Holiday Cottages in - County Fermanagh - Northern Ireland

County Fermanagh is positioned in the north of Ireland and is one of the six counties that form Northern Ireland. It is the only county in Northern Ireland not connected to Lough Neagh. County Fermanagh is predominantly positioned in the basin of the River Erne and is frequently described as Irelands Lake District together with the adjoining County Cavan. County Fermanagh provides an ideal mix of history, culture, scenic attractions and an abundance of things to do. The landscape is predominantly water providing a number of liquid trails, and the opportunity to island hop via waterbus. The region also consists of green pastures, rugged landscapes and some of the most spectacular scenery you will ever see.

County Fermanagh is conveniently located just 120km from Belfast and 16km from Dublin making it just a short distance to travel for a break away. There are excellent motorway links from these cities and once you get near there are very good local roads.

Fermanagh is part of Greenbox and has been deemed to be the sole ecotourism destination in Ireland, if visiting this area you can have the added peace that you are enjoying a nature based holiday in a totally environmentally, friendly and maintainable way.

The waterways provide ample opportunity to enjoy a wealth of water based activities within the region, suitable for all ages and abilities, from the sublime to the extreme. All types of water activities are available from sailing, fishing from the shore or in a boat, waterskiing, canoeing, cruising down the 500-mile Shannon Erne Waterway. It is truly a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Not to be missed is the obscured underworld in the Marble Arch Caves European Geopark, found just outside of Enniskillen. Within the caves visitors can explore a captivating, natural underworld of rivers, waterfalls, snaking passageways and lofty chambers. A tour of the cave will take approximately 75 minutes and are suited to those of an average fitness. You commence the tour on a boat and then a guide takes you through a variety of cave formations.

Lough Erne is the prize of Fermanagh. The Lough is made up of 300 square miles of fresh water that is punctuated with 160 green wooded islands, ensuring it as one of Europe's best kept secrets. Again this area is great for outdoor enthusiasts and a great place for watersports, from fishing, waterskiing, canoeing and cruising, if the water is not for you then there are also activities like caving, walking, cycling and horse riding.

Another trail to take is the history trail, that delves back thousands of years. The region is steeped in a rich and interesting history with many places of interest. Definite places to stop by and visit are Devenish Island, located just 1 1/2 miles outside Enniskillen and then a short ferry trip. The ferry can be picked up at Trory and will take you across Lough Erne. On the island you will find a 12th century round tower and a plethora of other historical features including a devastated Augustinian Abbey with figures and sculptures. The round tower stands at 30 metres (100ft) tall and inside are ladders that will allow you to climb to the top and enjoy the amazing views. Another island of interest is White Island and the ferry to reach here can be picked up from Castle Archdale Country Park, once on the island you will see the islands main attraction a destroyed 12th century church with a lovely Romanesque doorway. The island is also acclaimed for for its archaic carved stone figures which sit in a line and are positioned into the wall. These stones are thought to have been used in the erection of the church and are considered to predate the church. There are a sum of 8 figures consisting of a frowning face or mask in addition to an uncarved figure. Enniskillen Castle was formerly the stronghold of the Gaelic Maguire chieftains and today acts as a museum complex.
It is positioned next to Lough Erne and was constructed almost 600 years ago, the origins of the castle can be traced back to its beginnings as a Maguire castle until it became in the 17th century an English garrison fort and then served as part of a military barracks. Within the museum there are numerous award winning exhibitions that give an insight into Fermanagh's natural history, archaeology and rural lifestyle. A short film tells the story of the market town through the memories of the local people. Other local castles to visit include Tully Castle and Castle Archdale each with there own attractions and stories to tell.

Another trail to consider is the garden trail which also incorporates historic grounds. The National Trust has some of the finest stately homes like Florence Court found just 8 miles outside of Enniskillen which, was formerly the residence of the Cole family, Earls of Enniskillen; the house is enclosed by a large expanse of parkland, garden and woodland with astounding views to Benaughlin and Cuilcagh Mountains. Take time to explore the Pleasure Grounds and Walled Gardens, sawmill, ice house and summer house whilst, inside marvel at the intricate rococo plasterwork, and collection of fine Irish furniture. Florence Court is considered to be one of Ulsters foremost 18th century houses. Castle Coole is one of Irelands foremost neo-classical houses and is full of stately grandeur, this 18th century house was home to the Earls of Belmore and was designed by James Wyatt with the aim to inspire which, it certainly achieves with its immense beauty, opulent decoration, fine furnishings and furniture. One of the castles main attractions is the State Bedroom that was prepared for George IV with its extravagant Regency interior. Another interesting feature is the unusual servant's tunnel whilst, outside the enclosed wooden landscape is perfect for family and long walks.

County Fermanagh is also home to numerous nature trails and these are, Castle Archdale Country Park, found just outside the village of Lisnarick and incorporates 230 acres along the banks of Lower Lough Erne, formerly here was Archdale Manor House that was erected in 1773 but now only the courtyard buildings remain. It is abundant in wildlife, flowers and fauna. Also found here in the courtyard is an exhibition of Castle Archdale at war, found throughout the estate is evidence of the 1939-45 war in the form of flying-boat docks, ammunition dumps, Slit trenches etc. Other local attractions are Castle Caldwell Forest, Crom Demesne and Lough Navar Forest.

Recently opened in the region is the much anticipated Lough Erne Golf Resort, it was designed by Nick Faldo and is considered to be one of the foremost courses in Irish golf.

Turning to the rugged landscape you will discover another choice of activities to participate in. Fermanagh is home to the renowned Kingfisher Cycle Trail that has byways stretching 230 miles, and is a perfect location for mountain biking, en-route you will come across many of the areas places of interest. As you climb higher and reach the summit of Magho Cliffs you will be afforded with astounding views and and marvel at the breathtaking views across Lower Lake Erne and should certainly not be overlooked when planning your trip.

If you are seeking a more relaxed holiday then you will be well catered for here. There is the choice of spa or yoga breaks, or perhaps test your skills at a cookery skills here you can improve on your current skills or learn new skills and techniques. Also popular to the area are visitors wanting to capture the beauty of the area on camera or canvas, with so much to see you will be spoilt when choosing what to preserve in your pictures.

A more novel way to see the region is by taking a pleasure flight in an amphibious sea plane, you will be able to enjoy this unparalleled view of the lough without any interruptions. The flying club is located at St Angelo Airport on the very edge of Lough Erne. You can also train for your seaplane rating.

Needless to say County Fermanagh has so much to offer to its visitors from an ideal mixture of history, culture and unsurpassed scenery, in addition to the host of activities that are on offer. As with other destinations in Northern Ireland, the region is a brilliant destination if you have a love for food and drink. Dining out is a like a pastime and you will be rewarded with the best of food in friendly establishments. All tastes and budgets are catered for in this small county, there is everything from award winning restaurants, to family and traditional establishments or rural pubs where you will enjoy hearty pub food. The ingredients used are sourced locally so it is always the freshest produce used and thereby ensuring the ingredients are in season.

The people of County Fermanagh are some of the most friendly and welcoming people you will meet, they will be more than happy to stop and chat with you to recount stories of the past and the area, or simply give you directions or suggestions on what to see during your time here. Stop by the local pubs or clubs in the villages where you be openly greeted and can pass some time in front of a roaring fire.

County Fermanagh is an astonishing destination for a visit whatever the reason for your visit, it is perfectly tailored to all types of breaks, from family friendly, activity or relaxation. Regardless of your reason for visiting this region you will be delighted with all that is on offer from the fabulous things to see and do, food and drink on offer and the ways to relax. Come and enjoy the experience for yourself.