Overview
Spend 5 days in beautiful Fermanagh exploring the places occupied, blessed, and sanctified by Saints and pilgrims. Places of worship, burial, where the remains of churches, altars, round towers, and intricately carved stonework remain to this day. Stop to savour the views, take a while at the holy well, as you retrace your way through the Lough Erne pilgrim way, finishing your trip at Lough Derg, a place of present-day pilgrimage. Enjoy and experience the local history, food, culture and stay in our many fabulous places as you venture in the steps of the Saints.
Day 1
Visit Galloon
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 Derryvullen and from here head towards Aghalurcher.
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 Belle Isle Estate.
Start your trip at the famous Belle Isle Castle and Estate, situated on the northern tip of Upper Lough Erne, where you can explore the Lough and local lands further. Please be aware the Castle & Estate are private, however are available for accommodation and private events. www.belle-isle.com. The Annals of Ulster were compiled by the scribe Ruaidhrí Ó Luinín, under his patron Cathal Óg Mac Maghnusa, and a large stone attesting to this sits at the entrance to the Estate.
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 a number of rooms if you require dog friendly accommodation on site.
Where to stay?
Unwind after your first day with an overnight stay and dinner at the Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Lodges. Enjoy stunning views and a relaxing atmosphere, choose from the new Lodges or the main hotel. The hotel has a full spa offering Elemis treatments as well as swimming pool and spa facilities – suitable for independent travellers, families, and couples killyhevlin.com.
Something quirky.
Hydrobikes
Something nearby?
Fancy a stroll -the hotel is right next door to National Trust owned Castle Coole, start your second morning, after a hearty fresh breakfast with a stroll around the estate, take in the woodland walk and grab a tour of this fabulous Neo-Classical mansion, recognised as one of the finest of its kind in Irland. Hear the stories of the Lowry- Corry family who shaped the estate from 1790 to present day. nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/castle-coole.
Day 2
Visit Enniskillen Castle
Start your day with a visit to Enniskillen Castle enniskillencastle.co.uk, and visitor centre, situated in the heart of Enniskillen town – (a ten-minute walk from the Killyhevlin Hotel) located on the water’s edge. 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.
Why not buy a Devenish Pilgrim Pass* online to avail of special offers, which includes a Devenish Boat Tour experience, a visit to Enniskillen Castle, and Café refreshments, during your visit to Fermanagh. ernewatertaxi.com
*Enniskillen why not buy a Devenish Pilgrim Pass* online to avail of special offers, which includes a Devenish Boat Tour experience, a visit to Enniskillen Castle Museums, and Café refreshments, during your visit to Fermanagh. fermanaghlakelands.com Castle visit, and Café refreshments can be availed of during your stay.
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. **
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.
What to do nearby.
On your return to Enniskillen spend the afternoon on the water with your own form of transport! Go Hydro biking on the Erne River. Erne Adventures offers all things water activity, so spend a few hours soaking up, and hopefully not falling in. The company also offers evening tours where you can Hydro bike By Lights. erneadventures.com.
Where to eat?
After all that exercise, grab a table at the Firehouse Bar & Grill, regarded as one of Enniskillen’s best eateries and cocktail bar. Choose from their menu offering pizza, burgers and more! Booking recommended. Then return to the Killyhevlin Hotel where you can enjoy stunning evening views along the water’s edge from the hotel.
Day 3
Visit Old Rossorry.
Check out of the Killyhevlin Hotel and start your third morning with a visit to Old Rossorry where St. Fanchea founded her church. St. Fanchea created a place of sanctuary, which is now a graveyard, with little evidence of her immense works remaining. From here you can see the nearby waters which the Saint and her pilgrims would have used to travel and take the Christianity message to the masses from here to Devenish and the many islands and communities around Lough Erne.
Visit Derryvullen.
From Old Rossorry head towards Derryvullen, home to a number of interesting gravestones and carvings, and the remains of a former church.
Visit Cleenish.
Spend your afternoon 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. (You can use the Pilgrim Pass to access the Museum.)
What to do nearby.
Fancy something boat related without stepping off dry land, then visit the Boatyard Distillery, located on the banks of Lough Erne just outside Enniskillen town, which uses botanicals straight from the family farm in Fermanagh. With a focus on producing pure spirits with a sustainable and organic approach, hear the story of the Boatyard Distillery to date and smell and taste your way through each spirit with a guided tour. The Boatyard Distillery is the first legal distillery in the County in over 130 years, and when here you can try your hand at labelling and signing your own bottle of Boatyard Double Gin, a great way to see how each bottle is finished before it leaves the distillery! boatyarddistillery.com/tours/
Where to eat?
