Categories: History

Belleek Pottery

When you step into the world of Belleek Pottery you enter one of Northern Ireland’s oldest and most fascinating attractions.  The factory ha been part of the Fermanagh landscape for over 160 years. They say that each piece of Belleek passes through 16 pairs of hands, you can be the 17th pair when you have a go at making and painting part of a piece of Belleek ware.

Janus Figures

In Caldragh Cemetery on Boa Island, Lower lough Erne stand two unique stone carvings. They are placed beside each other on unrelated pillars in the graveyard which is the original location of the Boa figure.

Hear about the Pagan connections of this ancient figure mentioned in numerous overseas publications and view this ancient graveyard on the banks of lower Lough Erne.

Devenish Island

Step back in time on this remote island steeped in history. Experience the peace of the sixth century Monestry. Like your time on Lough Erne it seems far removed from the pace of the everyday modern world.

Enjoy a VIP Tour to Devenish Island with Erne Water Taxi, or hire your own boat from Castle Archdale Boat Hire or Erne Boat Hire.

Castle Coole

If you are looking for stately grandeur then Castle Coole is a rare treat. Surrounded by its stunning landscape park on the edge of Enniskillen, this majestic 18th century home of the Earls of Belmore, designed by James Wyatt, was created to impress. The surrounding wooded landscape park sloping down to Lough Coole is ideal for long walks.

Enniskillen Castle

Explore Fermanagh's unique stories within the picturesque setting of the magnificent Enniskillen Castle beside the River Erne. Discover diverse histories within the castle walls from Medieval Stronghold to Plantation Castle to later Military Barracks

Enniskillen Castle staff can also offer spiritual tours of Enniskillen, Ireland’s only Island Town. The Castle is also the starting point for the new Enniskillen Taste Experience.

The Inniskillings Museum

Enniskillen is the only town in Great Britain and Ireland to confer its name on two regiments. They are Calvary and Infantry. They are Inniskillings. Enniskillen Castle is where their story began more than 330 years ago.

A visit to The Inniskillings Museum is a journey through more than 300 years of world history as encountered by the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (infantry) and the 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards (calvary).

Be inspired by the heroism of the men who served all over the world. Envelop yourself in the rich collection of personal treasures, souvenirs, weapons, vehicles, medals, uniforms and regimental silver on display at the Museum.

Garden Of Celtic Saints

The Garden of Celtic Saints contains a collection of Irish Oak Sculptures designed and carved by Lithuanian native, Jonas Raiskas. These sculptures are located in the centenary garden in Irvinestown. The figures of saints and scholars include Saint Patrick, Brigid, Columcille and Molaise. The garden is open to the public, free of charge and is truly a hidden gem, well worth a visit.’

‘New to the garden is the Famine Clachán. This memorial remembers a tragic time in Irish history, the Great Famine of 1845-1850. There are four houses to this addition.

Florence Court

Experience one of the most beautiful Georgian houses in Ulster as you explore this stately house formerly the home of the Earls of Enniskillen, which holds a fascinating collection of Irish Furniture and some of the best Rococo plasterwork in Ireland. Discover the fascinating upstairs-downstairs tour of the house to uncover the story of the Cole family and their working Irish estate. Following your tour you can enjoy the walks around the grounds which include the historic walled kitchen garden, landscaped pleasure grounds, Summer House and exterior workings of the estate including watermill, ice house and blacksmith forge.

Belle Isle

Belle Isle Estate is placed firmly in our islands history as the seat where the Annals of Ulster were written.  Located just 15 minutes from Enniskillen, you can arrive at Belle Isle Estate via Belle Isle Bridge.  Let your imagination take you back to centuries to understand how this special place inspired the authors of the Annals of Ulster to record the history, heritage, culture, and language medieval Ireland. 

