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 local motto here is " once fished never forgotten " with many varieties of trout, salmon, pike, bream, rudd and eels, all in plentiful supply. Due to the regions uncrowded rural roads Fermanagh also offers excellent sightseeing.
The many islands of lower Lough Erne have early Christian and Pagan Monuments and one of the most magical places in Ireland is Devenish Island with its picturesque abbey and perfect 80 feet high round tower dating from the 12th Century.
Nearby White Island with its 12th Century ruined church, has seven impressive stone figures on the far wall of the building, with as yet, no forthcoming explanation of their significance. In particular the Sheila-na-Gig (meaning Sheila-of-the-breasts), alarmingly obscene representations of a nude woman. A rather shocking encounter for anyone who likes to think of a church as the last place to boast the subject of sex.
Further North on Boa Island, you will find a two-faced Janus idol from pagan times. A smaller idol is also sited with an outsized head and womanly arms named Lusty man - originally sited on nearby Lustymore Island, thus giving rise to its namesake.
Located in the middle of Upper Lough Erne is Inis Rath Island which now houses members of the Hare Krishna Sect. Inis Rath has been the home to reclusive monks since the 6th Century.
While in Inis Rath, why not take a quick rowboat trip to the islands nature preserve and take in the unusual experience of the recitation of the Hare Krishna Mantra, meditation and prayer services. Food and lodgings in the dormitory are free.
While in the region take in a visit to Florence Court, an 18th Century Georgian Mansion, once the seat of the Earls of Enniskillen. Amidst the Florence Court Forrest Park, an impressive fossil collection and remains of a wall garden are among the sites of interest. A day trip should also be considered to the Marble Arch caves, the regions most popular tourist hot spot, where you can take in underground boat trips past stalactites and stalagmites cave formations. These spectacular limestone caves are open late March to June and September.
Enniskillen, worth a stay is built on an island connecting upper and lower Lough Erne. It is a small and pleasant town and the capital of the Fermanagh Lake land district from where you can enjoy boat tours, which include a stop on some of the islands of the Lough. Take in one of the best-preserved monuments in Northern Ireland namely Enniskillen Castle a medieval Castle housing the Fermanagh County Museum and Fusilier Regimental Museum. Nearby you can check out the imposing Cathedrals of St. Michael and St. MacArtin's.
A mile or two east of Enniskillen is Castlecoole, seat of the Earl of Belmore. A splendid Neo-classical Mansion with Palladian features designed by James Wyatt in the 1790's for the Earl of Belmore now owned by the National Trust.
From the many outdoor activities you can enjoy in Enniskillen, like fishing, sailing, hiking, and orienteering, you can also enjoy the pockets of crowded old style pubs, which often host live music.
Before leaving, be sure to pay a visit to Portora Royal School where the famous graduates of Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett were educated.
Enroute to Beleek from Enniskillen, there are many plantation castles, including Castle Hume, of which only stables remain, Tully Castle and Monea Castle, the latter which stands rectangular in form with two round towers of Scottish influence.
The pretty village of Belleek is a must for pottery lovers. Home to the world famous Belleek Pottery where visitors can take in a factory tour to see the craftsmen at work.
So if its evening cruises, site seeing the historical islands, cycling around the lakes, fishing or even picnicking on the lakes, Fermanagh offers total relaxation and a warm welcome for everyone.
