Overview
Start your visit to Fermanagh with a trip to Galloon, the island which is of historic significance formed part of the island settlement in Upper Lough Erne during early Christian times. After spending time here, head onwards towards Derryvullan with its church ruins and ancient graveyard overlooking Drumcullion Lough. Both Derryvullan and Galloon are associated with St Tighearneach of Clones. After a restful evening, visit Cleenish, the sloping island visited by Columbanus, and then end your day, after a tour of Enniskillen Museum and a spot of lunch on glorious Devenish Island, with a boat tour and guided tour of the famous Island.
Day 1
Visit Galloon.
Experience Galloon, founded in the 6th century for St Tierney (Tighernach), patron saint of Clones, the site includes the remains of two highly decorated cross shafts ancient site, and a holy well, and forms part of the Lough Erne Pilgrim Way.
Visit Aghalurcher.
For over 1000 years Aghalurcher was used as a place of worship and pilgrimage. The chief burial place of the Maguire clan, the graveyard remains in use for burial. The altar here was the scene of the death of Gilla Patrick Maguire in 1484, killed by his five brothers.
Visit Derryvullen.
Finish your day close by Derryvullen is home to a number of interesting gravestones and carvings, and the remains of a former church.
Day 2
Visit Cleenish.
Start our second day with a visit to the peaceful Cleenish Island, known as the sloping island, where St. Sinnell founded his monastery and school in the early 6th century. St. Columbanus was a pupil of St. Sinnell and his fellow monks. They taught many subjects locally and took Christianity to the local islands and across Europe from here. In the graveyard are carved stones; whilst another two stone heads from the cemetery can be viewed at Enniskillen Castle. From here you can grab your prebooked boat to Devenish Island after a spot of lunch in the Café in the Castle and a tour of the museum.
Enniskillen Castle
Enniskillen Castle www.enniskillencastle.co.uk, and visitor centre, situated in the heart of Enniskillen town – located in the West of Northern Ireland. Home to a Castle, two museums and a genealogy centre, explore the stories of our people, landscape and heritage, and journey alongside the famous Maguire Chieftains who ruled Fermanagh from 13-17 centuries. Discover the story of the Annals of Ulster (which reside in the library at Trinity College Dublin) complied by a local scribe at the request of Cathal Óg Mac Maghnusa Maguire, a leading cleric in Fermanagh around 15 century. Whilst at the Castle, explore and enjoy the story of Fermanagh through art, heritage, and history, across a number of onsite galleries, celebrating local landscapes, stories, genealogy, and artists over the centuries.
Visit Devenish Island.
On departing the Enniskillen Castle, jump aboard one of our many tour operator led boats and set sail to Devenish Island. Step back over 1400 years with a visit to one of the most important monastic sites on the island of Ireland. Founded in the 6th century by St. Molaise, Devenish Island is undoubtedly the most important of all the monasteries within Lough Erne, and County Fermanagh. Visit the round tower, Augustinian Abbey, high cross, surrounding buildings and graveyard created between 12 and 15 centuries. Much of the remains, secrets and stories of this tranquil island are buried in its lands, so take some time to walk around and enjoy the peace of this special corner of history. A holy place of worship, and burial, Devenish Island was home to many scholars and chieftains, who met here frequently, holding ‘Assemblies’ giving it its title, ‘Devenish of the Assemblies.’ Duration 2 hours including boat transfer. **
Day 3
Visit Lough Derg
Check out of the Manor House and head towards Lough Derg, dating back to the 5th century, the site has been attracting visiting pilgrims for many centuries to present day. A monastery founded on the adjacent island in early 400, known as Saints Island. Lough Derg has welcomed over 2 million people to pray on its Holy Islands in the past 150 years, and offers 1- and 3-day pilgrimages, walking in the spiritual footsteps of St Patrick. The 1- day retreats do not require any overnight stay on the island, whereas the 3-day retreats involve staying overnight on the island. Visit and become a pilgrim. loughderg.org
Transport to Devenish.
The following operators** provide water transport (and offer private tours) to Devenish Island (please note some may not operate in winter months). Advance booking recommended.
