Jill’s ‘un-Fer-gettable’ short break at Lusty Beg Island and Marble Arch Caves

Jill McDowell (@HomeAtRoseCottage) recently enjoyed an escape to County Fermanagh for some adventure and relaxation.

Travelling with her partner, parents and son, Harry, Jill enjoyed a trip to the enduringly popular, Marble Arch Caves before spending a night at the fabulous Lusty Beg Island Resort and Spa. We asked her to reflect on their weekend away, and this is what she said...

Day One

I was so excited about this trip, both the Marble Arch Caves and Lusty Beg Island have been on my bucket list for a long time. County Fermanagh is one of those places that makes you feel as though you are really getting away from it all – even though it was just an hour and a half from my home in Lisburn.

For me this is one of the best things about living in Northern Ireland, there’s so much to see and do, but you’re never in the car for hours and hours getting there.

Our first stop was at the Marble Arch Caves and Harry was so excited – it’s like being in another world when you’re in the caves exploring, it’s really ‘boys’ own’ stuff.

As you walk down into the caves the sense of excitement and drama really starts to grow. It’s mind-blowing to think these caves are millions of years old.

If you’re lucky and it hasn’t been raining too much, the tour begins with a short boat trip – I immediately thought of the boat scene in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Having a guide alongside you really brings the experience to life and helps you make sense of what you are seeing. Our guide was brilliant and a great source of information about the history of the Marble Arch Caves.

It was lovely to be able to do something as a family. We had three generations with us, yet the caves appealed to us all for different reasons. For Harry there was the sense of adventure while for the grown-ups some of the details about the caves were absolutely fascinating.

Next on our giant adventure was the Monsters & Magic experience.

The team at the Marble Arch Caves regularly put on special events that are brilliant for kids so you should definitely always check out what they have on – especially now in the run-up to Christmas.

We visited around Halloween and the Monsters and Magic show really added to the excitement for Harry. The team, who were all brilliant craic, led a wander through the woods where we encountered magical creatures, uncovered hidden treasure and became the heroes of our own Halloween adventure.

By the end of all this we were all absolutely starving. Thankfully we didn’t have to go too far for a tasty lunch as Lilly Anne’s is situated above ground at the visitor centre.

This was the perfect place for us to refuel after a full-on morning. Lilly Anne’s had a brilliant menu with everything from warming soups and sandwiches to indulgent traybakes and I loved that they really go out of their way to promote local produce. The caves themselves are set in the foothills of the Cuilcagh Mountain where you can climb the famous Stairway to Heaven. But that was for another day.

It was back into the car next for a 30-mile drive through the beautiful Fermanagh countryside to our next port of call at Lusty Beg Island Resort and Spa, somewhere I have wanted to visit for ages.

As the name suggests Lusty Beg is an actual island, so you have to take a five-minute boat trip on the wonderfully named Corlougharoo ferry. You can drive your car right onto the boat or cross as a foot passenger. We took the car which, for Harry, added to that sense of excitement and adventure.

Arriving on Lusty Beg Island, the feeling of escapism and being removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life was palpable – yet I could have been sitting on my own sofa within a couple of hours.

The island itself covers 75 acres, so its big enough for lots of adventure but small enough retain its utterly charming character.

My parents loved that we could drive right up to the lodge which made everything so accessible for them.

Lusty Beg has a brilliant swimming pool and Harry was so excited when we realised we had it all to ourselves. While mum and dad went for a walk, we swam, splashed and played for ages – this really is the perfect place to recharge and re-connect with loved ones.

You can feel yourself slowing down, conversations with family become more meaningful and more ‘in the moment’ as no-one had one eye on a television or device. My parents loved having this uninterrupted time with Harry and I.

After our morning at the Marble Arch Caves and then in the swimming pool at Lusty Beg we were ready for our tea.

We returned to our lodge to get ready after the swimming. I should mention the rooms too – they were so comfortable, big beds that you just sink into and all the facilities you need for a luxurious stay. I highly recommend Lusty Beg Island.

The restaurant was brilliant and again it was lovely to see a real focus on local produce.

Harry dived straight in with the chicken goujons and chips while I had a lovely steak…accompanied by a wonderful strawberry daiquiri, as I was on my holidays after all.

Fully fed and watered we bedded down for an early night, full of anticipation for day two of our adventure.

Day Two

Next morning it was back to the restaurant to fuel up with a hearty breakfast. I have to say the selection was excellent and you could have everything from a veggie and vegan option to a cooked Irish breakfast.

We went for the cooked breakfast, and I have to say we weren’t disappointed. The food was every bit as delicious as our tea the previous evening.

First activity of the day saw us aiming for the bullseye with an archery session. I must admit I didn’t really know what to expect with this, but it was great fun. And it turns out I’m a great shot – who knew?

Harry loved it too. He was pinging arrows into the target left, right and centre. It was an enjoyable activity and something which mother and son could do together which is always special.

Our last activity took us onto the beautiful Lower Lough Erne for a boat trip. Describing this as a boat trip doesn’t really do it justice – this was a high-speed rib with passengers being given the option of a high-speed experience or something a little slower which took in the local points of interest.

With me keener on seeing the local attractions and Harry wanting the full speed experience, we opted for a little of both.

This was such a treat and something we all enjoyed immensely.

Our short trip to Fermanagh was truly unforgettable. This place really didn’t disappoint and the people we met along the way just made the whole experience so much more enjoyable. We can’t wait to return.

If you’re looking for that perfect short break or multi-generational getaway, check out the huge list of family activities and attractions on offer in Northern Ireland.