- Activities and Places to Visit
Golf courses may be found at Castlecoole and Castle Hume Golf Clubs, Enniskillen, Lisnarick Golf Centre, Killadeas, Blacklion Golf Club, Co Cavan, the Slieve Russell Golf and Country Club, Ballyconnell - all offering excellent facilities.
The rivers and lakes of Fermanagh are heavy with fish and Lough Erne has claimed many world coarse angling match records. The trout and salmon fishing is good too - so good in fact, that the locals tend to ignore the coarser kind - and the whole region is highly developed for fishing.
The intermittent barking of a raven from the limestone cliffs or an occasional visit from a circumspect whooper swan is likely to be the only encounter of the non-piscatorial kind because Fermanagh is still wonderfully empty of crowds.
Roach, perch, bream, rudd and eels abound, and the reedy shores of Lough Erne and the two Loughs Macnean in particular hold stocks of heavyweight pike. The Erne is famous for its winter roach and pike fishing though you can catch huge specimens at other seasons too. Lough Melvin has a good run of spring salmon and unusual kinds of trout - peculiar to remote lakes.
The compleat angler's every need is catered for, on and away from the water: there are clearly marked access points, easy parking, well stocked tackle shops, good restaurants and pubs.
Outdoor Activities
Just 10minutes walk from Badger Lodge, the Share Centre is the perfect environment for outdoor activities. Share has a proven pedigree in running outdoor activities. Activities include Banana Skiing, Touring kayaks, Open Canadian Canoeing, Windsurfing, Sailing, Archery, Climbing wall, Orienteering, Viking Longship cruise, Fuzzball, Laser Skirmishing to name but a few.
Remember a wide range of Arts Activities can be combined with Outdoor Activities.
Leisure Suite
The Leisure Suite contains a swimming pool with ramped access, steam room, sauna and fitness suite. This makes it the perfect venue to relax during your stay.
Share Centre
The Inishcruiser
The Inishcruiser 57 seat luxury heated Cruiser
exploring the lesser known and most beautiful parts of Lough Erne
Cruise the historic and beautiful shores of Lough Erne.
Share's Inishcruiser available for Private Hire & Public Cruises
Open air viewing deck to see beautiful & historic Crom Castle, Gad & Inish Rath Islands.
Fully wheelchair accessible with onboard WCs.
Licensed bar.
Central Heated Cabin for year round use.
Based at the Share marina, the Inishcruiser's 1½-2 hour guided cruises offer a relaxing way to explore Lough Erne. Weaving through the intricate network of the Lake's many islands, the Inishcruiser takes in views of Fermanagh's rich, unspoilt countryside. See the ruins of the original Plantation Castle at Crom and the 18th century Castle, home to the current Lord Erne, as well as Crom's Old School House, Church and island gardens. The cruise passes Crichton Tower on Gad Island, home to Cormorants and Canadian Geese and provides a unique view of the ancient oak-land reserve of Reilly Wood and the Lady Bridges.
Inishcruiser (Share Centre)
County Fermanagh is one-third water, with the River Erne wandering right across the county, and upper and lower Lough Erne encircling Enniskillen. Touching Donegal on one end and Cavan on the other. County Fermanagh also Boasts the Shannon-Erne Waterway, which consists of 60 km of connected canal, lakes and rivers linking Lough Erne and the Shannon river.
Fermanagh makes the ideal destination for a cruising, sightseeing and fishing holiday with boat trips on hand to historic islands. Set in tranquil scenery, these excellent waterways and the lakes of Fermanagh offer exceptional fishing, attracting visitors from all over the world.
The beautiful County of Fermanagh is a visitor's paradise with wide stretches of island dotted waterway and secluded bays surrounded by a patchwork of green fields. Situated in the North West of Ireland, Fermanagh boasts one of the most un-congested lakes in Europe - Lough Erne. The Erne is made up of two channels, the lower and the upper Loughs. Where the two Loughs meet stands the island town of Enniskillen. There is so much to see and do from history and heritage to shopping, visitor attractions and crafts to outdoor and indoor activities - it's all here!