Head towards your new accommodation, The Manor House Country Hotel in Killadeas. Relax in this 18th Century Grade Two listed building nestled on the shores of Lough Erne. Book dinner in the award-winning hotel AA Rosette Belleek Restaurant, and if you have a few hours spare, visit the Sanctuary Spa. manorhousecountryhotel.com
Day 4
Where to start.
To visit White Island, which is only accessible by boat, start at Castle Archdale Marina. Castle Archdale offers boat hire, (book in advance at castlearchdaleboathire.com with boats available for groups of 6-8 people, alongside lots of other water hire rentals and activities. Location: Irvinestown, BT94 1NB. It takes 5 minutes to reach White Island by boat from Castle Archdale. Please note – White Island and Davy’s Island are only accessible via water.
Visit White Island.
White Island, located in Lower Lough Erne, is home to the ruins of an ancient 12th century church, with its Romanesque doorway still visible. Visit the 8 stunning archaic carved figures, all carved wearing the long tunics of churchmen, on this early monastic site, as you stand on the lands occupied and used by Saints and Scholars since the early 6th century. Take in stunning views where the pilgrim waters meet the lands. The Annals of Ulster reports that Vikings attacked and destroyed the monasteries in Lough Erne during the 9th century. For at least 400 years therefore these carvings may have laid in the ruins before a stone Romanesque style church was built.
Visit Davy’s Island.
Like White Island, Davy’s Island is another Early Christian monastic site, and was the site of Lisgoole Abbey which was taken over by the Augustinian Canons in the 12th century. Believed to have once been a hostel for pilgrims en route to nearby Lough Derg, Davy’s Island is located to the south of White Island, where you can see first-hand the ruins of a church and enclosure.
Transport to White Island and Davy’s Island.
The following operator provides water transport to White Island and Davy’s Island. Advance booking recommended.
– Castle Archdale Boat Hire & Water sports, 028686 21156. info@castlearchdaleboathire.com
As well as boat, you can canoe, kayak or katakana to the island (depending on weather).
What to do nearby.
Start your afternoon with afternoon tea and a tour of Belleek Pottery, the oldest working china factory where pottery has been made since 1857. One of Irelands most famous brands, enjoy a visit to the visitor centre and tour the factory followed by freshly made selection of sandwiches, scones, and sweet treats, accompanied with tea or coffee. Afternoon tea in a china cup, why not! belleekpottery.ie
Where to eat?
Returning to the Manor House, grab dinner in the Cellar Door Bar and Bistro on site. Located on the lower ground floor of the hotel, the menu boasts locally sourced high-quality ingredients, a perfect place for dinner and a drink or two and if you are there at the weekend, the bar has live music too!
Day 5
Visit the Garden of the Celtic Saints
Start your day exploring the tranquil Garden of the Celtic Saints, adjacent to the Sacred Heart Church in Irvinestown. The garden is home to a series of over 30 figures including Saints from the Irish Church, scholars, and symbols. The sculptures were hand carved by a local resident sculptor from native Irish oak. devenishparishirvinestown.com
Visit Caldragh Graveyard.
Travel towards Caldragh graveyard, home to a number of ancient stone figures, Lusty More Man, and the Dreenan Figure (also known as the Boa Island or Janus figure). Dorothy Lowry Corry (of Castle Coole connection) was the first to notice these unique stone figures and wrote about them in a scholarly paper in1933.
What to do nearby.
Step back in time and go underground with a visit to Marble Arch Caves and journey the subterranean Caldragh River. Take a boat tour then walk through chambers and passages as you marvel the delicate formations within the caves. marblearchcaves.co.uk
Where to eat?
Grab lunch or dinner at Tully Mill, nestled at the foot of Benaughlin and Cuilcagh Mountains, close to Marble Arch Caves. Food combines modern flavours with traditional recipes and is open Friday to Sunday. tullymill.com.
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.
Something quirky.
During your stay, take in one of the many events organised annually. The area boasts events for families, friends, couples or if you are on your own, there is always something going on. From nature enthusiasts to water lovers, adventure seekers to culture buffs, fitness fans to foodies there is something for everyone’s taste. Check out what’s on alongside a busy annual events programme. Welcome to Fermanagh Lakelands – Fermanagh Lakelands
A lover of Art, why not call by Cowshed Gallery to enjoy the work of local Irish artist Alison Britton who uses batik work, the ancient art of resist dying fabric using hot wax to create her magnificent pieces. Her work captures the stunning Lough Erne in Fermanagh and the magnificent beaches of Donegal. alisonbrittonart.com/contact
