Fermanagh is visited by many boating enthusiasts and anglers. It’s easy to see why: Lower Lough Erne is a marvellous stretch of water dotted with wooded islands and interesting heritage sites.
The Upper Lough is more a series of channels and is a haven for aquatic birds. If you have a day or two to spare here it’s well worth taking a cruise to some of the historic settlement sites like Devenish or White Island. There are plenty of places that hire boats or canoes out.
Fermanagh is also a magnet for spelunkers, as the karst limestone hills house an enormous network of caves.
For the walker, there are some good upland routes around Cuilcagh mountain. The part of the Ulster Way that passes through Fermangh has some lovely sections, notably around Upper and Lower Lough Macnean and Belmore Forest. There are short circular walks and strolls around various pleasant localities, such as the National Trust’s Castle Coole and Florence Court.
The shores of Lower Lough Erne are dotted with atmospheric tower houses (fortified dwellings), burial chambers and stone circles. The best view of this massive expanse of water must be from Lough Navar Forest; you gaze across to the Blue Stack Mountains of Donegal one way, and down to Benbulbin in Sligo another.
Enniskillen, the county town, is a great place for a stroll, too. Fine churches, ancient watering holes (especially Blakes) and the craft centre at the Buttermarket are all worth checking out.
Major calendar events
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Erne Boat Rally
26-28 May 2008
Details from Colin Beatty on 028 6772 1555
Lisnaskea Fool Time Community Festival
March to April 2008
A month-long series of carnival and circus workshops. Tel: (028) 66 323110
Lady of the Lake Festival
July 2008
The largest cross community festival held in the county and indeed in Northern Ireland throughout the year.Further details from Joe Mahon 028 6634 8249
