Newtownbutler: Nature, History and Crom Estate

Newtownbutler combines waterside nature experiences with an unusually rich historical setting. Crom Estate in particular makes the area interesting for travellers who want to combine landscape, activity and history during their holiday. When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday home in Newtownbutler, you can therefore consider whether your trip should focus more on walking, boating, nature observation or historical discoveries.

Nature at Crom Estate and Lough Erne

The 2,000-acre Crom Estate consists of peaceful islands and ancient woodland. Crom is one of Ireland’s most important nature reserves and therefore offers a striking contrast to simply sightseeing in the area. Visitors who want to experience birds and landscapes attentively will find a birdwatching stand at Derrymacrow Lough with a ramp and an observation slot for wheelchair users.

Among the notable natural landmarks are Crom’s ancient yew trees. They form an interconnected pair consisting of a male and a female yew; together, they have a girth of 377 feet (115 m). Such specific details give a walk through the estate a distinctive point of reference, even if you do not want to devote your entire day exclusively to nature observation.

Walking, Boating and Fishing

The circular walk through Crom Estate is 4.2 miles long and follows various paths away from paved roads. Along the way, it passes Crom Old Castle, the boathouse, the Summer House and the ancient yew trees. This means the route combines several different impressions: woodland, historic buildings and the estate’s waterside landscape. Take the distance into account when planning your day.

On the water, rowing boats and canoes are available at Crom Estate for exploring Lough Erne. Boat hire includes an introduction as well as maps of the estate and local attractions. Anglers will also find various options: on Upper Lough Erne, there are bank-fishing spots for bream, roach and perch. On the inland lake Green Lough, pike fishing from a boat is available. This allows you to choose between an active trip on land, an exploration on the water and a more peaceful stay by the shore.

Castle Ruins and Historical Stories

Old Crom Castle was built in the early 17th century by the Scottish settler Michael Balfour. The building survived two sieges by the Jacobites in 1689; today, the ruins are an isolated monument. Gad Island is also home to Crighton Tower, a stone folly built as an observatory in the 19th century.

Newtownbutler itself is also connected with Irish history. The Battle of Newtownbutler inflicted the most significant defeat suffered by King James’s army up to that point. It is associated with a position at the end of a narrow causeway through a marsh near Newtownbutler. Those interested in historical events can therefore connect the landscape with a specific regional past, without the trip having to be limited to museum visits.

Newtownbutler as a Base

Crom can be reached by road from Newtownbutler to Crom. The route from Enniskillen to Clones also passes through Newtownbutler; from there, it is 3 miles to Crom. These details help put the area into perspective when choosing your accommodation as a base for different day plans. A holiday apartment in Newtownbutler is particularly suited to an itinerary in which nature, water and history are experienced in varying combinations. When searching, therefore, consider above all which excursions you want to plan and how much time you want to allow for Crom Estate, a walk or a boat trip.

More Places for Your Travel Plans

For additional ideas, you can also look at Ederney, Drumgoon, Aghnablaney, Lisnarrick, Irvinestown, Letterbreen, Belleek and Derrygonnelly.

For the higher-level travel overview: Fermanagh.