There’s something timeless about Lough Erne, the stillness, the stories, and the sense of stepping away from the rush of everyday life. For 50 years, Erne Tours has been helping visitors experience that feeling from the water, becoming a familiar and much-loved part of Enniskillen’s landscape. In this blog, Chris shares his journey with the business, the unique moments that have stayed with him, and how Erne Tours continues to evolve while staying rooted in the character and charm that have defined it for decades.
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50 years of Erne Tours is a remarkable achievement- what does that milestone mean to you personally?
Chris:
It means quite a lot for me especially as I grew up here and used to work here every summer with my uncle Stephen when he owned the business. I worked onboard as a crew member by looking after the bar, the commentary. I then went to do my boating license and worked abroad for a couple of years, then came back and took it over so its sort of came full circle for me. Its means a lot to me personally, yeah. I’ve worked with Erne Tours since I was 14/15 until I was about 21 and then did some travelling after that so it’s been well over 10 years!
In the time that you have been at Erne Tours Chris, are there moments or memories that stand out most?
Chris:
There are quite a few – hard to pick one out specifically! But there was one trip years ago where there was a wedding on Devenish Island which was quite unique. So Stephen and I had to set up decorations on Devenish and the ceremony took place on the Island! We took the group to the Island and then back to Enniskillen to finish their evening. It was sort of like decorating a small part of the Island especially for this ceremony, it was great fun.
The MV Kestrel has been at the heart of it all - what makes the vessel so special?
Chris:
I think because the vessel was built and designed especially for Lough Erne. The width and length of it was designed to cope with the lake, the lough gates and things like that. Its been through 5 generations so far from a few different owners and families and its been around Enniskillen for that long it’s sort of synonymous with the town. When you think of the water, you think of the Kestrel. We’ve got all the seating on board, inside and outside, bar on board etc – the only really unique experience that’s been here for that many years. Even around the town when you notice the old Fermanagh signs you will see images of the Kestrel on those so it’s kind of unique in a way, a part of the town. The fact that we can offer all sorts of cruises – the daily tour where you get to learn all about the area, telling people the history of Devenish Island to our Sunset Cruises every Saturday where we have live music from local singers onboard. We love to tap into the local heritage of the area and use local musicians where possible. It means that everyone coming on board gets a feel for the area through the locals.
What has kept people coming back to Erne Tours over the years?
Chris:
I think it’s a great activity for families or indeed anyone visiting the area. It doesn’t matter what the weather is like because its so unpredictable here as you know!! If it’s raining, we are fully covered so you can still enjoy the lake, go out and experience it even in the pouring rain. And likewise if it is sunny, the lake is probably one of the best places to be. I also think the fact that we are one of the more affordable experiences in the area keep people coming back. You’re not breaking the bank for this activity – it’s just something different too!
You must have met thousands of visitors Chris, are there any stories that have stayed with you?
Chris:
Its probably the Cassidy Group who come to Fermanagh every 3-4 years for their family ancestral get-together. We pick them up, usually about a 100 of them from Trory jetty and bring them across to Devenish Island because that would be where their families would have originated from. The family come in from all over the world and they come to see where their ancestors are buried on Devenish Island. They do an all-Ireland tour on the heritage of their family and Devenish Island is one of their stops. I find it fascinating to see what Devenish means to them on a whole different level and how they keep coming back with different generations.
For someone stepping on board for the first time, what do you hope they feel as they set out on Lough Erne?
Chris:
Its probably to relax and take in the first instance. I like people to be able to see Fermanagh from a different view. Some people get so lost, even locals on their bearings when looking at the buildings from the water. It’s just a great place to switch off and take it all in whilst on board. It’s a great chance to learn something about the history and wildlife of the area. We talk quite a bit about the wildlife in the area, specifically the birds. We point out the Kingfisher (Chris takes out a Kingfisher bird prop) and hold this up so everyone on board can see what it looks like to help them spot it. I guess our main thing is keeping people engaged! We have stickers of the Kingfisher at the bar and as you board the boat too. That is where the name came from for our other vessel ‘The Kingfisher’.
Last year there were about 10-12 of the Kingfisher’s sitting on the branch down in the narrows there. We cruise up right beside them and they don’t move! We see them from now (May) right throughout the season until September. They’re most active – zooming around in July and August. They don’t make nests in the trees, they burrow into the banks making them hard to spot.
There’s a real sense of slowing down on the water as you’ve mentioned Chris. Do you think that’s part of the appeal for visitors today?
Chris:
Yes, I think it is so important for people to just get off their phones for a start and then they can just sit back, relax and take in the scenery. The tour guides are very engaging, so the customers learn a lot too.
What’s your favourite part of the journey - from Enniskillen to Devenish Island?
Chris:
I do really enjoy going around Enniskillen. I love coming around Castle Island and the view of Enniskillen Castle. I also like getting out by the Lough gates because you’re right into nature and scenery – no buildings in sight. Once you start seeing Devenish Island, it’s really nice out there.
How does the landscape and history of Fermanagh shape what you offer as an experience?
