Things To Do In Fermanagh
By LAURA IRWIN 28 June, 2017
There are so many great things to see and experience in County Fermanagh. Laura Irwin goes off the beaten track to bring you ideas on things to do and hidden gems to explore in lakeland county.
County Fermanagh is not only the home to the famous poet Oscar Wilde – it’s also a natural haven for wildlife and is bursting with stunning landscapes to enjoy and amazing activities to experience. Whether you are here to visit for the day or the weekend you can find plenty to do and explore in the great outdoors.
The Lough Erne Food Trail
The Lough Erne food trail is for visitors who enjoy tasting local food, exploring stunning landscapes and hearing a story or two along the way. Barry and Helen from the Erne Water Taxi have teamed up with local food producers, brewers and restaurants around Lough Erne to deliver this chauffeured boat trail for visitors wanting to explore Fermanagh’s historic locations and taste some award winning local artisan and traditional produce.
Castle to Castle Cycling Route
Go castle hunting with this signposted three mile riverside cycle route from Enniskillen Castle to Castle Coole. You will start off at Ennisikillen Castle which dates back to almost 600 years ago and is surrounded by the River Erne. You will then follow the Kingfisher trail for three miles to Castle Coole where you can enjoy the grounds and surrounding scenery of this beautiful 18th century mansion. This is your ultimate escape to the lakes.
Turf Cutting
For a real traditional Irish experience try your hand at turf cutting on a working bog. Situated on the County Donegal and County Fermanagh border, high above the village of Belleek and in the shadow of Breesy Mountain, you will find McAndrew’s Store. Learn what it takes to cut the perfect piece of turf with the traditional method of spade cutting and learn the insight into its cultural and social significance to Northern Ireland with turf cutting expert Martin. After your tour, relax with a cup of tea and traditional soda bread in the bog. Don’t forget to marvel the panoramic view of five of the six counties of Northern Ireland. You will discover hidden loughs and a World War Two plane crash site.
Castle Archdale Country Park
This beautiful country park is situated right on the shores of the Lower Lough Erne. Follow a variety of walks along the lough shore to pass the deer park enclosure, the wildflower meadow, butterfly garden and to explore the woodlands. Steeped in history, you can find evidence of the Second World War throughout the park with ammunition dumps and slit trenches. The park is also home to a wide range of wildlife where you may be lucky to spot badgers, foxes and a numerous species of birds. And, if you fancy getting on two wheels why not follow the family cycle trail round the park to enjoy the fresh air and get up and close with mother nature at it’s best.
Electric Mountain Bike Tour
Corralea Activity Centre is a family run activity and holiday centre which is set in the heart of the Fermanagh Lakelands. This is where you can experience a guided tour on electric mountain bikes to help you glide up the hills so you can sit back in your saddle and relax. Choose from a range of tours such as the Bike Away, Canoe Home Tour the Game of Thrones and McKenzies Pub Tour and many others to suit your personal interests and level of fitness. And just look at the views!
Crom Estate
There’s many a weekend we find ourselves here – Crom Estate along the shores of Upper Lough Erne. A National Trust estate that is steeped in history with an early 17th-century castle set on a hill with the stunning backdrop of the Lough providing a natural relaxing retreat. For the wildlife enthusiasts, this estate is home to a vast array of rare species like otters, red squirrels and pine martens which were once the second most common carnivore in Britain during the Mesolithic era. As you walk the paths you will also see some of the UK’s rarest butterflies and moths. So unwind and take in the tranquility of the estate with a stroll around the woodlands or if you fancy leaving the trail behind, hire a boat to anchor away and chill out from the water.
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