County Fermanagh Information

Fermanagh is located in Ulster and is one of Northern Ireland’s prettiest counties, filled with lakes, spectacular cave systems and elegant stately homes. One third of the county is water, and Lough Erne, a large lake complex sprinkled with islands, is at Fermanagh’s heart, and its watery pursuits range from fishing to boating to canoeing. Lough Erne is part of the Shannon-Erne Waterway, a 500-mile long canal, which begins its winding journey through Ireland in Fermanagh, and can quite easily be navigated by crusier even by those without any sailing experience. Golfing enthusiasts will be drawn to the Lough Erne Resort, located close to Enniskillen.

Fermanagh is bordered by Donegal, Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan and Tyrone and its name is derived from the Irish ‘Fear Manach'. Enniskillen is Fermanagh’s largest town, and is placed on the island on the River Erne, about midway along the county’s length. It has plenty of B&B accommodation, a number of hotels and is a decent base, within striking distance of all of Fermanagh’s attractions. Points of interest in Enniskillen include Enniskillen Castle which houses the Fermanagh County Museum and it is a great starting point on the Kingfisher Trail, a long-distance cycling trail, which travels through Fermanagh and bordering counties, in a figure of eight shape.

Belleek Pottery is one of Fermanagh’s most famous exports, holding a treasured place at the heart of the county’s heritage. At the Belleek Visitor Centre, in the north-west of the county, tourists can partake in guided tours around the museum, learn how the pottery making traditions are passed from generation to generation, visit the showrooms and of course purchase some of the intricate & beautiful pottery. There is a video theatre on-site where guests can watch a twenty minute short film on the history of Belleek.

One of Fermanagh’s most impressive natural attractions is the Marble Arch Cave system, part of the Marble Arch Global Geopark, which takes in various natural wonders in Cavan and Fermanagh. It is one of Europe’s finest showcaves, featuring subterranean rivers, waterfalls & passages & the guided tour begins with a boat-trip.

Visiting Fermanagh’s stately houses, castles and accompanying estates is a wonderful way to travel the county. Castle Coole, located just outside of Enniskillen, has a beautiful lakeside location and 750 acre grounds which invite exploration. Florence Court, located about 12kms south of Enniskillen, is really impressive, as the ancient home of the Earls of Enniskillen should be, and its natural attractions include mountain views, a walled garden & wooded walks, while the classic 18^th Century house is filled with Irish antique furniture. Castle Archdale Country Park, centred around the ruins of an 18^th Century manor house, and situated about 15kms from Enniskillen, is the perfect starting point to visit the ancient settlements on the islands of Lough Erne, including Devenish Island and Boa Island. Other castles in the Fermanagh region include Crom Castle (whose estate offers excellent wildlife viewing), Tully Castle (located on the lakeshore and built in the early 1600s) and its neighbour Monea Castle (the impressive ruins of a plantation castle dating to 1618).