Chris:
Quite a bit really. The start of the tour around Enniskillen is focused on history. Simple things like the bridges you see in Enniskillen, we talk about those. And then going into the history of the Maguire’s at Enniskillen Castle, William Cole at Cole’s Monument to name a few. In terms of landscape, we have so much to talk about. After we pass the Lough gates you can see the Blue Stack Mountains of Donegal on a clear day come into vision – there’s just so much to talk about. We tell our visitors all about the Lough Erne Resort, Boatyard Distillery – the fact that there is so much to see and do in Fermanagh. We do quite a bit of collaborating with other tourism businesses – Rossharbour Resort, Cassidy Hospitality Group, Killyhevlin. We see it as if they are busy, we are going to be busy too – it all works the same way. When we are talking to our customers, they always ask us what else there is to do in the area, where to go for a drink or some food and it’s great to be able to give them some pointers.
What do visitors often say about seeing Enniskillen and the lough from the water?
Chris:
They find it quite unique depending what the weather is like!! Enniskillen is the only island town in Ireland and indeed the UK – a lot of people don’t realise this, it’s such an unknown fact. Visitors love seeing Enniskillen from the water and the fact that Enniskillen is so significant to Fermanagh its only a plus.
How has the business changed over the last 50 years - and what has stayed the same? Obviously you’ve had the new addition – the fabulous Kingfisher vessel
Chris:
Obviously our boat, the Kestrel has remained a constant. It even has the same engine in it from its inception! We have had lots of refurbishments over time and the boat has been modernised. The bar and clear roof has been here from the beginning. It was a bespoke build from Brecon in Wales and is quite low down to the water to give that immersive feel.
The Kingfisher vessel was introduced in 2023 as a new vessel. We had a lot of demand for private tours and a more high-end experience - a more personal tour. We recently had a couple on who got engaged and they just wanted to cruise around themselves which was great to be able to offer them that experience. The Kingfisher can take 8 people whereas the Kestrel can take 48 people.
What is your main customer base these days groups, corporate, families?
Chris:
We have a great mix of everything. We do have a lot of tour groups and I have been working hard on this area for the past number of years so it is great to see progress. We have groups from loads of different countries – we have a Scottish group going out this afternoon and we have a Dutch group yesterday. They’re booked in throughout the season so we have been able to secure that which is great. We also have an American group coming twice a week but there is such a diverse mix. I work hard on making itineraries for the groups coming to Fermanagh so they are getting a full picture of what there is to see and do.
As you look to the future, what excites you most about the next chapter for Erne Tours?
Chris:
Trying to develop the business even further – we do have a few exciting ideas for the 50th anniversary. We feel like there is a lot of potential for growth within the business and that’s exciting. I genuinely see it becoming the main water-based attraction in Fermanagh where people can choose whether they want a public trip or a private trip of Lough Erne. Lots of ideas, it’s just finding the time to do them!!
With growing interest in slow travel and immersive experiences, how do you see County Fermanagh, and experiences like Erne Tours appealing to a new generation of visitors? Again, its huge Fermanagh being included in the Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands branding, how do you feel this will benefit Fermanagh as a whole and indeed Erne Tours.
Chris:
I’m hopeful that it will do a lot for Fermanagh – great to have that direct marketing focused on the County. I can see no negative in it, it’s all going in the right direction and my only hope is that it keeps growing and developing. Fermanagh has so much to offer and that TV ad that went out recently to promote the inclusion of Fermanagh in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands was great – really showcasing what we have here and that was only a few snippets. It will hopefully open us up to a bigger market and have people realising that Fermanagh is not to be missed.
For someone who’s never experienced Fermanagh from the water, how would you describe it - and why should it be on their list?
Chris:
It’s just one of the most unique experiences, I think. It’s just so natural and untouched – something you can’t really find anywhere else. Even if you were to sail down to the Boatyard, the fact that there are little buildings on the horizon makes you feel like you could be anywhere in the world – feels like you could be out on the ocean! Its just so silent and tranquil – something that shouldn’t be missed if visiting Fermanagh.
Chris away from work, away from Fermanagh, what would be your go-to thing to do in Fermanagh?
Chris:
I do enjoy going up Cuilcagh as I used to do a lot of hiking – many mornings before work I would walk up there for the sunset. I really enjoy it as it’s kind of like the lake, its just so peaceful. I do enjoy the odd pint in Blakes of the Hollow too when I get the chance. It’s my favourite pub in town – its so traditional and a really nice atmosphere.
Reaching a 50th anniversary is no small feat, it’s a milestone that speaks volumes about dedication, resilience, and a lasting commitment to excellence. The journey of Erne Tours over the past five decades is a remarkable one, shaped by passion, hard work, and the countless memories created along the way.
From its early days to its continued success today, Erne Tours has built something truly special, an enduring legacy that has stood the test of time while continuing to evolve and inspire. That achievement deserves not only recognition, but genuine celebration.
We'd like to thank Chris for taking the time to chat to us, congratulations on 50 incredible years Chris, here’s to everything that has been accomplished, and to many more years of growth, adventure, and success ahead. We look forward to seeing what's next for Erne Tours.
Erne Tours offers daily cruises to Devenish Island on board the MV Kestrel. The Kingfisher vessel is also available, providing private and personalised experiences for small groups and families.
