended). The caving adventure begins with an underground boat trip, after which a trained guide conducts visitors through a variety of cave formations, including the “Moses Walk”, the “Porridge Pot” and “Guardian Angel”. Naturally occurring stalactites and stalagmites are visible throughout the tour. Both Marble Arch Caves and the nearby Cuilcagh Mountain Park have jointly been recognised as a UNESCO Global Geopark, due to the world importance of their geology and landscapes. The site is the only UNESCO Geopark in Northern Ireland.

White Island is a short distance from the town of Enniskillen and is situated at Castle Archdale Bay, off the east shore of Lower Lough Erne. The island’s main feature is the ruined 12th-century church with its dramatic Romanesque doorway. The island is also known for its archaic carved stone figures which sit in a line, set forever into the wall. These figures were used as building stones when the church was under construction, which means that they pre-date the building itself. There are eight figures in total to be seen, including a frowning face or 'mask', and also an uncarved figure. For those interested in Irish history, this island is a must see, as it is only a short ferry ride away from Castle Archdale Country Park.

Castle Archdale Country Park is located just outside the lovely village of Lisnarick, about 16km (10 miles) north-west of Enniskillen and extends over 93 hectares (230 acres) along the shores of dramatic Lower Lough Erne. Castle Archdale is situated in the demesne of the Archdale Manor House, was built in 1773, and of which now only the courtyard buildings remain. Features within the Park include a red deer enclosure, wildfowl ponds, a lovely nature trail, a butterfly garden and a wildflower meadow. To make the most of your visit, be sure to visit the Archdale Centre, which is located at the corner of the main courtyard. Here visitors may view various exhibitions, which includes Castle Archdale at War. Evidence of the Second World War (1939-1945) may also be seen throughout the Park, in such features as flying-boat mooring docks, ammunition dumps and even defensive slit trenches. This is because Lough Erne played an important role at that time as the most westerly flying-boat station in Europe, from which aircraft flew many sorties, desperately protecting allied convoys from deadly U-Boat attacks in the North Atlantic.

Devenish Island Monastic Site is probably the most important of Lough Erne's many island church settlements. The religious community was founded here in the 6th century by Saint Molaise. Take time to admire the beautifully carved, intricate figure details featured on the facades of its ruined Augustinian Abbey. Visitors may, if they wish, climb the round tower which stands at 30 metres (100ft) tall, with internal ladders provided inside the structure, but please do take care if you decide to venture up. An accident would surely spoil any visit and indeed holiday time, so letting common sense prevail might be a good motto! But for those of an adventurous nature, the views from the top are a marvel to behold. Also situated on the island are the walls of the Oratory of Saint Molaise who established the monastery here, while on the pilgrim route to Croagh Patrick.

Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre – When the visitor steps into the world of Belleek Pottery they enter one of Northern Ireland’s oldest and most fascinating visitor attractions. Original and unique pieces are made here, using traditional methods passed down from generation to generation. Established in 1857, Belleek Pottery holds a very special place in the cultural and commercial heritage of County Fermanagh and is highly popular with visitors from all over the world. Belleek Fine Parian China and the Belleek Visitor Centre is located in the picturesque village of the same name, on the banks of Lough Erne, in an imposing building familiar to many from the numerous paintings and images of it, seen internationally. Visitors may partake of guided tours, take a walk through the on-site museum, visit the informative audio-visual theatre presentation and showroom, in addition to enjoying refreshments in the restaurant during what is bound to be a memorable experience.

Florence Court is a truly welcoming stately home, situated about 13km (8 miles) from the town of Enniskillen, in the heart of the Co. Fermanagh countryside. The house, formerly the home of the Cole family, who were titled: Earls of Enniskillen, is surrounded by a large area of parkland, garden and woodland, with breathtaking views to Benaughlin and the Cuilcagh Mountains. Discover many serene and tranquil places by exploring the Pleasure Grounds and the Walled Garden in this magnificent demesne. With its classical style and exquisite rococo plasterwork, Florence Court is one of Ulster's most important 18th century houses. A warm and gentle atmosphere is evident in this place. In addition to its fine Irish furniture collection, the house is set against the stunning backdrop of the nearby mountain range. Enjoy glorious walks around the delightful grounds here, and be sure to view the pretty walled garden. In the gardens, visitors will discover the famous “Florence Court Yew” - reputedly the 'parent' of all Irish yew trees. “Living History Tours” provide an entertaining insight into 1920s Florence Court, with all the merriment of that era and there is also a children’s playground and picnic area.

Sheelin Irish Lace Museum has approximately 700 exhibits on view at any given time. All the five main types of lace made in Ireland are represented here, including: Youghal Needlelace, Inishmacsaint Needlelace, Crochet, Limerick Lace and Carrickmacross Lace. All the pieces date from between 1850 to 1900. Items on display include several wedding dresses, wedding veils, shawls, parasols, collars, bonnets and christening gowns. This is wonderfully intricate craftwork at its very best.

Located in central Enniskillen town, Forthill Park and Cole's Monument is a pleasantly wooded town park which features walks, shrub gardens and a children's play area. Started in 1845, the monument took twelve years to complete. It is built in memory of Sir G. Lowry Cole G.C.B. A series of 180 spiral steps lead to a viewing platform with dramatic views of Enniskillen itself and the surrounding countryside also. There is a small admission charge for access to the Monument.

In Caldragh Cemetery on Boa Island, Lower Lough Erne stands two unique stone carvings. The larger of these is a Janus figure, which features two figures back to back, with pear-shaped heads and interlacing between them, representing hair. Both of these carvings are created in high relief. The smaller figure is known as "The Lustyman" because it was found on the nearby island of Lusty More. Both figures are described as Celtic Idols. The carvings appear to have weathered quite a lot in recent years, but given their great age it is to be expected that, as with all things man-made, the ravages of time eventually begin to tell.

Monea Castle, Enniskillen, was built for Malcolm Hamilton and was completed in 1618. It has a vernacular Scottish look about it, with corner turrets at one narrow end of a rectangular four-storey building and two massive full-height round towers having angular tops guarding the entrance, at the other end. This imposing structure stood in one corner of a walled bawn or protective defence with rounded corner towers, one of which subsequently served as a dovecote. The castle fell briefly into Irish hands in 1641, but was held again by Gustavus Hamilton, governor of Enniskillen in 1688. Historical records show that it was burned to the ground in the 18th century and was subsequently abandoned.

The Inniskillings Museum, in the Keep of Enniskillen Castle features fine displays of weapons, vehicles, uniforms, medals and silver, along with inspiring stories of soldiers of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and the Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards. A research service is available by prior appointment, and there is an AV 'virtual tour' for visitors with a disability.

The towns of Co. Fermanagh are unique and charming to visit. Places such as Ballinamallard, Belcoo, Bellanaleck, Belleek, Blaney, Brookeborough, Derrygonnelly, Derrylin, Enniskillen, its county capital, Florencecourt, Garrison, Irvinestown, Kesh, Killadeas, Lisbellaw, Lisnaskea, Newtownbutler and Rosslea, together with numerous delightful villages and pretty hamlets, many with great views of the lakes and countryside, set Fermanagh as a place apart. A magical part of Ireland where the past is ever-present and a destination sure to please. So, why not give it a go for yourself and experience its many attractions.