tourist attractions fermanagh

The family home of the Earls of Belmore, Castle Coole is one of the treasures of the National Trust. A magnificent neo-classical house designed by James Wyatt, has remarkably fine interiors and exquisite furniture and furnishing from before 1830. A lavish Regency Saloon with gilded mirrors and marvellous inlaid woodwork is rivalled by a lavish state bedroom, hung with crimson silk, said to have been prepared for George IV.

Impressive halls, staircase, a dining room of splendour an...

Florence Court is romantically named after the wife of Sir John Cole who first built a house on the spectacular site in the early 18th century. The present Paladian style house with a dramatic view over Benaughlin Mountain was probably built by his son John, afterwards the 1st Lord Mount Florence. The wings and pavilions were added to the mid-18th century block around 1770 by William Cole, 1st Earl of Enniskillen, and may have been designed by Davis Ducart. Disaster struck Florence Court in 1...

Few country houses can rival the wildly romantic parkland setting of Florence Court or its irresistibly attractive golden-grey facade, whose baroque composition of rustications, balustrades, pedimented niches, lugged surrounds and deep-set quoins has an ethereal, almost bucolic quality.

The architect and date are unknown, as is so often the case in Ireland, but it was probably built around 1750 for John Cole, Baron Mount Florence, while the flanking arcades and pavilions were completed...

Too many people know only 20 mile long lower Lough Erne. This drive criss-crosses the labyrinthine upper lake which adds another 30 miles to the pleasure cruiser's route and that only if he cautiously avoids exploring. Even the motorist will get involved with the cruising and angling people gathering at Enniskillen, Lisnaskea and everywhere. Fermanagh's many castles reflect its planter history. Devenish, White and Boa Islands are places with ancient mysteries. Cuilcagh rises to nearly 2...

The architectual style of the building is renaissance, freely interpreted. The general facade and most of the tower are faced with finely punched Carrickareagh dark limestone, forming a pleasing contrast with the rich cream Dungannon sandstone of the columns, cornices, and the statues which ornament the building.
Before entering, the visitor should also take time to view the imposing oak doors, their elaborate decoration hand-carved by a local craftsman. William Scott, whose illustra...

The site of a 6th century monastery founded by St. Molaise who was one of the 12 Apostles in Ireland. The monastery was raided by the Vikings in the 9th century and burned in 1157. The island's greatest treasure is an early 11th century book shrine which is now in the National Museum in Dublin. The remains on the island include a perfect round tower and St. Molaise's house 12th century, 13th century church ruins, 11th century gravestones, Augustinian priory, 15th century cross....

The Marble Arch Caves are one of Europe's finest showcaves allowing visitors to explore a fascinating underworld of rivers, waterfalls, winding passages and lofty chambers....

The exceptional harmony of woodland, water, parkland and old buildings gives Crom its very special quality. One of the most important nature conservation sites owned by the National Trust, the estate woodlands consist of fine stands of ancient oak, providing a rich and diverse habitat, while the shoreline of Crom support many very rare plants. The fine old buildings which enhance the landscape include Crom Old Castle, Crichton Tower and Crom Church....

The Park and surrounding area are rich in historical features; early settlers found Lough Erne a convenient and safe transport route and the islands provided solitude and security; hence on many islands monastic sites were established such as at Devenish and White Island. Both are accessible by ferry (seasonal).

During the 1939-45 War, 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 i...

Lough Erne is a big lough, some 37,800 acres, with the best trout fishing area in the lower lough. The mayfly appears about mid-May and lasts until mid-June. The early season fishing in late March up to the mayfly and again in September can also be very good....