Insider Tips at Enniskillen

“There are number of factors that make Lough Erne such a great place to visit. Its sheer size is one, but there’s also the fact that it’s so diverse, with large bodies of water like the Lower Lough, and winding rivers that make up the Upper Lough. In both cases navigation is really simple and access to the shore is easy, too, and all around are little bays and inlets packed with history and stories. Getting out on the water is always a great option here. At Finn Lough, we have pedal kayaks that allow you to explore a little further and even get round to Lusty Beg (about 45 minutes away) where you can enjoy a drink by the fire for your efforts. The coast is only 20 minutes away so when conditions are right it's amazing to get out for a surf. Food-wise, the ingredients available locally have always been great (Fivemiletown cheese, fresh fish from Killybegs, amazing meats), but we're now seeing a host of young ambitious chefs coming to Fermanagh who aren't afraid to use these ingredients in interesting new ways. We grow or forage a lot of our ingredients on the peninsula and the feedback shows that people not only appreciate the environmental benefits, but there's a taste benefit, too!”. Michael, Finn Lough Resort.

“Lough Erne is an absolutely beautiful spot that has been able to retain its calmness and beauty while offering visitors so much to enjoy. My favourite thing to do here is to get out on the water, so when people come to visit us we love it when they travel by boat, such as the Erne Water Taxi. At Boatyard we are so proud to be the only distillery we know of where you can approach by land or by boat! Food and drink is our passion, and obviously we would recommend visitors to the area come down to see us for a tour! Our favourite drinking spot to visit around the area is the Linnet Inn in Boho – a 200-year-old pub oozing charm and character, with an open fire and incredible Guinness. Blake’s of the Hollow is another great spot for a drink, some traditional music and, of course, to see the Game of Thrones door.” Katherine McGirr, The Boatyard Distillery.

“Lough Erne is such an incredible place to visit, partly because of the amazing amount of wildlife on both Upper and Lower Lough Erne thoughout the year. We have deer that can be seen swimming between islands, there are blue dragonflies that enjoy the lake on a summer’s day, as well as Canadian geese, butterflies and lots of fish. It’s difficult to narrow down what my favourite things about the area are… I love to stand up paddleboard around the islands on Upper Lough Erne, stopping at different ones such as Inishcorkish where Pat O’Doherty’s pigs live, and I also enjoy going open-water swimming in the lake. For a great day out, rent a kayak and take a picnic over to Trannish Island – you can even stay the night there at the bothy or campsite. It’s an amazing adventure.” Catherine Keaney, Share Discovery Village.