Tourist Information for County Fermanagh

The atrraction of Fermanagh lies in the tranquillity of its crystal clear lakes and surroundings, and also in the friendliness of the people .Located in the south-west of Northern Ireland, the region is approx. 120 km from Belfast and 160 km from Dublin, The 70 km of lakes situated in the county are now linked to the Shannon system in the Irish Republic via the Shannon-Erne Waterway Canal, making the entire system the longest navigable inland waterway in Europe.County Fermanagh is known as Northern Irelands lake district . The area houses the remains of several plantation castles dating back to the early seventeenth century.The River Erne winds through the centre of County Fermanagh. It expands into two large lakes - Upper and Lower Lough Erne - both of which are dotted with islands. The area around Lower Lough Erne boasts a rich combination of natural and historic sights. Exploring Lough Erne by land or by boat is a delightful experience. In summer, ferries serve several islands and cruisers are available to hire.

Devenish Island

Devenish Island has a host of historic remains a round tower, church, graveyard and celtic cross. St. Molaisc founded a monastery on the Island in the 6th Century and by the 8th Century the Island was one of Ireland's most important monastic sites. Devenish fell victim to Viking raiders in 837, its churches were burnt in 1157 and a local King's son was killed by his kinsmen in the Round Tower in 1176. Devenish remained an important religious centre until the early 17th Century.

Enniskillen Castle

Enniskillen Castle is a delightful medieval castle. It was the seat of the Maguires, the chieftains of the whole of Fermanagh. At present it is the Fermanagh county museum as well as the regimental museum of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.

Tully Castle

Beautifully set on a hill overlooking the lough, this fortified house was built for the Scottish planter, Sir John Hume, in 1613. All went well until the Maguires arrived in 1641 and set fire to it. Fortunately they didn't completely destroy Tully Castle and there's still plenty to explore today, including a formal garden.

Belleek Pottery

Fermanagh is also home to the world famous BELLEEK POTTERY Visitors can see the exquisite pieces of porcelain being made in the factory situated at the western end of the lower Lough Erne.

Boa Island

Boa Island is home to many Celtic figures the most famous of these being the Janus Figures located in Caldragh Cemetry on the Island. These two figures are included in most guide books relating to Ireland.

Marble Arch Caves

Marble Arch Caves is a spectacular series of subterranean limestone caves. The visitor can explore, through winding passages and huge caverns, a fascinating complex of underground rivers, waterfalls, stalactite and stalagmite cave formations using spectacular walkways and by taking a subterranean boat trip.

Reviews

Stop saying I would love to visit Northern Ireland and do it!

I have been to Ireland a few times but last year we went to Enniskillen and stayed at the Killyhelvan. I was amazed at the number of visitors in the hotel the place was buzzing. Loads of places to visit and we were quite close to Donegal which was an amazing place. The landscape, the people and the feeling of relaxation we got were unbelievable. We didn't feel we had to cram things in and we just slowed our pace down to match theirs. I love love love it and will be going back every year. If only the travel costs were reduced.

Submitted by Marie Thomas from Staffordshire