Fermanagh

Known as the ‘lakeland' county, Fermanagh is justly famous for the intense beauty of its lakes; in fact, much of the county's landscape is dominated by these waters, which, along with numerous rivers, constitute more than a third of its area. County Fermanagh is defined by its two interconnected sections of Lough Erne, the larger Lower Lough Erne and the Upper Lough Erne to the south - in all, 50-miles long. Surrounding hills are wooded with oak, ash and beech, producing a scene of fresh, verdant greens in spring and rich, rusty colours in autumn.

 

The Lakeland setting invites water-based activities and this undoubtedly is Fermanagh's main attraction. There are countless opportunities for angling, the rivers and lakes are heavy with fish and the whole region is highly developed toward fishing, especially around Lough Erne. This is also an ideal location for all types of water sport, and the less energetic can get out onto the lakes by renting a boat or taking one of the many Lough cruises. There are cruiser and canal boat hire companies all along the waterways.

Lough Erne, Co Fermanagh, Northern Ireland  Enniskillen Castle, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, Northern Ireland  Janus figure, Boa Island, Lough Erne, Co Fermanagh, Northern Ireland  Florence Court, Co Fermanagh, Northern Ireland  

 

Walkers and ramblers will find the countryside to be mostly gentle hills and woods, rising to small mountains in the south and west of the county; the whole is made more accessible by the meandering Ulster Way, located in detail on an Ordinance Survey map. The county town and island of Enniskillen, for long a strategic bridging point, has more amenities than the rest of Co. Fermanagh put together; with its historical associations and buildings it makes the ideal base from which to explore both town and region.

 

County Fermanagh has a number of cultural sites that rank as some of the most significant and intriguing to be found anywhere in Ireland. The great majority of these are located on and around Lower Lough Erne and three of them have proved to be the most popular ancient sites to visit in the county - they are: Devenish Island, White Island and Boa Island. In addition, there are a number of impressive early 17 th century ‘planters' castles scattered around the shoreline. Other major attractions in Fermanagh are the subterranean Marble Arch Caves, and the two gloriously preserved stately homes - Castle Coole, a Palladian mansion house, and Florence Court, seat of the ancient Earls of Enniskillen.