For a county so steeped in water and water activities, you’ll be surprised at the massive range of things to do in County Fermanagh. From clifftop views to bridal veils and castle walls, there’s heaps here for everyone to get stuck into and draw inspiration from – these are just a few of our favourites.
Treat yourself with a luxury lakeside spa
Head off to Finn Lough, and enjoy a unique two hour experience with bespoke spaces dotted around the waters edge, with their Elements Trail Spa. Make your way though a series of 5 treatment cabins and enjoy the silence and beauty of your surroundings. The Salt Float, Finnish Sauna, Lake dip, Herbal Sauna, Lakeview Hot tub and the Forest relaxation room all guarantee total relaxtion. Make it a short break and book into one of their lakeside villas or suites.
Islands of magic and delight
Lough Erne’s vast expanses of water are one thing, but its plentiful islands are a whole other experience. They’ve drawn pilgrims, visitors and the plain curious for centuries, which means that a trip to them today is more rewarding that you might think. The cemetery on Boa Island is home to two unique stone idol carvings dating back to Celtic times. The larger is a fascinating Janus figure; the smaller, known as ‘Lustyman’, is thought to be a female. Both nearby White Island and Devenish Island are also filled with Celtic mythology and early Christian symbols, including a very well preserved round tower and cloisters on Devenish Island. Explore it all via a pleasant boat trip from Castle Archdale or hire your own kayak or canoe and paddle across.
Drive through Navar Forest
Any Fermanagh local will recommend the seven-mile drive through Navar Forest. The view from the car park at the top of the cliff looks over Lough Erne from Enniskillen to Donegal and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s one of the most amazing views you will ever see. Alternatively, you can walk along the boardwalk trails in the forest as they loop around the lakes before they begin the steady ascent up the slopes past the remains of ancient Irish crannogs and native forest up to the Magho Cliff.
See the prettiest shop in Northern Ireland
Swathes of antique lace, vintage clothes, bridal veils, jewellery and gloves will seduce you in a beautiful spectacular at the thatched Sheelin Lace Shop. Then go next door to the Sheelin Kitchen, and what might be the most decadent display of treats and desserts in the country.
Sleep the night away in ultimate luxury or under the stars – or both
Life slows down in Fermanagh, so there is nowhere better for a relaxing break. The fresh air and lakeside stillness induces deep, generous sleep. And round here you can sleep almost anywhere – from a 7-berth cabin cruiser to a lakeside cottage with its own jetty to divine luxury at the Lough Erne Resort (5*) where countless world leaders and celebrities have spent many nights.
Go castle hunting
Fermanagh has castles aplenty – proper castles, with turrets, follies and expansive gardens. Get your medieval tabard on and explore the hidden castles of Tully and Monea. Alternatively book a stay in the unbelievably beautiful Belle Isle Castle (4*), or live like a lord and lady with afternoon tea at Crom Castle. Enniskillen Castle sits right on the edge of the Erne guarding the town and is worth exploring – especially when its hosting one of the town’s many festivals.
Descend into the depths at the Marble Arch Caves
Unexplored until little over a century ago, the Marble Arch Caves feature stalactites, cavernous passages, underground pools and streams which have been formed and reformed as the water slowly dissolved the limestone bedrock over countless millennia. Go and explore the extensive caves on foot and by boat with one of the popular guided tours and you’ll discover a mind-boggling amount of fascinating facts about geology, geography and archaeology.
Open a door to Game of Thrones®
Enniskillen’s Blakes of the Hollow hosts one of the Doors of Thrones, unique doors carved from fallen trees at the Dark Hedges near Ballycastle, County Antrim. But that connection isn’t the only reason to visit these welcoming watering hole as it’s also one of the most famous and well recognised Victorian pubs in Ireland. Filled with carved wood, stained glass, ornate details and hidden nooks and crannies, Blakes of the Hollow has snugs that are crowded with groups of people looking for a famously poured pint of Guinness or a delicious Irish coffee. Live traditional music is played every Friday creating a genuine Irish pub atmosphere that is not to be missed.
All aboard at the Railway Museum
Possibly the most must-not-miss experience in Fermanagh – The Headhunters Barbers Shop & Railway Museum has a truly marvellous collection of memorabilia that should fascinate everyone, not just railway enthusiasts. Hear how railways opened up the lives of Fermanagh people, and if you need a haircut you can get one of those too… but no pressure, and free entry, making it one of the most fun things to do in Fermanagh.
