This May and June, the gentle lakelands of Fermanagh will raise a glass to a unique chapter in Irish and global history. It marks 300 years since Thomas Barton, a native of Fermanagh, arrived in Bordeaux and laid the foundations for what would become an extraordinary Irish-French wine dynasty — the Wine Geese.
Running from 31st May to 28th June 2025, the Wine Geese Festival invites visitors to discover Fermanagh’s deep roots in the global wine story, with a vibrant programme of events blending history, culture, storytelling, and — naturally — world-class wine.
Whether you’re a wine lover, history buff, or just after a truly unique cultural escape, the Wine Geese Festival promises unforgettable experiences.
Festival Highlights
🖼️ Wine Geese Festival Main Exhibition
The centrepiece of the festival, this main exhibition explores the legacy of Thomas Barton and the far-reaching influence of the Wine Geese. Through documents, artefacts, and immersive storytelling, visitors will discover how one Fermanagh man helped shape the international wine trade.
📍 Enniskillen Castle Museums | 📅 31 May – 28 June | 🕙 10:00–17:00 | 💷 Free
Formal Barton Wine Lunch at Blakes of the Hollow
Experience elegance and heritage in one of Enniskillen’s finest establishments. A specially curated lunch will be served, paired with a selection of Barton wines — a nod to Thomas Barton's enduring legacy in Bordeaux.
📍 Blakes of the Hollow, Enniskillen | 📅 1 June | 💷 £120
📩 Booking required: Kesh2Cask@outlook.com
🍻 Enniskillen Wild Goose Pub Crawl
Follow the footsteps (and hops) of the Wild Geese on a guided crawl through three historic pubs in Enniskillen. Friendly locals will lead each group through stories, pints, and hidden gems.
📍 The Diamond, Enniskillen | 📅 5 June | 🕖 19:00 – 22:00 | 💷 Free to join
🎬 CineVine: Premiere of “A Sip of Irish”
Film buffs take note: this is the world premiere of director Frank Mannion’s new documentary exploring the Wine Geese legacy, with a special focus on French Tom Barton. Includes a wine tasting and live Q&A with the director.
📍 Fermanagh House, Enniskillen | 📅 4 June | 💷 £13
🖼️ Kesh2Cask Exhibition
Discover the fascinating links between the Barton family and the wine trade through a thoughtfully curated exhibition at the Kesh Courthouse Café gallery.
📍 Main Street, Kesh | 📅 16–28 June | 🕥 10:00–16:00 | 💷 Free
🏛️ Visit to the Barton Boys’ School
Join a guided walk through Portora Royal School, where generations of Barton sons studied. The tour weaves together family history and local lore.
📍 Round ‘O’ Jetty, Enniskillen | 📅 7 June | 🕚 11:00–12:15 | 💷 Free (donations welcome)
📚 The Festival Lecture & Book Launch
Be among the first to hear the stories behind The Bartons’ Wilderness Years, the new publication launching at this festival. A formal lecture accompanies the book launch, diving deep into the Barton family’s remarkable resilience and influence.
📍 Fermanagh House, Enniskillen | 📅 10 June | 🕖 19:00–21:00 | 💷 Free
📣 Calling All Bartons!
Are you a Barton or connected to the Barton lineage? You’re especially invited to join in commemorative activities. Please reach out to Kesh2Cask@outlook.com — there are special events planned for the Barton diaspora.
🔍 Explore the Full Programme
The above is just a taste of what’s on offer. From guided heritage tours to exhibitions, self-directed trails, and wine tastings, the full programme spans over 30 unique events across the region.
👉 Click here to view all events or email Kesh2Cask@outlook.com for a digital programme.
DOWNLOAD FULL EVENT GUIDE HERE
Raise your glass this summer and walk the trail of the Wine Geese — an Irish legacy with a French vintage. Sláinte!
The history of French Tom Barton, his ancestors and his influence in Fermanagh and Ireland as well as in Bordeaux - exhibition on display in Enniskillen Castle.
A formal dining event at Blake's of the Hollow, with wines from Chateau Barton which is the subject of this Wine Geese Festival.
