We were delighted to have the opportunity to sit down with Barry Flanagan, owner of Erne Water Taxi and a passionate ambassador for the Fermanagh Lakelands. During our conversation, Barry spoke about his recent appointment to the board of Tourism Ireland, Fermanagh’s new alignment with Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, and, of course, what makes this part of the world so special.
There could hardly have been a better place for the conversation than aboard Island Discovery - Ireland’s first fully electric, accessible boat, designed and built by Barry himself. As we stepped aboard and were warmly welcomed, the boat rocked gently on the calm waters of Lough Erne, creating the perfect setting for a relaxed and insightful chat.
Here’s what Barry had to say when we caught up with him.
INTERVIEW
Firstly, Barry, congratulations on your new appointment to the board of Tourism Ireland - a huge accolade. How does it feel to have your work in Fermanagh recognised at this level?
Barry:
Yeah, I suppose I’m very proud. The fact of the matter is I started the business to try and promote the lakes. When I worked at the Share Discovery Village many years ago, I always felt there weren’t that many people out enjoying this landscape - and there really could be far more.
To have it almost to yourself felt like a bit of a crime, to be honest. So I thought to myself, we need to push it and show people what’s here. That’s really where the idea of the water taxi came from.
The fact that people know us now is great. We’ve been plugging away for about ten years, trying to grow the business every year. Over the last few years especially, there’s been a real sense that things are building in Fermanagh. We’re getting better at creating new experiences and leaning into what we’re good at - outdoor experiences.
How did the appointment to the board of Tourism Ireland actually come about, and what does the role involve?
Barry:
I was sitting in my office at home in January, just going through emails and making a to-do list for the year ahead, when I got a call completely out of the blue from the office of the Minister for the Economy, Caoimhe Archibald.
They said they were looking for someone to join the board of Tourism Ireland. At first I thought they were asking me for recommendations - I had about five names in my head straight away. But then they said, “No, we were wondering if you would be interested.”
I said yes straight away. It’s not the kind of opportunity you turn down, especially when promoting Fermanagh is exactly why I started the business in the first place.
And what does the role actually entail?
Barry:
There are eight board meetings a year, and in the run-up to those there’s quite a bit of reading and preparation - going through reports and bringing feedback to the meetings.
The board acts as an oversight body for Tourism Ireland. As you know, they’re the organisation responsible for marketing the island of Ireland internationally, so our role is to oversee and support that work.
And Barry, what is the makeup of the board - what backgrounds do the other members come from?
Barry:
The board is made up of six members from the industry the North of Ireland and six from the South of Ireland. Christopher Brooke of Ashbrooke House in Fermanagh has been Chairman of the board for the last 4 years. There’s representation from both Tourism Northen Ireland and Falite Ireland Ireland on the board. The Tourism Ireland Team including Alice Mansergh the CEO provide reports, present the data and answer questions to help directors make informed decisions at the 8 board meetings per year. Everyone has been so welcoming.
We were delighted to host both Laura and Alice last year on their visits to Fermanagh. Before my appointment, I was invited to a board dinner at the Lough Erne Resort, and they spoke really highly about their experience and the level of collaboration happening in Fermanagh over the last few years.
So now we'll ask you about the business, you've just celebrated your 10 years in business, how did this all start? Obviously you’re a qualified architect, this is a very different path - was it your love for the lakes that took you in this direction?
Barry:
I was an architect previously, I left that behind when I came back home to Fermanagh. I suppose I was looking for something to do with myself, there wasn’t much architectural work, there was a bit of a recession at the time, and a friend of mine suggested the Share Centre. I said, sure I’ll give that a go, I like the outdoors, they trained me up as an outdoors instructor, I was out on the lough every day, and I fell in love with the place.
And the Water Taxi, Barry - did you design it, or how did it come about?
Barry:
No, the yellow one I didn’t. It’s a bit of an interesting story. I was looking for a long time for boats which would be suitable for Lough Erne, and couldn’t find anything that could travel the full length of Lough Erne - from Crom to Belleek effectively. I wanted to show people as much as I could and take them anywhere they wanted to go.
These two boats came up (Erne Water Taxi) and I bought both of them at the same time. They were in Newcastle - this guy had tried to set up a water taxi on the Tees River but was unsuccessful. They were brand new, and I bought both of them. That was the start of it.
The Island Discovery boat that we’re sitting on here, you designed it yourself yes?
Barry:
Yes, this boat came about in 2021 – its first season and I designed and built it myself. It was the fact that I couldn't find a wheelchair accessible boat that was reasonably affordable. I knew there were wheelchair accessible boats, but most of them didn't have a roof. Most of them you couldn't sit at the table etc. So I thought if I could build one! Having worked at the Share Discovery Village – the whole ethos of that business centres around inclusivity and accessibility and I guess I just wanted to follow that.
You couldn't find it so you built it yourself – what a story! We mentioned you have celebrated 10 years in business Barry I would love to know if there was a certain point which was a big turning point for you?
Barry:
I think the big turning point was probably Covid, to be honest. You know, Covid comes along, and it gives you time to think.
It gives you a chance to plan on what you want to do next. I had this idea for this boat before. If I could build something special, it wouldn't just be an accessible vessel, it would be like a floating room on the lake that could entertain people. We could do tours around the town and it could be powered with solar panels and batteries and electric motors as well. And I thought, if I could build that in, it would save us some fuel costs as well. It kind of made economic sense. So yeah, I just went for it.
And that was a turning point because it allows us to carry 20 people now at the one time.
In regards to tourism in Fermanagh, Barry where do you think there are some hidden gems that visitors often miss?