Feast on the best of local food and drink
There’s a long and distinguished tradition and community of growers, bakers and makers in County Fermanagh. This makes for an absolute smorgasbord of places to eat and drink and indulge all your senses at once. Tucked away on Church Street, Enniskillen is one of Northern Ireland’s best restaurants. 28 at The Hollow offers modern cuisine that gives established, classic dishes a global twist that makes all the difference. Glen Wheeler, head chef has brought his Michelin-standard experience to bear in the kitchen and dining room here. The finest local ingredients are transformed into exquisitely prepared, cooked and presented dishes such as venison loin with spiced red cabbage or pheasant noodle with thyme jus.
Paddle your way to heaven
Last and by no means least is the water. It’s everywhere in Fermanagh and you’ll find more ways to make the most of it here than anywhere else. Cabin cruisers, kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, launches, jet-skis and other craft are readily hired and offer easy and fun ways to take to rivers and lakes and find your way from jetty to marina, from town to island and all points in between. While you’re at it, pick up a fishing rod and have a try for the plentiful pike, roach, bream and hybrids for which the county is justifiably-famed. This place will have your heart forever – hook, line and sinker.
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure information is correct, we strongly advise checking in advance before you travel to your intended destination to ensure its open and book tickets if applicable.
The Elements Trail Spa is a journey for the senses. Book your two hours experience where you can enjoy the unique spa experience with bespoke spaces dotted around the waters edge.
Situated one mile from the Donegal/Fermanagh Border, Finn Lough offers the ideal setting from which to explore both counties. For those who are keen to stay put and relax there is plenty on offer within the 75 acre island resort.
On the island you can find a small, pleasant, if rather nondescript graveyard called Caldragh Cemetery. But standing incongruously amongst the 19th & 20th century headstones are two remarkable figures. A larger two-sided stone figure known as the Dreenan Figure (Janus Figure), and a smaller single-sided figure known as the Lustymore Man.
Famous for its perfect 12th-century round tower and ruined Augustinian abbey, Devenish Monastic Site was founded in the 6th century by Saint Molaise on one of Lough Erne’s many islands.
The country park boasts beautiful woodland and lough shore walks, an insect garden and wildflower meadow. Castle Archdale was the main flying boat base during WWII, highlighted in an exhibition in the visitor centre entitled ‘Castle Archdale at War’.
Seven-mile drive through the forest to a magnificent panorama over Lough Erne. Viewpoints, picnic sites. Red deer, wild goats. Marked trails. Wheelchair access limited.
Lough Erne Resort is Northern Ireland's five-star countryside retreat. Dine by the lakes, walk in nature, play championship golf, pamper yourself in The Thai Spa or discover the beautiful Fermanagh attractions.
This fortified house and bawn are set on Tully Point and were built for Sir John Hume who occupied the house until 1641 when it was attacked and burned on Christmas Eve by Rory Maguire and the inhabitants massacred. It was not lived in again.
Built for Malcolm Hamilton and completed in 1618, it has a Scottish look about it, with corner turrets at one narrow end of a rectangular four-storey building and with two massive full-height round towers having angular tops guarding the entrance.
Nestling close to the water's edge and set within a landscape of lakes and islands of gently rolling hills and fragrant woods, Belle Isle Castle provides self catering or fully catered accommodation.
Lying on the beautiful shores of tranquil Upper Lough Erne, amongst an archipelago of wooded islands and woodlands, Crom Castle is a romantic nineteenth century Victorian Castle set in a 1900 acre estate.
Situated beside the River Erne in County Fermanagh, was built almost 600 years ago by Gaelic Maguires. It was strategically important throughout its history. In the 17th century it became a garrison fort and later a military barracks. Enjoy the many seasonal events and exhibitions including The Inniskillings Museum within the castle grounds and Fermanagh County Museum's Medieval Maguires display.
Marble Arch Caves- Magical, Unique and Memorable. The Marble Arch Caves is a major tourist attraction, set in the picturesque foothills of Cuilcagh Mountain, just a short journey from the Island town of Enniskillen in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland.
Renowned for its traditional Irish heritage, Blakes of the Hollow is one of the most famous and well recognised Victorian pubs in Ireland. It is a must see attraction which has graced County Fermanagh’s shores for over 125 years.
A trip to Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum is like taking a remarkable journey into the past bringing the golden age of steam travel vividly to life. It's the only barber shop and railway museum in the world and a friendly welcome awaits!
