Top 10 Things to Do in Fermanagh

1 Enniskillen Blueway Water Activity Zone

Your one stop shop for watersports in Fermanagh.

Situated just beside the Erneside footbridge, the Water Activity Zone in Enniskillen is a one stop shop for watersports around the island town. For a fun affordable mini adventure try some kayaking canoeing or stand-up paddle boarding. Why not captain your own ‘wee red boat’ or hail a high speed guided taxi tour. There is no excuse not to dive right in!

2 Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre

When you step into the world of Belleek Pottery you enter one of Northern Ireland’s oldest and most fascinating attractions. Original and unique pieces are made using traditional methods passed down from generation to generation. One of the most collectible and prized sets is the Black Mark range.

Established in 1857, Belleek Pottery holds a very special place in the cultural and commercial heritage of County Fermanagh. Situated in the picturesque village of Belleek on the banks of the Lough Erne, this imposing building is home to the world famous Belleek Fine Parian China and Belleek Visitor Centre. Visitors can partake in guided tours, take a walk around the on-site museum, visit the audio visual theatre and showroom and enjoy refreshments in the restaurant. There is also a gift shop where visitors can purchase authentic Belleek products.

3 Florence Court

Located around eight miles from Enniskillen, Florence Court is one of the most beautiful Georgian houses in Ulster, nestled against the wild mountain backdrop of Benaughlin and the Cuilcagh Mountains.

Outside there are scenic and restful gardens, a play and picnic area with extensive walks across the demesne; and inside enjoy a fascinating upstairs-downstairs tour of the house to uncover the story of the Cole family and their working Irish estate.

The house and demesne, formerly the home of the Earls of Enniskillen (Cole Family) is one of the most important Georgian Houses (18th century) in Ireland, and holds a fascinating collection of Irish furniture and some of the best Rococo plaster-work in Ireland. You can enjoy glorious walks around the grounds which include a pretty walled garden, holiday cottage, sawmill and ice house.

In the gardens you will find the famous Florence Court Yew - reputedly the 'parent' of all Irish yew trees. 'Living History Tours' provide an entertaining insight into 1920s Florence Court and there is also a children’s playground and picnic area.

4 Erne Water Taxi

See Lough Erne your way with Erne Water Taxi's chauffeur driven boats.

Travel in the comfort of a covered 8- seater boat, complete with cab, without having to worry about the driving. Your tour guide will help you explore the history of Lough Erne, spend a few hours meandering along the waterway. Visit Devenish Island with its 12 century Round tower, cruise past the historic Maguire stronghold of Enniskillen Castle, admire the fabulous lakeside location of the Lough Erne Golf Resort or moor up at the Boatyard Distillery and join one of the new tours to find out how this local tipple is enjoyed.

5 Marble Arch Caves

The Marble Arch Caves are one of Europe's finest show caves and allow visitors to explore a fascinating, natural underworld of rivers, winding passages and lofty chambers. Lively and informative guides conduct tours past a bewildering variety of cave formations. Stalactites glisten above steam ways and chambers, while fragile mineral veils and cascades of creamy calcite coat walls and create shimmering terraces. Spectacular walkways allow easy access while powerful lighting reveals the stunning beauty and grandeur of the caves. Electrically powered boats glide through the huge caverns carrying visitors along a subterranean river. 

Tours last for 75 minutes and are suitable for people of any age and of average fitness. They consist of a 1.5 km guided walk with 154 steps to climb at the end. Comfortable walking shoes and a warm sweater are recommended. Please be aware that the length of the tour is weather dependent and parts of the cave may be inaccessible after heavy rain. 

After your guided tour, take the time to explore the informative exhibition area in the Visitor Centre, watch the free audio-visual presentation, browse the diverse range of products available in the gift shop and take a leisurely stroll through the Marble Arch National Nature Reserve. For little kids (and big kids alike!), ask at reception for a free worksheet to complete the fun fossil trail in the carpark, or see what insects and wildflowers you can identify in the wildflower knoll at the rear of the Centre!

6 Cuilcagh Boardwalk, Legnabrocky Trail

Pack your bag and your camera for the 3-4 hour hike up Fermanagh’s ‘Stairway to Heaven’ and enjoy extensive panoramic views of Northern Ireland’s most beautiful county. Meander along a gravel pathway for approx 7.5km and drink in the views as you reach the infamous boardwalk which will take you right up to a viewing platform for those perfect snaps. Make sure to pack, water and snacks and leave no trace! Wear sturdy, comfortable footwear and warm clothing – you got this!

7 Enniskillen Taste Experience

The Enniskillen Taste Experience showcases the culinary delights local businesses have to offer and will delight customers with a substantial and memorable experience. Customers will be offered an array of tastes and nibbles along with a few alcoholic beverages. 

The Tour starts at Enniskillen Castle and customers are gently guided around the Island town meeting local producers and suppliers. Customers will get a chance to sample Joe the Baker's sour dough, Pat O’Doherty’s famous black bacon, Tickety Moo Ice cream, Boatyard Gin, Sharon’s mouth watering scones, Innishmacsaint beer and much more!

8 Boatyard Distillery Tour

Discover Boatyard Distillery situated on the banks of Lough Erne for an intimate tour and taste experience. Explore the production of the finest spirits using only the highest quality botanicals and ingredients. Get an insight into the secrets that go into making Boatyard Double Gin and you will get to see first-hand how all of the spirits bring to life the essence of Fermanagh. 

Meet the team and discover the secrets behind the famous ‘Doc Brown’. Most importantly - try some spirits neat to taste the full flavour and be guided through three prohibition style cocktails that allow the spirits to shine through. This truly is a wonderful taste of Fermanagh!

9 Shoreline Music Festival

Fermanagh have some fantastic festivals in 2019 and one which stands out is The Shoreline Music Festival. Based in the grounds of the medieval Enniskillen Castle, Enniskillen will be transformed to a music sanctuary for three nights from August 9-11. We can absolutely guarantee something for everyone. With headliner acts Feeder, Nathan Carter, Planet Love all set to take the stage over the three nights and a host of other fantastic acts to be confirmed, you won’t want to miss out!

10 Festival Lough Erne

Ireland’s only island town, Enniskillen, will host Festival Lough Erne, a celebration of the very best of local food and the Fermanagh Lakelands on 21 & 22 September 2019. The weekend will see a host of activity on and off the water with cookery demonstrations by celebrity and local chefs, local artisan food and drink producers and live entertainment all taking place at the historic Enniskillen Castle.

The weekend promises to be a feast of food and water based activities celebrating the very best of the Fermanagh Lakelands.