Lake District, Fermanagh

🕐 Last updated: February 20, 2025

Escape to the enchanting Fermanagh Lakelands, where lush green pastures meet shimmering waterways, creating a haven for those seeking tranquility and outdoor adventure. Named the #1 Most Relaxing Destination in Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2025, Lough Erne is a vast lake system dotted with islands steeped in history and mystery . Explore ancient monastic sites, encounter enigmatic stone figures, and delve into a subterranean world of caves. Whether you yearn for thrilling watersports, peaceful cruises, or uncovering ancient secrets, Fermanagh offers an unforgettable escape.

Things to See and Do

Lough Erne
Image: Tourism Ireland

Lough Erne

The centerpiece of Fermanagh, a vast lake system with two connected lakes – Upper and Lower Lough Erne – joined by the River Erne.

Kayaking and Canoeing
Image: Courtesy of Erne Water Taxi

Kayaking and Canoeing

Explore the lake's many islands and hidden coves. Rent kayaks or canoes from Castle Archdale Boat Hire & Watersports, Erne Adventures, or Share Discovery Village.

Boat Rentals
Image: Courtesy of Erne Water Taxi

Boat Rentals

Rent a day boat and explore the lake at your own pace. Options are available from Castle Archdale Marina Boat Hire & Watersports, Manor House Marine, and Erne Boat Hire.

Devenish Island
Image: ©Tourism Ireland Photographer Chris Hill

Devenish Island

A historic island home to a well-preserved 12th-century round tower, the ruins of an Augustinian abbey, and a small museum.

White Island

Explore the remains of a 12th-century church and a collection of enigmatic carved stone figures dating back to the 6th century.

Enniskillen
Image: Tourism Ireland by Joshua Hannah

Enniskillen

The county town, situated on an island in the River Erne.

Enniskillen Castle
Image: © Tourism Ireland by Ciaran May

Enniskillen Castle

Explore the historic Enniskillen Castle, which houses the Fermanagh County Museum and The Inniskilling's Museum.

Magho Cliffs
Image: Credit Tourism Ireland by Tony Pleavin

Magho Cliffs

Take a detour off the scenic route between Belleek and Enniskillen for breathtaking views of the lakes.

Belleek
Image: Courtesy of Tourism Northern Ireland

Belleek

Home to the world-famous Belleek Pottery, where you can take a guided tour.

Boa Island

Visit the ancient Janus figure, a mysterious double-faced stone statue from Celtic times.

Tully Castle
Image: ©Tourism Ireland

Tully Castle

Explore the ruins of this 17th-century fortified house overlooking Lower Lough Erne.

Boat Tours

Take a guided boat tour to Devenish Island or enjoy a scenic cruise around the lake with Erne Water Taxi or Erne Tours.

Waterskiing and Wakeboarding

For thrill-seekers, Tudor Farm Watersports offers waterskiing and wakeboarding lessons.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Fermanagh Lodges offers traditional 17ft Lough Erne fishing boats for hire.

Guided Pike Fishing Trips

Erne Adventures offers guided pike fishing trips.

Wild Swimming

Take a refreshing dip in the lake at Muckross Bay near Kesh or Carrickreagh Jetty near Ely Lodge Forest.

Inishmacsaint Island

Discover the ruins of an ancient church and graveyard on this tranquil island.

Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail ('Stairway to Heaven')

This popular trail leads to a viewing platform with stunning views over the County Fermanagh countryside.

Marble Arch Caves

Explore a subterranean world of stalagmites, stalactites, and winding passages in these fascinating caves.

Derrygonnelly

This village features a main street lined with two-storey houses, shops, and bars, one of which has a remarkable collection of over 100 antique clocks.

Florencecourt

Visit Florence Court, an 18th-century National Trust property with stunning Palladian architecture and beautiful gardens.

Irvinestown

Explore the ruins of Necarne Castle and enjoy the tranquil surroundings of Necarne Estate.

Kesh

Visit the village of Kesh, located near Fermanagh's largest lake, Lough Erne.

Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum

This quirky attraction combines a working barber shop with an extensive railway museum.

Crom Estate

Discover ancient woodlands, tranquil islands, and historic ruins on this National Trust property.

The Buttermarket

This restored 19th-century market square is now a vibrant arts and crafts center.

Ely Lodge Forest

Enjoy scenic walking trails and stunning viewpoints overlooking Lower Lough Erne.

Blessingbourne Estate

Explore mountain bike trails, walking trails, and a private lough for boating on this 550-acre country estate.

Forest Domes at Finn Lough

Sleep under the stars in a transparent dome nestled in a private forest.

Castle Coole
Image: Courtesy @TourismIreland

Castle Coole

This elegant 18th-century neo-classical mansion offers a glimpse into the lives of the aristocracy.

Aghanaglack Dual Court Tomb

This ancient burial site dates from the Neolithic period

Getting There

Loading map...

Fermanagh is accessible by car or bus. From Belfast, take the M1 motorway westbound, followed by the A4 to Enniskillen . The journey takes approximately 90 minutes .

Translink operates bus services from Belfast's Europa Buscentre to Enniskillen, with a journey time of around 2 hours and 15 minutes . If traveling from Dublin, take the M3 northbound to Cavan, then follow the A3 to Enniskillen . This drive takes roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes . Bus Éireann offers services from Dublin's Busárus to Enniskillen, with a journey time of just under 3 hours.

Events & Festivals 2025

There are currently no events listed. If you would like to add an event, please contact us.

History

Fermanagh's story begins in the mists of prehistory, with evidence of human activity dating back to the Stone Age. Early settlers were drawn to the abundant waters and fertile lands, leaving behind intriguing remnants of their presence, such as the Aghanaglack Dual Court Tomb from the Neolithic period. The Bronze and Iron Ages saw the arrival of new settlers, bringing with them metalworking and trading skills. During the Iron Age, Celtic culture flourished, with enigmatic stone figures like the Janus Figure on Boa Island serving as silent witnesses to this era.

Early Christianity left a profound mark on Fermanagh, with monastic sites like Devenish Island showcasing impressive round towers and high crosses. Viking raids in the 9th century targeted these monastic settlements, adding another layer to the region's rich tapestry of history. The Maguires rose to prominence in the 14th century, their influence shaping Fermanagh's landscape and leaving behind legacies like Enniskillen Castle. The Plantation of Ulster in the 17th century brought a new wave of settlers, further diversifying the cultural heritage of this captivating region.