FLORENCE COURT AND CUILCAGH MOUNTAIN
Distance 7 miles (11km) 16 miles (26km) including Cuilcagh. Minimum time 3 hours (7 hours) . OS ref 149341 sheet 26. Boots and warm clothing advised if you are tackling Cuilcagh summit. Start at gated forest track heading east. After crossing 2 streams, at a major junction go up grassy path between young trees towards grey rocks ahead. Beyond stile join gravelly UW path along to big beech trees at the wood's end .(Decision time: route to Cuilcagh summit (2,188 ft, 665 m) is waymarked (yellow painted posts). Our walk suggests an alternative initial approach for circularity. Be ready to turn back if the weather deteriorates. Return same way past ancient burial cairns of Myalla, soon rejoining shorter walk.) Go L along leafy track. Look out for orchids, yellow flag iris, ferns. On down past tiny fields hedged with thorn and briar, reaching the gate on to Marble Arch Road. Recommended side visits: Marble Arch Caves and National Trust mansion of Florence Court.
LOUGH NAVAR FOREST
Distance 8 miles (13km) .Minimum time 3 hours. OS ref 062583 sheet 17
From carpark on A46 if s an abrupt 600ft (183 m) climb up the wooded scarp from the road to wonderful views of Atlantic, Donegal and the Sperrins. The official UW route heads west briefly, then waltzes off south, unmarked, through deep heather and grass for l/4 mile (0.4 km). See map for less boggy alternative. Follow the UW round the loughs. Look out for hen harrier and russet coloured Irish hares. A sharp descent brings you to natural hardwoods, birch and rowan, at the Sillees river bridge. Continue to the sweathouse. Return to bridge and turn R up scenic drive route to complete circuit.
The reopening of the old Ballinamore-Ballyconnell Canal has revitalized a facility and a hinterland rich in natural beauty. Linking the renown Shannon and the Erne, the waterway weaves together the streams, rivers and lakes which are picturesquely scattered between Leitrim Village Ireland and the Erne. Passing under 34 stone bridges it is checked by 16 locks on it's scenic course through wild, unspoiled countryside. Each lock takes about 15 minutes to negotiate and cruising time for the 62.5 kilometers of navigation is approximately 13 hours.
During the 18th century and first half of the 19th century, a web of waterways was established in Ireland including the Newry Canal, the first watershed canal to built in Ireland or Britain.
Although some work to make the Woodford River navigable began in the last decade of the 18th century, it wasn't until 1846 that excavations commenced in earnest on the Ballinamore-Ballyconnell Canal. The linking of the rivers and lakes with sections of still water was undertaken by the engineer, John McMahon. By the time his project staggered towards completion some 14 years later, the needs of drainage had triumphed over the navigational imperatives and cost cutting had resulted in leakages and collapsing banks. Only eight boats haltingly negotiated the navigation in its short nine-year history. Finally, in 1869 the canal was abandoned as the age of the steam train came into its own.
When the restoration project was undertaken a few years ago, 120 years of neglect had reduced the waterway to a sad, weed-choked channel of broken bridges and missing locks. Using the original sites and stonework, the bridges are now restored, the waterway is navigable for modern pleasure cruisers and the new locks are operated by a push-button electro-hydraulic system.
The descent to Lough Erne is checked by another 8 locks and the waterway visits the angling towns of Ballinamore and Ballyconnell, towns which gave their names to the original canal. A barge marina marks the final lock as the Woodford River noses its way east to join Lough Erne.
Reed banks thrive in the lakes and hedgerows parcel the pleasant fields, providing refuge for a great variety of wildlife. Wild flora decorates the banks and moors, delighting the senses.
Long before recorded history, early man marked the landscape with mysterious monuments in stone. Shannon-Erne Water Way
On the shores of the Upper Lough Erne in County Fermanagh lies one of the most important nature conservation sites owned by the National Trust - Crom Estate.
The 1,900 acre estate includes the largest surviving area of oak woodland in Northern Ireland and one of the most important and least spoilt freshwater habitats in the British Isles.
The wealth of wildlife at Crom is exemplified by the presence of two rare butterflies - the purple hair-streak and wood white, the elusive pine marten and the largest herony in Ireland.
There are many fine old buildings which enhance the landscape including the ruins of The Old Castle, Chrchton Tower and Crom Church. The 19th century castle is private and not open to the public.
A Visitor Centre houses an exhibition on the history and wildlife of the estate, lecture room, the Little Orchard Tea Room, a small shop, slipway and seven excellent self catering cottages. Boat hire and overnight bird and mammal watching hide can be arranged through the Visitor Centre. Day tickets for coarse fishing are available.
Crom Castle is within easy driving distance of two other National Trust properties in Fermanagh - Florence Court and Castle Coole.
