County Fermanagh

The rivers and lakes of Fermanagh are heavy with fish and Lough Erne has claimed many world coarse angling match records. The trout and salmon fishing is good too - so good in fact, that the locals tend to ignore the coarser kind - and the whole region is highly developed for fishing.

The area around Lower Lough Erne boasts a rich combination of natural and historic sights. From pre-Christian times, settlers sought the security offered by the lake's forests and inlets. Exploring Lough Erne by land or by boat is a delightful experience. In summer, ferries serve several islands and cruisers are available to hire. The limestone hills of west Fermanagh contain many interesting cave systems. Explore this delightful county at your leisure, stopping off in one of the many welcoming towns and villages.

The most remarkable natural feature in County Fermanagh is the River Erne, which winds through the centre of the county. It expands into an extensive, island-studded lake split into two parts - Upper and Lower Lough Erne - by the town of Enniskillen. The origins of the island town of Enniskillen go back to prehistory when this short nexus was the main highway between Ulster and Connaught. Enniskillen Castle was the medieval seat of the Maguires, chieftains of Fermanagh, who policed the lough with a private navy of 1,500 boats. This bustling regional centre boasts a great range of shops and pubs, but still manages to retain a sense of traditional charm and character. Enniskillen's location between the two lochs gives it an almost continental feel. Spectacular Enniskillen Castle was once the stronghold of the Maguire chieftains, and later became an army barracks.

Main Fermanagh Tourist Attractions Include :

Florence Court

Located at Enniskillen, one of Ulster's most important eighteenth century houses, Florence Court was built by the Earls of Enniskillen. Featuring fine rococo plasterwork, it has a 1780s walled garden and tea room

Sheelin Irish Lace Museum

Located at Bellanaleck, Enniskillen, all lace in this museum dates from between 1850 and 1900. Exhibits on display include Irish crochet wedding dress, veils, shawls and parasols. Sheelin Antiques stock ruby glass, delph bottles, paintings oil lamps etc.

Castle Coole

Located at Enniskillen, Coole Castle is the stateliest of all the National Trust's houses in Northern Ireland. Designed by James Wyatt for the Earls of Belmore, and completed in 1798 it a perfect example of late eighteenth century Hellenism and features fine furnishings and plasterwork.

Marble Arch Caves

The Marble Arch Caves at Florencecourt are one of Fermanagh and Northern Ireland's premier visitor attractions. The rolling hills and spectacular scenery of this National Nature Reserve conceal a whole underworld of caves, waterfalls, passages and high roofed chambers. This hidden world is littered with geological treats and treasures, as stalactites and calcite sheets are widely seen.

Enniskillen Castle

This famous castle was once the stronghold of Gaelic chieftains the Maguires and later a Plantation Castle and Army Barracks. The castle has exhibitions on the Maguires and the natural and social history of Fermanagh. Special exhibitions are held throughout the year focusing on art and history

Killadeas Churchyard

Killadeas is situated on the eastern shores of Lough Erne, eight miles from Enniskillen on the east shore road to Belleek. In the old graveyard there are unusual stone carvings dating from seventh and eight century. A fine example of such carving is the Bishop's Stone, which bears a strolling church man with crozier and bell on one side and on the other a grotesque moon face.

Drumskinny Circle

This stone circle, 13.5 km North of Irvinestown is part of a complex of five in the immediate locality. The circle dates back to the new stone age, 2250 BC. Made up of 39 stones, the purpose of the circle and a small round cairn is unknown, though it is thought to have involved some form of religious practices, astronomical observations and calendar functions.

Tully Castle

Located at Derrygonnelly, Enniskillen, a fortified house and bawn built in 1613 by Sir John Hume and burned by the Maguires in 1641. Features of the castle include a formal garden and visitor centre.

Crom Estate

Located at Newtownbutler, 1,900 acres of woodland, parkland and wetland make this one of Northern Ireland's most important nature reserves. Features of the estate include self-catering accommodation, a visitor centre and tea room.