Vacation Guide

Ireland golf vacation guide : To do and see

FERMANAGH

Belleek – located at the northern end of Upper Lough Erne, Belleek has been world renowned for over 140 years for its distinctive parian china. Pottery began here with the discovery of feldspar deposits in 1857, while visitors can observe craftsman weave intricate strands of porcelain basket-ware.

Castle Archdale Country Park – situated on the shores of Lough Derg, the park is the site of a ruined castle and its 18th century replacement. Now acting as the ferry point for White Island, it was used by the RAF and Canadian Air Force when carrying out U-boat hunts in the Atlantic Ocean in 1941.

Cuilcagh Mountain Park – situated just west of Enniskillen, this is an area of blanket bog, which aims to restore damaged peat-land and its habitats, particularly for the golden plover. Topped with grit-stone, the mountain offers a seven-hour climb past some spectacular limestone scenery.

Devenish Island – accessible by ferry at Trory Point, St. Molaise founded a monastery here in the 6th century, which was later raided by Vikings. Many ecclesiastical ruins are visible including a round tower, where monks sought sanctuary when the enemy approached.

Enniskillen Castle – built in the early 15th century and stronghold of the Maguire chieftains, Enniskillen Castle was one of a ring of such fortresses built to guard Lough Erne. The castle now houses the Fermanagh History and Heritage Centre.

Enniskillen Town – sitting on an island between the Upper and Lower Lough Erne, Enniskillen is a thriving and scenic town and is an ideal base for exploring the region, offering various cultural and scenic pursuits.

Fiddler’s Stone - a memorial to a fiddler who drunkenly fell from a boat in 1770. Undeterred an annual fiddle festival is held each year at Belleek, where fiddlers and other musicians demonstrate their skill.

Marble Arch Caves – located to the west of Enniskillen, these spectacular caves have been open to the public since 1985. Visitors can explore a fascinating natural underworld of rivers, waterfalls and chambers.

Upper Lough Erne – this important bird sanctuary offers visitors the opportunity to take peaceful cruises among the maze of some sixty largely uninhabited islands. Among the interesting ruins to be found are those of old farm dwellings and signs of ancient monastic settlements.