Set in Fermanagh's lakeland on the banks of the picturesque River Erne you will find Enniskillen Castle. This fine castle, once the home of the Gaelic Maguire chieftains, represents an important part of Fermanagh's rich history and heritage. Enniskillen Castle presents an array of 19th century barracks buildings surrounding the Medieval Castle Keep; to the south with its distinctive turrets is the 17th century Watergate and to the east is the Heritage Centre built in 1992. Throughout the 16th century the junior branch of the Maguires ruled Fermanagh from Enniskillen Castle, their stronghold being captured and retaken many times by the O'Donnells, O'Neills and the English. The Heritage Centre exhibits the collections of the County Museum in award winning displays enhanced by audio visual programmes about Fermanagh's history, wildlife and landscapes. There are also special exhibitions throughout the year. The Castle Keep houses the Inniskillings Museum and displays spanning the history of the Castle and the development of Enniskillen town.
The Marble Arch Caves European Geopark is host to one of Europe's finest showcaves allowing visitors to explore a fascinating, natural underworld of rivers, waterfalls, winding passages and lofty chambers.
Lively and informative guides conduct tours past a bewildering variety of cave formations - stalactites glisten above stream ways and chambers while fragile mineral veils and cascades of creamy calcite coat walls and spread as shimmering terraces across rock strewn floors.
Spectacular walkways allow easy access while powerful
lighting reveals the stunning beauty and grandeur of the caves. Electrically powered boats glide through huge
caverns carrying visitors along a subterranean river.
Tours last for 75 minutes and are suitable for people of average fitness. Comfortable walking shoes and a warm sweater are recommended. Marble Arch Caves
On the outskirts of Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh stands Castle Coole, the family home of the Earls of Belmore and one of the treasures of the National Trust.
Designed by James Wyatt, this magnificent neo-classical house took ten years to build. It was completed in 1798.
The interior of the house was created by some of the leading craftsmen of the late 18th century with chimney pieces carved by Westmacott, plasterwork created by Rose, scagliola columns and pilasters created by Bartoli.
Highlights of a tour of Castle Coole are the magnificent state rooms with their sumptuous Regency furnishings. These include the State Bedroom said to have been prepared for a visit by George IV in 1821.
The surrounding 700 acre estate is a fitting setting for the house, with parkland, Lough Coole and extensive woods.
Visitors may enjoy walks in the grounds and also see the Grand Yard, the Servants' Tunnel, the recently restored Ice House, the dairy, stables, laundry house and display room which includes the Belmore Private Coach.
A major stonework restoration programme was completed in 1988 after seven years of work. her Majesty, the Queen Mother, re-opened Castle Coole to the public.
Castle Coole is within easy reach of the National Trust's other properties in County Fermanagh - Florence Court and Crom Estate.
The Ardhowen Theatre is situated in a panoramic Lakeview setting just a bend in the river away from the historic Island Town of Enniskillen. The Ardhowen, which opened in 1986, offers a year-round programme of professional drama, classical music, opera, ballet, contemporary dance, jazz, blues, variety, comedy, country music, puppets, mime, children's events, traditional Irish music and dance, ethnic arts and lectures. Its programme also includes a wide variety of community-based and amateur events such as plays, concerts, charity events and school performances.
All or parts of the building can be hired by promoters or community organisations wishing to organise their own events. An events brochure giving comprehensive details of all performances is published three times per year; the brochure is available from Ardhowen or from many other outlets throughout Fermanagh and other parts of lreland. Facilities include a 290 seater raked auditorium, studio theatre, restaurant, bars and exhibition area.
This site contains the substantial remains of Lough Erne's most important island monastery. St Molaise founded it in the 6th century on an historic pilgrim route to Croagh Patrick. It later became an Augustine Priory of St Mary. The remains include a Romanesque church and a 12th century round tower, crosses and the Priory Church. Visitors can climb the islands most striking feature, the perfect round tower, which is 30 metres tall. There is much to be admired in the architecture of the churches with their beautifully carved intricate details. There is also a museum which contains sculpture from the churches. The Ferry to the Island leaves from Trory point, down a short lane at the junction of the B52 to Kesh and the A32 to Ballinamallard. 1.5 miles out of Enniskillen. SUMMER OPENING HOURS (1stApri l - 30thSept) EHS ferry from Trory operates only in summer season Ferry starts Good Friday to mid September Open every day 10am to 6pm
The parish of Killesher, which includes the village of Florencecourt, is an area boasting remarkable landscapes which can be considered not only scenically beautiful, but also scientifically important and historically significant. Yet the landscape is a living one where people live and work in a 'pristine' environment with a perceived 'wilderness' factor. The area is rich in heritage and has a history which spans at least 9,000 years. There are numerous sites of historical interest, which represent the area's long link with the past. Scenery, history, heritage, visitor attractions and a 'pristine environment', together with a warm welcome, all await you in the Killesher area. The area contains the only true mountain in Fermanagh (Cuilcagh) at a height of 665m, together with two of Fermanagh's major tourist attractions, Marble Arch Caves and the National Trust property, Florence Court House. The livery stables allow the horse owner to bring their horse and explore the estate and forest on the many pathways. Bird watchers will also find this a haven with the forest providing a home for a wide variety of birds.
