Top 10 experiences in Fermanagh

Nestling in the heart of the geopark, on the shores of Lough Macnean, we are fortunate to live in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Here, at Corralea, there is always something to do if you like life outdoors: from paddling to the nearest crannog to biking in the forest, and relaxing in the eco-spa overlooking the lake.

But what else can you do in the region?

Selecting the top 10 experiences is a difficult task but I’ve picked experiences which have a special appeal for me, are unique or have always been popular in our family !!

This experience ticks all the boxes for me. Devenish Island was one of the first places I fell in love with when I first came to Fermanagh: it offers a fascinating slice of history with its Viking raids, destructive fires, flourishing settlement in the Middle Ages and its 12^th Century round tower. You can appreciate the peaceful & spiritual atmosphere here.

The Pilgrim Pass includes the admission to Enniskillen Castle, tea/coffee & scones in Castle café, guided boat tour to Devenish Island (1h45) & free time on the island. It is excellent value and Barry from Erne water taxi is a wealth of information.

A really cool and novel way to explore Enniskillen town. After all Enniskillen is an island town which lies between Lower & Upper Lough Erne. It takes its name from the Irish inis meaning island and Cethlenn believed to be Kathleen (Queen of the Formorians) who took refuge on the island.

So what a better way to explore the town than from the water! Erne Adventures hires the hydro bikes from the fishing docks picnic area just beside the Craigville garden centre. It has a large free car park so no hassle parking. You can enjoy the bikes without having to change and I love the idea of taking the cycling off road and onto the water.

Looking for the perfect way to spend a summer evening in Enniskillen? Step aboard Erne Tours’ Sunset Cruise, departing every Saturday evening from the Round ‘O’ Jetty. This two-hour experience takes you on a leisurely journey around the island town, gliding all the way to the historic Devenish Island before circling back to Enniskillen.

As the sun dips below the horizon, you can sit back and unwind with a refreshing drink in hand. Enjoy a tempting selection of snacks and chilled canapés, all while soaking up the sounds of live music performed on board. It’s the ultimate way to relax, take in the views, and end your day on a high note.

The Enniskillen Taste Experience is a must for food lovers looking to sample the very best of local flavour. This guided culinary tour takes you on a delicious journey through the town showcasing the incredible food and drink crafted by local businesses.

It includes 9-10 stops along the way. You’ll enjoy a selection of bites, tastings, and a few alcoholic treats—so it’s wise to leave the car at home and savour every moment. With warm hospitality this award winning experience gives you a true taste of Enniskillen.

The first time I went into the Marble Arch Caves was many years ago. It was my first experience of real caving. Getting the right gear on (oversuits, boots, helmets & lights) and entering a very dark subterranean world was a challenge and an experience I will never forget. That was before the Caves were developed as a show cave and opened to the public in 1985.

Now the experience is still awesome: you enter the caves following the same route Edouard Martel and early explorers took in 1895, the guided tour starts with a boat trip on the underground river and continues along carefully constructed paths with discrete lighting to highlight the cave formations. The guided tour lasts one hour. The Marble Arch Caves visitor centre includes visitors information point, café, souvenir shop and a very interesting exhibition area.

On the shores of Lough Erne, Boatyard Distillery takes its name from the old boatyard on which it stands. As Fermanagh’s first legal distillery since 1890, it offers a truly unique experience steeped in local heritage and craft.

Their immersive 90-minute tour is a treat —from a refreshing gin and tonic on arrival to the fascinating story behind the distillery’s revival. Guests enjoy a guided tasting of Boatyard’s award-winning spirits, two handcrafted cocktails, and a behind-the-scenes look at the distillation process.

To top it all off, you’ll get to sign and label your very own personalised 70cl bottle of Boatyard to take home. It’s a fantastic experience, and great value for money. I absolutely love it!

If you ever dreamt of driving your own boat, look no further. Erne Boat Hire beside the Erneside Shopping Centre has a fleet of purpose built little red boats, ideal for a trip up the lough. The boats can hold 6 adults and include two large storage lockers for your picnic.

You can explore the lake by yourself for 4 hours. It includes buoyancy aids and fuel, and the boats have a shelter to protect you from strong sun rays (or rain!!). The boats don’t go very fast but you can really appreciate the wilderness around you and totally disconnect with the turmoil of everyday life.

The Wibit waterpark is open to the public for 1 hour sessions. It has 5 sessions per day in July & August. Children must be over 8 and able to swim. Under 10’s must be accompanied by an adult on the water.

Enjoy running through and climbing over the many fun obstacles: Rock Slide, Side Kick, Bridge and Wiggle Bridge, Trampoline.

Fermanagh Fun Farm is a small non-profit social enterprise and a sanctuary for over 100 rescued and adopted animals, representing more than 20 different species. Every animal here is treated like a cherished pet and given a forever home.

Visitors can get hands-on with a range of activities, including animal feeding, pet handling, pony walking and grooming. Kids will love the indoor and outdoor play areas, while grown-ups can relax in the picnic area or enjoy a treat at the on-site café and gift shop.

What makes it even more special? Every penny of profit is reinvested directly into the care of the animals and the running of the farm.

Rainy day? No problem! Head over to Ninth Avenue for a fun game of ten-pin bowling, then top it off with a pizza, a juicy steak, or a
lovely
cup of coffee. It’s always a hit with the kids!

For more ideas visit Fermanagh Lakelands Tourism website.

Isabelle