Enniskillen – things to see and do

Enniskillen is located in Northern Ireland. To be more precise, it lies in the middle of a fantastic, extensive lake landscape – and even more precisely: between Upper Lough Erne and Lower Lough Erne…

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Intro

Enniskillen is also the only town in Ireland that is located on an island – in the middle of the River Erne. At least the old town with the castle is, because the newer parts of the town have grown up around it and are located on land.

This makes Enniskillen not only centrally located, but also the thriving centre of the Erne region.

Most travellers have heard of the River Shannon, but not the river and lake system of the River Erne – and that’s a shame, because this river and lake region on the southern edge of Northern Ireland is scenically beautiful!

At Enniskillen Castle (photo: Christina Cowen on Google Maps)

Countless small islands are spread across the lakes, which are a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. But travellers to Ireland can also make a wonderful stop in Enniskillen and enjoy a short boat trip.

There is also a beautiful castle in the middle of the old town on the island in the river and even more beautiful things to see and experience – which I have summarised for you here…

Sightseeing

Enniskillen Castle: Explore this historic castle with two museums dedicated to local history. https://www.enniskillencastle.co.uk/.

Cole’s Monument: This tower is located in Forthill Park and you can climb it without and enjoy the beautiful view. See: https://www.fermanaghomagh.com/services/arts-and-culture/coles-monument/.

Buttermarket: Visit this restored 19th century building with many craft shops. See: https://enniskillen.com/local_businesses/buttermarket-enniskillen-craft/.

Enniskillen Buttermarket (photo: Finbarr Keaveney on Google Maps)

Castle Coole: This is an 18th century mansion with beautiful grounds. See: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/castle-coole.

Devenish Island: Explore the ruins of a medieval monastery with its characteristic round tower on this small island in Lough Erne. See: https://ernetours.com/devenish-island-tour/.

Crom Estate and Crom Castle: A beautiful castle on a huge estate on Lower Lough Erne. See: https://cromcastle.com and https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland /crom.

Florence Court: Another great manor house with lush gardens. See: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/florence-court.

Crom Castle near Enniskillen (photo: Zeb J on Google Maps)

Music and Culture

Ardhowen Theatre: Small theatre directly on the River Erne. Mixed programme, including music. See: https://ardhowen.com.

Enniskillen International Beckett Festival: A literary festival in honour of Samuel Beckett, previously held annually, in future probably every two years – if you happen to be there: https://samuelbeckettsociety.org/tag/happy-days-enniskillen-international-beckett-festival/.

Fermanagh Live Arts Festival: Live art, music and theatre at this annual festival in Enniskillen. See: https://www.fermanaghlakelands.com/whats-on/fermanagh-live-flive-p915621.

Traditional Irish Music Sessions: You can find live Irish music in the pub for example here: https://www.charliesbarenniskillen.co.uk/whats-on, https://www.crowesnest.pub or: https://www.patsenniskillen.com.

Ardhowen Theatre Enniskillen (photo: Karen F on Google Maps)

Food and Drink

Cafe Merlot: Enjoy fine dining in a Victorian cellar vault. See: http://blakesofthehollow.com/cafe-merlot/.

The Firehouse: Delicious food in a modern, cosy atmosphere. See: https://thefirehouse.org.uk.

Granny Annies: Funny pub-restaurant. See: https://www.grannyannies.co.uk/granny-annies-enniskillen/.

Franco’s Restaurant: Italian cuisine – see: https://francosrestaurant.co.uk

Dollakis Greek Restaurant: Greek dishes are served here: https://www.facebook.com/DollakisRestaurant.

The Horseshoe: Upscale Irish cuisine – see: https://horseshoeandsaddlers.com

Rebecca’s Coffee Shop can be found in the Butter Market.

Caffenero is a very special and cosy café in the middle of town. See: https://www.caffenero.com/uk/our-stores/.

Enniskillen Castle (photo: Nemo N on Google Maps)

Tours and Outdoor Activities

Enniskillen Taste Experience: 3 hours of delicious feasting – sounds good? Then you’ve come to the right place: https://www.enniskillentasteexperience.com/regular-tour/.

Erne Water Taxi: Explore Lough Erne and its islands on a boat trip. https://www.ernewatertaxi.com.

Castle Archdale Country Park: Beautiful park on the shores of Lough Erne – perfect for a stroll. Castle Archdale was a flying boat base in WW2. The museum in the castle provides information about this. See: https://discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/castle-archdale-country-park-countryside-centre-and-war-museum-p675541.

Belleek Pottery: Visit Ireland’s oldest porcelain factory (a short walk along the coast). See: https://belleekpottery.ie/pottery-tour/.

Castle Coole near Enniskillen (photo: Castle Coole National Trust on Google Maps)

Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail: Alias ‘Stairway to Heaven’ is a paved walking trail with great views in the Cuilcagh Mountains, near the Marble Arch Caves. See: https://hiiker.app/trails/northern-ireland/county-fermanagh/stairway-to-heaven-cuilcagh-boardwalk-trail.

Marble Arch Caves: A little south-west of Enniskillen you will find these impressive caves. See: https://marblearchcaves.co.uk.

Lough Navar Forest Drive: Picturesque route with great viewpoints. See: https://cuilcaghlakelands.org/geosite/lough-navar-forest/.

Devenish Island near Enniskillen (photo: Markrugby on Google Maps)

Castle Caldwell Forest Walk: Explore the ruins of an ancient castle and enjoy nature here: https://cuilcaghlakelands.org/geosite/castle-caldwell-forest/.

Lough Erne Resort: Golf course and luxury resort directly on Lower Lough Erne – see: https://www.lougherneresort.com/.

Share Discovery Village: Glamping, camping and lots of activities on land and water – for the family. See: https://sharevillage.org.

You canhire a small boat and explore the lakes here: https: //erneboathireltd.com , or here: https: //www.castlearchdaleboathire.com or here: https://www.manormarine.com/day-boat-hire/.

Topped Mountain: Climb this mountain (rather hill) for a beautiful view over the region. See: https://www.walkni.com/walks/topped-mountain/.

Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail near Enniskillen (photo: Hasitha Solasa on Google Maps)

More Activities

Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum: Unique railway museum in an old barber shop. See: https://www.headhuntersmuseum.com.

Ulster Canal Stores / Lace Museum: Discover the history of Irish lace making in these old warehouses on the Ulster Canal, not far from Ennskillen. See: https://ulstercanalstoresvisitorcentre.ie/.

Conclusion

As you can see, Enniskillen in the south of Northern Ireland is a ‘hidden gem’ among the places you can visit in Ireland and Northern Ireland. It is absolutely worth stopping here for at least a day.

But even a stay of two or more days won’t be boring here, there’s too much to see and do in the region.

I hope I was able to draw your attention to this beautiful place – and wish you lots of fun in Enniskillen and on the River Erne!