County Fermanagh is a water-lover's paradise. Strange, maybe, for a county without a coastline but here’s the thing: Fermanagh has an amazing abundance of lakes, rivers, inlets and waterways. Either island-hop via kayak or canoe, take a tranquil cruise, cycle waterside or trek the mountains. This is a place with a rich history. Think rock carvings dating from 3000BC, majestic estates and mysterious island sculptures. This is also a place where organic pigs live on their very own island. Really. All sounds a little unusual, doesn’t it? Well, the Fermanagh Lakelands have always been a little different. Perhaps that’s why we like it so much… A taste of Fermanagh's finest Fermanagh is known for its food and drink, too – like the whole of Northern Ireland. Sit down to a seafood supper or a sizzling Ulster Fry and you can be sure that the food is free-range and locally sourced. Take Pat O’Doherty, whose black bacon sandwiches are legendary. Fancy whipping up your own gourmet meal? The stunningly located Belle Isle Cookery School boasts a state-of-the-art kitchen and private cookery lessons mean that you don’t just cook a culinary masterpiece – you eat it, too. Local specialities like champ (mashed potato with milk, butter and spring onion) and boxty (a starchy potato cake) are more must-tastes. Exploring Fermanagh's islands – and beyond Fermanagh's Lough Erne is home to many little islands, each as striking as the last. Explore White Island, famous for its curious stone figures that are believed to be almost 2,000 years old. Located in the remains of a 12th-century church, these six strange figurines apparently represent pilgrims. Equally haunting is Boa Island’s Janus figure (400-800AD). Carved by the Celts, this mysterious figure is known for making the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end – look closely and you’ll see the statue has two faces, one male and one female. Water, water, everywhereLough Erne’s open waters are a paddling paradise. Row your own merry way or follow the Lough Erne trail which spans 50km/31 miles and links to the river Shannon. For a gentler paddle, Lower Lough Erne provides shelter with its maze of bays and narrow channels of slow-flowing water. For extreme water activities try Ultimate Watersports for water skiing, canoeing and kayaking. Boating on the LakelandsIf you'd prefer to stay dry, however, the Fermanagh Lakelands boasts an impressive network of waterways – perfect for traffic-free cruising. Hiring your own boat is easy, too. A Carrickcraft Cruising boat is like a cottage on the water, with all the modern conveniences you need on a luxury motor cruiser. And training is provided so no experience necessary. Luxurious stays by the lakesUsually, a stay in Fermanagh means staying waterside, too. At the luxurious Lough Erne Resort you can hit a round of golf on the Faldo Course, nestled in a private 600-acre peninsula between Lower Lough Erne and Castle Hume Lough. The luxurious Killyhevlin Hotel commands stunning views of Lough Erne and you can even stay in their lakeside chalets. Journey to the centre of the earth But it’s not just islands that Fermanagh has to offer. The Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark is the home of one of the finest show caves in Europe. Why? Situated at the foothills of Cuilcagh Mountain, this subterranean world is filled with rivers, waterfalls, winding passages and lofty chambers. Check out the nearby Cavan Burren, too – a remarkable limestone plateau that dates from prehistoric times, and is part of Ireland’s Ancient East. If you’re looking for another adventure, we recommend Lusty Beg Island, where off-track driving, archery and canoeing are all on the menu. Get cruisingDon’t fancy rowing or paddling yourself around Fermanagh’s Lakelands? Hop on a cruise. The luxury Inishcruiser tours Upper Lough Erne, taking in the likes of the gorgeous Gad Island, where you will find Crichton Tower, a stone folly built in the mid-1800s to serve as an observatory. Walking trails Walkers should head for Cuilcagh Mountain – the highest summit in the county and a part of the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark. There is a vast array of terrain, including forests and castle walks, as well as a network of quality walking routes known as the Waymarked Ways, covering a total of 360km/225 miles! Saddle up to cycleGood news cycling fans: Fermanagh is part of the National Cycle Network in Northern Ireland. Routes vary from traffic-free to more challenging long-distance routes. For a taster, try the Kingfisher Cycle Trail; a designated route of over 370km/230 miles crossing a unique mixture of lakelands, canal sidetracks, and rolling hills. Adventures beyond the Lakelands Northern IrelandJump into Northern Ireland: stunning coastlines, historical cities and high-octane adventures await! Ireland's Ancient East3 regions, 5,000 years of history, countless stories waiting to be told. This is Ireland's Ancient East. Check out BelfastBelfast gave us Titanic, the Ship of Dreams, but there's much more to do in this buzzing metropolis.
Water, water, everywhereLough Erne’s open waters are a paddling paradise. Row your own merry way or follow the Lough Erne trail which spans 50km/31 miles and links to the river Shannon. For a gentler paddle, Lower Lough Erne provides shelter with its maze of bays and narrow channels of slow-flowing water. For extreme water activities try Ultimate Watersports for water skiing, canoeing and kayaking.
Boating on the LakelandsIf you'd prefer to stay dry, however, the Fermanagh Lakelands boasts an impressive network of waterways – perfect for traffic-free cruising. Hiring your own boat is easy, too. A Carrickcraft Cruising boat is like a cottage on the water, with all the modern conveniences you need on a luxury motor cruiser. And training is provided so no experience necessary.
Luxurious stays by the lakesUsually, a stay in Fermanagh means staying waterside, too. At the luxurious Lough Erne Resort you can hit a round of golf on the Faldo Course, nestled in a private 600-acre peninsula between Lower Lough Erne and Castle Hume Lough. The luxurious Killyhevlin Hotel commands stunning views of Lough Erne and you can even stay in their lakeside chalets.
Get cruisingDon’t fancy rowing or paddling yourself around Fermanagh’s Lakelands? Hop on a cruise. The luxury Inishcruiser tours Upper Lough Erne, taking in the likes of the gorgeous Gad Island, where you will find Crichton Tower, a stone folly built in the mid-1800s to serve as an observatory.
Walking trails Walkers should head for Cuilcagh Mountain – the highest summit in the county and a part of the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark. There is a vast array of terrain, including forests and castle walks, as well as a network of quality walking routes known as the Waymarked Ways, covering a total of 360km/225 miles!
Saddle up to cycleGood news cycling fans: Fermanagh is part of the National Cycle Network in Northern Ireland. Routes vary from traffic-free to more challenging long-distance routes. For a taster, try the Kingfisher Cycle Trail; a designated route of over 370km/230 miles crossing a unique mixture of lakelands, canal sidetracks, and rolling hills.
Northern IrelandJump into Northern Ireland: stunning coastlines, historical cities and high-octane adventures await!
Ireland's Ancient East3 regions, 5,000 years of history, countless stories waiting to be told. This is Ireland's Ancient East.
Check out BelfastBelfast gave us Titanic, the Ship of Dreams, but there's much more to do in this buzzing metropolis.