Barry:
When I think of overlooked places I think of round my home Garrison and Belcoo. Some of the most beautiful parts of Fermanagh. You've got Lough MacNean there and if you go out on a boat on Lough MacNean you literally feel like you're the only one – it’s yours and if you are with your friends or family - what a special thing to feel. Corralea Activity Centre sits on Lough MacNean too and they do kayak trips and you can rent an e-bike from there – what a place - magic.
And then I would say Upper Lough Erne. Again, beautiful and not as used as much as Lower Lough Erne. You can go from Crom, all the way up to Carrybridge, it’s just so beautiful. There’s so little development around the shore, you could be looking at a view that hasn't changed in thousands of years.
If someone had a day here, what three experiences would you absolutely recommend?
Barry:
Well obviously the Lough. I’m going to say Lough Erne every time aren’t I? Emm and maybe an island if you can include an island on the Lough! And then I would always recommend Marble Arch Caves. Having worked there myself it’s a fantastic experience yeah brilliant. If you are feeling adventurous why not take on the Cuilcagh Boardwalk – Stairway to Heaven – it’s hard to beat! I mean, there are loads of other places I would recommend, but they are my top three.
For sure Barry, we are spoilt for choice with regards to experiences here in the Fermanagh Lakelands! And then moving on to a hugely important part of what you've done and achieved so far. The last number of years as past chair of the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark Regenerative Tourism Business Network obviously sustainability and regenerative tourism is a very important topic. How do you make sure that your business is sustainable and maybe a few pointers?
Barry:
It's about thinking about how much resources your business is going to be using. And I would always say to businesses, you know, look at it cleverly because you can save yourself, a lot of money by being sustainable.
Now some things do cost money, but in the case of The island Discovery for example, you know, we put the electric motors on to save on the amount of fuel we were using so that has in turn reduced our running costs.
Solar panels nowadays are a no-brainer for a lot of businesses. They can save a lot of money on electricity and the pay back is a lot shorter than it used to be. Sometimes it's not even about the product - it can be about the messaging to the visitor. A simple note in the bathroom or in the bedroom to say, if you don't mind using your towels a second day etc that that makes a big difference. But I do think most businesses are on that train.
How do you see Fermanagh leading the way in sustainable and regenerative tourism?
Barry:
I think that's a challenging one because I think everyone is on the sustainability path for the minute and everyone can claim to have some form of sustainability built into their business.
I think it's kind of moved on a step, and that's why we're talking about regenerative tourism now. It's about making the place better than you found it. We need to ask ourselves how can you improve the place or what can you do to make your place better? I feel Fermanagh is doing really well in that front in terms of the regenerative tourism. You only have to look at the Regenerative Tourism Business Network and how we have 40 businesses signed up to that, and they're all doing great work.
And a lot of those businesses are community initiatives. For example the likes of a hostel – Trivia house down in Swanlinbar. This has come out of the community who have realised that they can regenerate their village through tourism and I think more and more people are realising that tourism is a catalyst for growth and for regenerating your area.
Its been a huge time for Fermanagh with the inclusion in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. How do you feel about this?
Barry:
I’m delighted, we are perfectly placed to maximise this opportunity because we are so well aligned to the brand. The things that they focus on – great outdoors, community tourism, rivers and lakes, experiences – these are the things we have in abundance. Sometimes in the past, we have been a bit shy to shout about being the Lakeland county and I think our inclusion in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands can only mean more light is shone on our county.
What's the most memorable or surprising thing that's happened on the water?
Barry:
My favourite moments on a trip is when somebody knows a story or a song like when we had a guy and this still sticks in my mind. We were leaving Devenish Island and this guy pulled out a tin whistle out of his pocket. He was with a group of friends and he says ‘I’ve got a song for you Barry’. He started playing the Lonesome Boatman and it's such a poignant tune. We were just sailing souls you know, quietly past Devenish Island and that just sticks in my head as a brilliant moment.
Any favourite, wildlife or nature moments from your tours?
Barry:
Loads, but last year in particular we had a real treat. There were nesting king fishers down by Portora Lough Gate. Obviously you see kingfishers there quite frequently, but there was a wee nest of them – 5 of them sitting on the branch. They were all just sitting on this branch and every tour for about 2 or 3 days we got to see them! It’s the only time I have ever got one over on Pat Lunny because Pat is so knowledgeable about the Lough and when the wildlife appears. I was able to tell him about the Kingfishers so he went back to his house, got his camera and took a great shot of them which is actually included in his calendar this year!
Image Credit - Pat Lunny, Enniskillen
Lastly Barry, when you're not working, how do you like to enjoy the lakes and Fermanagh, how do you like to wind down chill out and enjoy the area?
Barry:
For me, it’s funny because you'd spend a day on the Lough in the boat, taking people on tours and then I go out on a canoe! That for me is just magic – out on a canoe all alone is just brilliant.
And with ten successful years behind him, and a new role helping shape tourism across the island, Barry Flanagan continues to do exactly what he set out to do from the very beginning: sharing the magic of Fermanagh with the world.
See Lough Erne your way with Erne Water Taxi's chauffeur driven boats. Travel in the comfort of our covered 8 or 12 seater boat, complete with enclosed cabin, without having to worry about the driving. Your tour guide will help you explore the history of Lough Erne.
The best way to really see the Fermanagh Lakelands is from the water, so hop in a boat and explore the many islands of Lough Erne. And if that boat is skippered by Barry Flanagan, you will see and hear so much more.
With this special reduced combo ticket, discover the best of Fermanagh’s waterways with two unforgettable experiences! Explore the Marble Arch Caves and set sail on Lough Erne with Erne Water Taxi.
