Holiday accommodation in Fermanagh: lakes, nature and heritage

Fermanagh combines the landscape of the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark with lakes, bogland, caves, ancient woodland and significant historic houses. The geopark extends across County Fermanagh in Northern Ireland and County Cavan in the Republic of Ireland. As a result, nature and cultural experiences can be found in a region with many different facets.

Landscape and nature

Along the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, you will encounter abandoned Irish cottages, dry-stone walls and potato-growing ridges known as “lazy beds”, which are considered remnants of Ireland’s former heritage. The trail also passes through one of the largest areas of blanket bog in Northern Ireland. After a steep climb through a rugged rocky landscape, the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail reaches a viewing platform.

The landscape around the Marble Arch Caves includes caves, rivers, mountains, ancient woodland, waterfalls and gorges. The Marble Arch Caves lie at the heart of the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark. On guided cave tours, constructed paths and subtle lighting lead through the cave and showcase its formations.

The 2,000-acre Crom estate consists of tranquil islands and ancient woodland and provides a habitat for numerous wildlife species. Historic traces include the ruins near Crom, built in the 17th century, which now form a secluded monument with impressive views across the lake.

Florence Court is an 18th-century house set amid gardens, parkland and woodland. Florence Court’s original Irish yew is 250 years old and is considered the mother plant of Irish yews worldwide. A path through the woodland park at Florence Court rewards walkers at its highest point with views across Fermanagh and beyond.

Culture and history

Castle Coole is an 18th-century country house and one of Ireland’s most important neoclassical houses. Two walking trails at Castle Coole run along the lake and offer opportunities to observe seasonal wildlife and see the country house.

Enniskillen Castle was built almost 600 years ago by the ruling Gaelic Maguire family on the River Erne. The historic site is home to the Fermanagh County Museum and The Inniskillings Museum. Visitors can explore seven new galleries there, telling the story of the region from prehistory to the modern era. The Fermanagh Visitor Information Centre is located at Enniskillen Castle in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh.

Belleek also combines craftsmanship with a visitor experience. The Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre has welcomed visitors since 1857. Belleek Pottery offers a 30-minute tour showing the 16 steps involved in making the pottery.

Water and trails

The lakescape of Lough Erne can be experienced in various ways. Crom offers boat trips on Lough Erne. Island Discovery enables visitors to explore the many islands of Lough Erne by boat. Several providers offer cabin cruiser hire along Lough Erne. No previous experience or driving licence is required to hire a cabin cruiser on Lough Erne; the providers give a full briefing by experienced instructors.

The Scarplands Cycle Trail begins in Belcoo, ends at Lough Navar Forest and can be ridden as a 60-kilometre linear route. Translink’s Goldline and Ulsterbus services provide connections to places in County Fermanagh.

Islands and spiritual heritage

Devenish Island can only be reached by water. The Devenish Pilgrim Pass includes a guided boat trip to Devenish Island. Devenish Island is open to visitors; due to its remote location and reported loose masonry, care should be taken near high walls.

Regional cuisine

In Enniskillen, the Enniskillen Taste Experience combines regional produce with a three-hour gourmet tasting tour. Regional products from Fermanagh are used.

Places in Fermanagh

For a further regional selection, Belleek, Irvinestown, Ederney, Lisnarrick, Aghnablaney, Letterbreen, Newtownbutler, Derrygonnelly and Drumgoon are available.

For the main travel overview: Northern Ireland.