- Erne Water Taxi +44(0) 77 1977 0588 ernewatertaxi.com
- Erne Tours (MV Kestrel) +44(0) 28 6632 2882 ernetours.com
- Erne Boat Hire (Day Boat Hire) +44(0) 07523423232 erneboathireltd.com
- Manor House Marine (Day Boat Hire) +44(0) 28 686 28100 manormarine.com
- Lady of the Lake (Private tours only) +44(0)28 6862 2200 manorhousecountryhotel.com/see-do/the-lady-of-the-lake.
**Booking in advance is recommended for all boat tours to Devenish Island.
How to get to Enniskillen.
Enniskillen is 90 minutes by road from Belfast, and 2 hours by road from Dublin. Bus services operate from Belfast and Dublin city centres, and airport transfer buses to Enniskillen operate hourly from Dublin aircoach.ie and regularly from Belfast Grand Central Station Translink*. Boats from UK and Europe sail into Larne, Dublin, and Rosslare ports. Enniskillen is easily accessible from all main roads. There are no direct train routes to Enniskillen.
What to do nearby.
Fancy a bit of a spin, and a laugh, pick up a segway tour around Killyfole Lough Nature reserve to enjoy the woods & lake scenery some tales! With 10 segway personal transporters personal training and tours, everyone can get a ride. Helmets provided. viator.com/tours/Northern-Ireland/Segways-in-Fermanagh-Lakelands-Northern-Ireland
Or get close to nature at Crom Estate on the shores of Upper Lough Erne, home to some of Ireland’s most important nature conservation species. The site is home to wild deer, pine marten, the protected red squirrels, and many rare species including butterflies. Also inhabiting the surrounding area are all eight species of native bats and an outstanding array of rare lichens. The beautiful landscape was designed by W.S.Gilpin in the 19th century, and across the 2,000-acre demesne you can explore ancient woodland, nature trails, tranquil islands, estate cottages and Old Crom Castle.
Enjoy an inspirational walk through the woodland and along the nature trails, where you can also enjoy spectacular views from the water by boat or canoe. If you are coming along the Shannon-Erne Waterway there is a jetty for boats to stop at. Full facilities and a café are on site too, as well as accommodation, camping and glamping pods.
For the kids, big and small, visit Fermanagh Fun Farm home to over 150 rescue animals. Offering a real hands on experience and a range of activities to keep all the family assumed and having fun. Enjoy cuddling pets, feeding, and grooming the animals, trailer, and quad bike rides, and after all that fun, you can grab something to eat in the tearoom! fermanaghfunfarm.com/all-about-us
Where to eat?
Park up and check out the fabulous local food at the dog friendly ‘Dog & Duck Inn’ in Lisbellaw. The family run country inn offers local drinks and provides locally sources seasonal food on its menu glenwinny.com/d-d-inn An annual beer festival takes place every August. There are also several rooms if you require dog friendly accommodation on site.
Back in Enniskillen, grab yourself something in Franco’s, run by local family the Sweeneys since the mid Eighties. Enjoy fresh local produce, choose from a wide range of dishes including pizza, and pasta, as well as delicious desserts! francosrestaurant.co.uk/
Where to stay?
For lovely accommodation, stay at Derrydon Cottages, near Galloon, with stunning views across Upper Lough Erne and set in picturesque countryside. Newtownbutler shops are just 3 miles away. Lisnaskea and Enniskillen are a ten-minute drive. fermanaghlakelands.com/accommodation
National Trust holiday cottages at Crom are also nearby, from here you can canoe or boat right up to the water’s edge and stay in a gorgeous cottage on the estate. Just park up, unwind and take the area at your leisure, pack a picnic, and go island hopping from here! nationaltrust.org.uk/holidays/northern-ireland. Crom Estate has many walking trails and is home to lots of flora, fauna, and special residents – see the wild deer, pine marten, red squirrels and many rare species including butterflies can all of which be found on the estate.
Something quirky!
Fancy a bit of speed try your hand at go karting with the family! Visit Lakeland Karting, near Kesh, and enjoy a spin on their 550m outdoor go-kart track with petrol go-karts. Excellent for family and friends! They offer 3 types of karts – junior, cadet and adult kart. Suitable from 7 years up depending on height and ability. lakelandkarting.co.uk/
(Pit stops, e.g. toilets)
Public toilets are located in Maguiresbridge and in Lisbellaw, as well as Enniskillen town.
