DESTINATION: Ireland’s county Fermanagh

County Fermanagh, known as Ireland’s Lakeland County, is a serene, rural gem in the northwest of Ireland, famed for its shimmering lakes, historic sites, and laid-back charm. Covering 1,691 km² with a population of around 63,585 (2021), it’s dominated by Upper and Lower Lough Erne, with nearly a third of the county covered by waterways. Enniskillen, the county town, sits between these lakes, offering a vibrant hub for exploration. Visitors can expect a blend of natural beauty, rich heritage, and outdoor adventures, all underpinned by the relaxed pace of “Fermanagh Time.” Fermanagh is Ireland’s 20th largest county by size (1,876 square km) and fourth smallest by population (63,585).

Natural Beauty and Waterways:

Lough Erne: The Upper and Lower Lough Erne, connected by the River Erne, are a paradise for boating, kayaking, canoeing, and angling, with anglers flocking from across Europe for world-class fishing. The Shannon-Erne Waterway links Enniskillen to 2026, ideal for cabin cruiser adventures. Visitors can rent boats from Manor Marine or take waterbus tours to explore the 154 islands, coves, and inlets.
Marble Arch Caves: Part of a UNESCO Global Geopark, these limestone caves near Florencecourt are one of Europe’s finest show caves, featuring an 11.5km network with underground rivers, stalactites, and waterfalls. A 75-minute guided tour includes a 10-minute boat ride and a 1.5km walk, though it’s not wheelchair-accessible due to 160 steps. Pre-booking is recommended.
Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (Stairway to Heaven): A 4-mile trail through blanket bog to Cuilcagh Mountain’s summit (665m), offering panoramic views. The boardwalk and staircase make it accessible for various fitness levels, taking 2.5–6 hours. It’s a viral sensation for its scenic beauty, but arrive early to avoid crowds.
Lough Navar Forest and Cliffs of Magho: This forest drive offers two viewpoints with stunning vistas over Lower Lough Erne, ideal for motorcyclists and walkers. The tranquil setting is perfect for a peaceful escape.

Historical and Cultural Attractions:

Enniskillen Castle: Built in the 15th century by the Maguire clan, this castle on the River Erne houses the Fermanagh County Museum and the Inniskillings Museum, showcasing local history and military heritage. Events like craft fairs and lectures add vibrancy, and the “Pilgrim Pass” includes access to Devenish Island.
Devenish Island: Reached by waterbus from Enniskillen, this monastic site from the 6th century features a 12th-century round tower, high crosses, and ruins founded by St. Molaise. It’s a spiritual and historical highlight, offering tranquility.
Castle Coole: A neoclassical 18th-century mansion near Enniskillen, designed by James Wyatt, set in a wooded park. Guided tours reveal opulent interiors, including a state bedroom prepared for England’s King George IV. The estate is perfect for strolls and family outings.
Florence Court: A Georgian mansion with exquisite Rococo plasterwork and a Pleasure Garden featuring Victorian trees and a thatched summer cottage. The Florence Court Yew is the ancestor of Irish yew trees worldwide.
Boa Island: Home to the mysterious Janus-faced stone figure in Caldragh Cemetery (400–800 AD), a pre-Christian relic that intrigues visitors with its enigmatic carvings.
Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre: Established in 1857, this world-famous porcelain factory offers 30-minute guided tours showing traditional crafting techniques. The museum displays historic pieces, and the café serves local fare.

Unique Experiences:

Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum: In Enniskillen, this quirky spot combines a barbershop with one of Ireland’s largest railway memorabilia collections, including uniforms and signaling instruments from local railways. Admission is free, and haircuts are optional.
Crom Estate: A romantic National Trust property on Upper Lough Erne with woodland trails, ruins, and glamping pods. It’s ideal for couples and families, with holiday cottages and a campsite available.
Tickety-Moo Ice Cream: Near Killadeas, this family-run farm lets visitors watch cows being milked and enjoy freshly made ice cream, a hit with kids.

Outdoor and Adventure Activities:

Hiking trails abound, from Castle Archdale Forest Walk along the Maghoo Cliffs to Killykeeghan National Nature Reserve.
Water sports like paddleboarding and kayaking are popular on Lough Erne, with rentals at places like the Life Adventure Centre in Castlewellan (though primarily in County Down, accessible for Fermanagh visitors).
Angling is a major draw, with Lough Erne’s shores lined with anglers year-round.
Cycling, including the Lakelander Gravel Grinder routes, offers scenic challenges through Fermanagh’s hills and lakes.

Culinary and Social Scene:

Fermanagh’s dining ranges from traditional Ulster Fry and boxty (potato pancakes) to modern Irish cuisine at Tully Mill Restaurant or Italian at Volare in Enniskillen. The Watermill Restaurant near Lisnaskea offers a thatched, fine-dining experience.
Pubs and cafés in Enniskillen, like the Firehouse Bar and Grill, provide cozy settings for local brews and hearty meals. The Boatyard Distillery in Enniskillen produces craft gin, adding to the county’s foodie appeal.

What’s New for 2026 in County Fermanagh

Fermanagh Lakeland Forum Transformation: A £70m project is underway to transform the Enniskillen Lakeland Forum into Ireland’s first Passivhaus-standard leisure, health, and wellbeing hub. Construction begins in 2026, promising eco-friendly facilities and enhanced visitor experiences, though completion may extend beyond the year.
Enniskillen Castle Exhibition: The Impartial Reporter 1825–2026: A new exhibition at Enniskillen Castle, launched in 2026, celebrates 200 years of local history through the archives of The Impartial Reporter. It offers a deep dive into Fermanagh’s past, appealing to history buffs.
American Independence Weekend Celebrations (July 6–7, 2026): Held at the Ulster American Folk Park (technically in Omagh but promoted as part of Fermanagh’s cultural calendar), this event features historical reenactments, music, and crafts, with tickets from £7.65–£26.50. It highlights Fermanagh’s ancestral links to figures like U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and Ulysses Grant.
Lakelander Gravel Grinder Enhancements: This cycling event introduces new, challenging routes in 2026, designed to showcase Fermanagh’s stunning landscapes. Expect a mix of 50km and 100km rides, attracting cyclists globally, similar to major gravel events like Unbound Gravel.

Visitor Tips for 2026:

Best Time to Visit: Spring (April–May) and early autumn (September) offer mild weather (10–15°C) and fewer crowds, ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and boating. Summer (June–August) is peak season with festivals but wetter conditions. Pack waterproof gear year-round.
Getting Around: Driving is recommended for flexibility, with Enniskillen 1.5 hours from Belfast, 2.5 hours from Dublin, and 3 hours from Galway. The Enterprise train serves nearby Newry, but check Translink for 2026 schedules due to past disruptions. A waterbus or ferry is needed for Devenish and Boa Islands.
Accommodation: Options include the four-star Westville or Enniskillen Hotels, B&Bs like Arch House, or unique stays like Crom Estate’s glamping pods. Book early for festivals like the Lady of the Lake (July 11–21) or Fermanagh County Show.
Accessibility: Many sites, like Enniskillen Castle and Belleek Pottery, are wheelchair-accessible, but Marble Arch Caves and some trails are not due to steps or uneven terrain. Check with visitor centers for details.
Currency: Pounds sterling (£) are official, but some retailers accept Euro notes (not coins).

Fermanagh in 2026 offers a tranquil escape with its lakes, caves, and castles, enhanced by new cultural and eco-friendly developments