In fact, the county is around one-third water.Famous for the beauty of its shimmering lakes, rivers and loughs brimming withtrout and pike, and an incredible maze of waterways perfect for exploring byboat – either motorised or driven by paddle power – visitors can spend countlessrelaxing days marvelling at County Fermanagh’snatural attractions.
Loughs to Remember
At the heart of County Fermanaghlies LoughErne. A massive lake complex surrounded by gorgeous countryside, ithas had a huge part to play in Fermanagh’shistory.
Most visitors are attracted to the lower lough, avast expanse of water that is home to more than 90 islands. Early settlers werewell protected by the landscape and the islands and shoreline are littered withimportant early religious sites. In medieval times the lough became animportant part of the pilgrimage route to Station Island across the border inCounty Donegal.
White Island, probably the lough’s most hauntingmonastic site, is home to the ruins of a small 12th century church while theremains of an Augustinian monastery can be found on DevenishIsland. Boa Island is renownedfor its spooky graveyard where you’ll find the famous Janus Stone, a paganfigure dating back some 2,000 years.
The upper lough is made up of islands, inlets,reed-covered bays and tranquil waterways that are rich in bird life. Ireland’sbiggest heronry can be found on the island of Inishfendra, close to the CromEstate, the largest area of natural woodland in Northern Ireland.
Prized Pottery
Located on the shores of Lough Erne, the thrivinglittle village of Belleekis famous all over the world for its pottery. Founded in 1857 to provide workin the wake of the Potato Famine, beautiful pieces of Parian china are producedfrom an imposing Georgian-style building. There is a visitor centre with asmall museum, restaurant and showroom and there are regular guided tours of thepottery works.
A Perfect Base
The bustling county town of Enniskillen,perched among the waterways linking Upper and Lower Lough Erne, is a greatplace to base yourself for exploring Fermanagh.
The town, famous for helping educate writers OscarWilde and Samuel Beckett, has an impressive mile-long main street, a strikingcastle that plays host to the Fermanagh CountyMuseum, and an abundance of shops, pubs and restaurants.
Out and About
As well as its beautiful loughs, waterways andislands, County Fermanagh has plenty of land-basedattractions.
Highlights include CastleCoole, a fabulous Palladian mansion built between 1789 and 1795 forthe first Earl of Belmore, and Florence Court, a baroque country house set inpretty wooded grounds in the shadow of Cuilcagh Mountain.
Located about 10 miles from Enniskillen, the MarbleArch Caves are a superb example of the subterranean limestone cavernswhich lie to the south of Lower Lough Erne.