Castle Archdale Country Park is situated about 10 miles north west of Enniskillen and extends to cover 230 acres along the shores of Lower Lough Erne. The region is abundant in historical features, with many monastic sites such as Devenish and White Island. Castle Archdale is based on the demesne of the Archdale Manor House, which was built in 1773, of which now only the courtyard buildings remain.
Boats are available for hire for those wishing to explore the nearby islands, some of which are National Nature Reserves. Pony trekking and bicycle hire are also available.
Features within the Park include a red deer enclosure, wildfowl ponds, nature trail, butterfly garden and wildflower meadow. To make the most of your visit, be sure not to miss the Archdale Centre, which is in the corner of the main courtyard. Here you can see various exhibitions which will help you to understand our efforts to conserve this beautiful part of Fermanagh.
Evidence of the 1939-45 War can also be found throughout the park in flying-boat docks, ammunition dumps, Slit trenches, etc. This is because Lough Erne played an important role as the most westerly flying-boat station, from which aircraft protected the allied convoys from the U-Boat threat in the North Atlantic. Castle Archdale was the main base from which they flew and this is highlighted in an exhibition within the Centre entitled "Castle Archdale at War".
Visit the world famous Belleek Pottery, the makers of the finest Parian China Established in 1857.Belleek Pottery
The Sperrins are the largest and the least explored mountain range in Northern Ireland. Straddling the Counties of Londonderry and Tyrone the Sperrin mountains stretch 35 miles from the northwest to southeast. Walkers in the Sperrins are spoilt for choice: amble freely along quiet roads and laneways, hike over rough terrain or stroll in the solitude of the forest parks with their trails and tracks.
Alternatively the walking festivals in the area are renowned for their celebration of tradition, old and new. Where else could you enjoy the combination of walking followed by the appreciation of culture in music and entertainment? The Sperrins - something to offer everyone.
The Sperrins (walking/cycling)
The Ulster American Folk Park, an open-air museum in Co Tyrone, Northern Ireland. The museum tells the story of emigration from Ulster to America in the 18th & 19th centuries and provides visitors with a "living history" experience on its outdoor site. Costumed demonstrators go about their everyday tasks in the traditional manner in authentically furnished Old and New World buildings.
The Ship and Dockside Gallery features a full-size reconstruction of an early 19th century sailing ship of the type which carried thousands of emigrants across the Atlantic and a major indoor exhibition "Emigrants" complements the outdoor site. The Centre for Migration Studies can assist those who wish to find out more about emigration history and the way of life of emigrants and settlers. Ulster American Folk Park
In the midst of the scenic Glenelly Valley lies the innovative Sperrin Heritage centre . Its 'Treasure of the Sperrins' exhibition delves deep into the land itself providing interpretation on the region's formation , its rich geological composition and the story of gold. The Centre also devotes much to local wildlife and their natural habitat as well as offering an insight into local rural life. Moreover Murphy the resident ghost is close at hand with tales of poteen and the banshee.
Visitors to the Sperrin Heritage Centre can also try panning for gold or visit the Glenelly Kitchen where the very best in homemade cuisine and friendly service can be sampled. Cultural events throughout the season.
Donegal Bay is alive with local festivals, events, traditional music and nightlife. The pubs are lively and the local restaurants serve only the best cuisine using local produce and of course the seafood is a speciality.
Donegal Bay has a rich history and heritage and this can be explored by visiting the many historical sites of castles, abbeys and interpretative centres.
For centuries countless visitors have marvelled at the majesty and mystery of the Giants Causeway. At the heart of one of Europe's most magnificent coastlines its unique rock formations have, for millions of years, stood as a natural rampart against the unbridled ferocity of Atlantic storms. The rugged symmetry of the columns never fails to intrigue and inspire our visitors. To stroll on the Giants Causeway is to voyage back in time.
Your imagination will travel along stepping stones that lead to either the creative turbulence of a bygone volcanic age or into the mists and legends of the past. Giants Causeway