Marble Arch Caves

One of Europe's finest showcaves, The Marble Arch allows visitors to explore a fascinating, natural underworld of rivers, winding passages and lofty chambers. Meet the lively and informative guides as they conduct tours past a bewildering variety of cave formations. See stalactites glisten above steamways 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. Now open all year round plus the opportunity to view the caves through their fantastic new VR Cave Explorer Experience!

Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum

For a more unusual and quirky visitor experience head to the dual attraction of Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum. The museum boasts one of the largest collections of Irish railway memorabilia on display. Immerse yourself into the history as you start at the reconstructed booking office, where the ticket collector invites you to step on board, your journey recreates railway travel through Fermanagh and the border counties until the closure of the lines in 1957, with lovingly created exhibits like the Station Master’s office, booking office and signal box.

As you can see the Fermanagh Lakelands have a world of history to be explored, you can start planning your historical journey through Fermanagh with the help of our suggested itineraries, available to download here.

Happy history hunting...

Belle Isle Castle
Guest House
Belle Isle Castle

Nestling close to the water's edge and set within a landscape of lakes and islands of gently rolling hills and fragrant woods, Belle Isle Castle provides self catering or fully catered accommodation.

Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre
Visitor Centres & Museums
exterior image of the Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre, view from main road

When you step into the world of Belleek Pottery you enter one of Northern Ireland’s oldest and most fascinating attractions. Unique pieces are made using traditional methods passed down from generation to generation.

Janus Figure, Boa Island
Churches & Sacred Sites
Janus Figure, Boa Island

In Caldragh Cemetery on Boa Island, Lower lough Erne stand two unique stone carvings. The larger of these is a Janus figure

Devenish Island Monastic Site
Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings
Devenish Island

Famous for its perfect 12th-century round tower and ruined Augustinian abbey, Devenish Monastic Site was founded in the 6th century by Saint Molaise on one of Lough Erne’s many islands.

Castle Coole
The National Trust
Castle Coole

Castle Coole one of Ireland's finest Neo-classical houses, allowing visitors to glimpse what life was like in the home of the Earls of Belmore. Discover the story of the people who lived and worked below stairs as you explore the servants quarters.

Enniskillen Castle
Castle / Fort
Enniskillen Castle

Situated beside the River Erne in County Fermanagh, was built almost 600 years ago by Gaelic Maguires. It was strategically important throughout its history. In the 17th century it became a garrison fort and later a military barracks. Enjoy the many seasonal events and exhibitions including The Inniskillings Museum within the castle grounds and Fermanagh County Museum's Medieval Maguires display.

Garden Of Celtic Saints
Garden
Garden of Celtic Saints Irvinestown

The Devenish figures are a unique collection of wooden sculptures carved out of Irish oak, located in the Garden of Celtic Saints in Irvinestown. It is filled with memories of the Saints of the Golden Age of the Irish Church.

Florence Court
The National Trust
Florence Court

Florence Court is a truly welcoming home. The house, formerly the home of the Cole family, Earls of Enniskillen, is surrounded by a large area of parkland, garden and woodland, with breathtaking views to Benaughlin and the Cuilcagh Mountains. You can enjoy glorious walks around the grounds which include a pretty walled garden, holiday cottage, sawmill and icehouse. In the gardens you will find the famous Florence Court Yew - reputedly the 'parent' of all Irish yew trees.

Marble Arch Caves
Cave
Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark

Marble Arch Caves- Magical, Unique and Memorable. The Marble Arch Caves is a major tourist attraction, set in the picturesque foothills of Cuilcagh Mountain, just a short journey from the Island town of Enniskillen in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland.

Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum
Visitor Centres & Museums
Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum

A trip to Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum is like taking a remarkable journey into the past bringing the golden age of steam travel vividly to life. It's the only barber shop and railway museum in the world and a friendly welcome awaits!

Inniskillings Museum
Visitor Centres & Museums
Inniskillings Museum

A visit to The Inniskillings Museum at Enniskillen Castle is a journey through more than 300 years of world history as encountered by the town’s two famous regiments, the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards.