visitor NORTHERN IRELAND guide 2015 Fermanagh Lakelands | Visitor Guide 2015 Guide | Visitor Lakelands Fermanagh fermanagh lakelands.com fermanagh fermanaghlakelands.com | t: +44 (0) 28 6632 3110 // WELCOME CONTENTS Events 12 Tourist Services 82 Boating 18 Accommodation 84 - Boat Trips 18 - Accommodation Key 85 - Day Boat 22 - Hotels 86 - Cruising 23 - Guesthouses / B&B’s 90 Visitor Attractions 26 - Self-Catering 97 Arts & Crafts 38 - Hostels 119 Activities 42 - Caravans & Camping 120 Shopping 64 Maps | Route Planner 124 Eating Out 69 Useful Contacts 130 Transport 80 ESCAPE TO THE LUXURY KILLYHEVLIN HOTEL HOTEL, SPA & HEALTH CLUB ★★★★ ENNISKILLEN, CO. FERMANAGH ◆ Award Winning Lakeside Hotel ◆ 71 Spacious Rooms ◆ 13 Lakeside Chalets ◆ Health Club & Elemis Spa T: +44(0) 28 6632 3481 | E: [email protected] www.killyhevlin.com fermanaghlakelands.com WELCOME 1 // WELCOME fermanaghlakelands.com | t: +44 (0) 28 6632 3110 facebook.com/fermanaghlakelands @fermanaghlakes “ There are no strangers do during your stay – you Ireland) and Devenish Island here; Only friends you will be spoilt for choice! ( one of the fi nest monastic haven’t yet met” sites in Northern Ireland) It’s no coincidence that Fermanagh, situated in the even the bustling market Fermanagh people have South West of Northern Ireland town of Enniskillen has its gained the is easily accessible – only 1 ½ own claim to fame as being reputation for hours from Belfast and 2 hours Ireland’s only island town. Often being the happiest from Dublin. Often described described people in the UK as ‘the lake district of Northern Fermanagh is studded as ‘the lake and, as Manager Ireland’ Fermanagh is best with many hidden historic district of of the Fermanagh known for its Lakes, Angling, treasures. From mysterious Northern Visitor Information Cruising and Watersports. Neolithic sites and spectacular Ireland’ Centre, it gives me However, there’s equally as ruins of Plantation castles that great pleasure to many things to do on dry land have weathered rebellions to welcome you to our where some of Ireland’s best fi ne National Trust properties beautiful county where I’m – and most unique attractions that were home to some of sure you will immediately feel can be found the area’s most prominent at home and among friends. Enniskillen - for example, families, the county’s various the Marble settlers such as Celts, Vikings, This brochure has been has its own Arch Caves Maguire chieftains and the designed to help you select claim to fame Global Geopark Planters have left a fascinating your accommodation as being (host to one of and richly varied historic and plan your visit. A full Ireland’s only Europe’s fi nest legacy for you to discover. listing of accommodation island town showcaves and (including Hotels, B&Bs, one of the fi rst Fermanagh is not just Self Catering, Caravan and designated about ‘seeing’ – it’s Campsites, Hostels and Geoparks in Europe) also about ‘doing’! Cruisers) is complemented Belleek Pottery by details of what to see and (the oldest working pottery in 2 WELCOME fermanaghlakelands.com fermanaghlakelands.com | t: +44 (0) 28 6632 3110 // WELCOME ■ Enniskillen is one of only three towns in Northern Ireland to hold the prestigious Purple Flag award. ■ Purple Flag is the national accreditation scheme for town centres at night. It is the “gold standard” for night time destinations. Like Blue Flag In addition to a wide range of share, experience and enjoy. for beaches, places that meet visitor attractions, you’ll be the standards can fly the amazed at the great choice of Artists, poets and writers flag. Purple Flag centres are activity centres where families have all been inspired clean, safe and convivial, with can enjoy getting involved by the beautiful something for everyone. on the water or on land. With Fermanagh Lakeland but for ■ The award of flags is based on a fantastic number of free me, it’s simply my home. an independent assessment public parks, forest walks, I love the unspoilt views, undertaken by trained bicycle trails as well as some I love the people: I love assessors using a rigorous great indoor entertainment their quirky customs and and comprehensive set of you won’t have a minute free. their laidback mannerisms; standards for the night time I love Fermanagh…. economy. It’s not diffi cult to keep ■ Purple Flag is run by the the kids (and parents) And so fi nally, whether you’re Association of Town Centre entertained in Fermanagh. bringing with you tons of Management (ATCM) in Spring, Summer, Autumn energy and you want to get partnership with industry, and Winter, -there’s always out and do things – or whether licensees, retailers, central something going on. It’s you’re simply coming to relax and local government, the not just the lovely lakeside and chill out with no deadlines, police and consumers. Ardhowen Theatre which has nor agenda - just have fun. ■ The Enniskillen Purple a wide-ranging programme You’ll be among friends! Flag partnership is led by of events. There’s lots going Fermanagh District Council on so come to a festival or and includes representatives event which is celebrating from Police, Licensed Trade, everything from cookery to Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism caving, fl owers to fi lm, dance and Department for Social Manager of the Fermanagh Development. to drama, shopping to spas, Visitor Information Centre walking to wakeboarding. There’s always something to fermanaghlakelands.com WELCOME 3 MARBLE ARCH CAVES GLOBAL GEOPARK What is a Geopark? Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark is one of a growing network of Global Geoparks around the world. Geoparks are recognised by UNESCO and only regions with a geological heritage of outstanding international signifi cance qualify to be chosen as a Global Geopark. Focusing on conservation, education and geo-tourism, Global Geoparks help local communities to celebrate the links between the unique geology of their area and its natural, historical and cultural heritages. Their purpose is not just Marble Arch Caves Global 2001. Since then, the Geopark has to conserve the environment but Geopark is located in the rugged gone through a number of phases of also to encourage its enjoyment mountainous uplands and gently expansion and in 2008, the Geopark and understanding by the public rolling lowlands of Counties was expanded into the public lands through sustainable tourism. Fermanagh and Cavan. Taking in West Fermanagh and West Geoparks engage with local in the world famous Marble Arch Cavan, making it the fi rst cross communities, develop educational Caves, the Geopark showcases border Geopark anywhere in the programmes, work with academic some of the fi nest natural world. Today, the Marble Arch Caves institutions and function as active landscapes on the island of Ireland Global Geopark is one of the biggest laboratories for the highest levels and offers a window into the areas Geoparks in the world. of research. 895 million year past. The Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark was one of the fi rst eight Geoparks to be recognised in the world by UNESCO (the United Nations Educational Scientifi c and Cultural Organisation) when they launched their Geoparks initiative in 4 WELCOME fermanaghlakelands.com fermanaghlakelands.com | t: +44 (0) 28 6632 3110 // MARBLE ARCH CAVES GLOBAL GEOPARK Exploring the Global Geopark There’s plenty to suit all ages and abilities whether you fancy a quiet stroll on a leafy woodland path or a strenuous hike over high hills, or if you’re a dedicated cave explorer or an intrepid rock climber, a novice canoeist or an expert bird watcher. Marble Arch Caves is well known as a key Geopark site but there are many other fantastic places to explore. Stand at one of Ireland’s best viewpoints at the Magho Cliffs in the Lough Navar Forest, where you can see for over 50 miles on a clear day. Stroll along the shores of Lough Erne at Castle Caldwell or pop over the Border to discover the prehistoric monuments in the Cavan Burren Park. fermanaghlakelands.com WELCOME 5 // MARBLE ARCH CAVES GLOBAL GEOPARK fermanaghlakelands.com | t: +44 (0) 28 6632 3110 This map illustrates the many sites included within the Global Geopark. These are indicated by orange blocks or circles. All sites indicated on this map are open all year round with the exception of Marble Arch Caves. Please visit our website for more information on these sites, some of the sites that are particularly worthy of note are: Pollnagollum Cave Blacklion Cornagee Cavan Viewpoint Burren Park Belturbet 6 WELCOME fermanaghlakelands.com fermanaghlakelands.com | t: +44 (0) 28 6632 3110 // MARBLE ARCH CAVES GLOBAL GEOPARK Marble Arch Caves County Fermanagh Marble Arch Caves are one subterranean river. Tours last for 75 the caves can be effected by heavy of Europe’s fi nest showcaves minutes and are suitable for people rain. Marble Arch Caves are located allowing visitors to explore a of any age and of average fi tness. in a National Nature Reserve in fascinating, natural underworld of the shadows of Cuilcagh Mountain rivers, winding passages and lofty The Caves are open daily at and have coach and car parking, chambers. 10.00am from mid/late March to toilets and baby changing facilities, September. The last tour of the souvenir shop, restaurant, exhibition Lively and informative guides day is at 4.30pm (5.00pm in July/ area, free audio-visual presentation conduct tours past a bewildering August). It is advisable to telephone and free WiFi. variety of cave formations. prior to your visit to ensure that you Spectacular walkways allow easy can be accommodated